Hi Elsa, and welcome back to planDisney! We’re so happy you’re here with another great question. I'm a big fan of the Disney Dining Plan, so I’m here to help. When it comes to maximizing your dining credits, this is one time you don’t want to
let it go, and a little research goes a long way!
To get the most out of my
quick-service dining credits, I like to use them primarily at lunch or dinner. Breakfast items tend to cost a little less at most quick-service locations, so those might be meals you should consider paying for out of pocket, if your goal is maximizing the value of the dining plan. Your credits will generally go further for lunch or dinner. The Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan includes one entree and one beverage per meal (including an alcoholic beverage for Guests age 21 and over), so your credit may provide even greater value if you choose an alcoholic beverage.
Now, for the fun part, let’s talk about which dining locations are excellent choices on the dining plan and provide great value for your credits:
Magic Kingdom Park - My favorite quick-service dining location in this park (and actually one of my favorites in all of Walt Disney World Resort) is
Columbia Harbour House. With many seafood options on the menu, it’s a great use of a dining credit. I
always get the lobster roll!
EPCOT - There are almost too many good choices in this park! You really can’t go wrong, and many of them provide an excellent value. If your goal is the maximize your dining credit, at
Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue in the American pavilion, your best bet is the BBQ Platter combined with a specialty cocktail. La Cantina de San Angel in the Mexico pavilion also offers a variety of entrees and alcoholic beverages that would be a worthy use of a dining credit. The waterside location overlooking the World Showcase Lagoon is an added bonus!
Disney’s Hollywood Studios - The best use of your quick-service credits will be at
Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Meals cost a little more at this location than others in the park, and the food is both unique and delicious. It’s a truly out of this world experience! A great second option is ABC Commissary, and I recommend the pork carnitas tacos with a watermelon margarita!
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park - This park may be known for the animals and beautiful scenery, but the food is also a showstopper! My favorite quick-service location is
Satu'li Canteen. The bowls are customizable, and I have never had a combination of flavors I haven’t absolutely loved! Another excellent choice on the dining plan and favorite of many Guests is
Flame Tree Barbeque. The Ribs, Chicken, and Pulled Pork Sampler would give you a chance to try a little bit of everything and stretch your dining credit far!
Elsa, I hope this gives you some great ideas for how to use your dining plan! No matter what you choose, you are in for a magical adventure filled with many delicious meals. If you have any more questions, come back and see us here at planDisney. We love adding extra magic to your Disney vacation planning!
Your pal,
Casey