Hi there, Sarah!
Welcome to planDisney! I'm thrilled that you stopped by to discuss one of my very favorite topics: Disney dining. With immersive theming and delicious menus, Walt Disney World Resort's restaurants are the
practically perfect place to kick off a magical morning, enjoy a midday break, or rest weary theme park feet after the sun sets on Main Street, U.S.A.
Because Disney dining is such an important part of a visit to The Most Magical Place on Earth, the return of
dining plans in 2024 was met with enthusiasm by Walt Disney World Resort Guests (including many planDisney panelists). Currently offered in two iterations — the Quick-Service Dining Plan and Disney Dining Plan — dining plans provide a great way to give your Walt Disney World Resort vacation an all-inclusive feel. While both options include multiple meals per day and a resort-refillable mug, using your dining plan to enjoy a table-service meal (a buffet or one in which a server will take your order and bring food to your table) will require the
Disney Dining Plan rather than the
Quick Service Dining Plan.
In my opinion, one of the best uses of a table service credit on the Disney Dining Plan is a character dining experience like Minnie's Beach Bash Breakfast at
Cape May Cafe. I'm a huge fan of character dining because it's a great way to see some of your favorite characters without waiting in line while also enjoying a deliciously filling meal, so if you think you might like to enjoy more than one meal with characters during your vacation (I never pass up the opportunity to see Chip 'n' Dale and Farmer Mickey at
Garden Grill Restaurant) you might consider upgrading your dining plan. Of course, a dining plan is not a requirement for enjoying a character dining experience, so if you choose to stick with the Quick-Service Dining Plan you won't have a problem paying for your meal at Cape May Cafe out of pocket.
Don't forget that character dining experiences are quite popular, so you'll want to make
advance dining reservations to secure your table. These can be made for the length of your vacation 60 days before you check in to your Disney Resort hotel.
I hope this was helpful, Sarah, and that your vacation is filled with magical memories made around the dinner table. If any additional questions arise as you finalize your plans, don't hesitate to
come visit us again at planDisney. We're always happy to help!
Thinking Happy Thoughts,
Lizzie