Bonjour, Vicki! It is with deepest pride and greatest pleasure that I welcome you to planDisney.
If you're anything like me, the food is a big part of the fun on a Walt Disney World vacation, and the
Disney Dining Plan adds even more excitement and magic to the experience. I love leaving reality (and my wallet) behind and letting the pixie dust (and my appetite) guide me. I'm so excited for you to embark on your magical adventure full of food and fun in just one month, so let's tie up any loose planning ends so you can sit back, relax and start your countdown to the magic!
In my past experiences when using the Disney Dining Plan, I have absolutely used my MagicBand to charge Table Service meals (and snacks!) to my account without using a dining credit. To be sure, I also just confirmed with a Cast Member that this can still be done. Typically, when you are seated at a restaurant, one of the first things your server will ask is if anyone is using the Dining Plan. For the meals you don't want to use a Dining Plan credit for, be sure to let your server know that you do have the Dining Plan but don't want to use it and will be paying out-of-pocket. When your belly is full, your heart is happy, and it's time to settle up, the server will be able to charge the meal to your account using your MagicBand without using a Dining Plan credit.
You can check how many dining credits you have left on your receipts and the My Disney Experience app, so after you have settled up for your dining experience, I recommend checking the receipt to make sure you have the correct amount of dining credits left. This is such an easy way to keep track and make sure your meals are charged appropriately. However, as a planner who always likes to have a Plan B and C, I do recommend bringing a credit card and photo ID with you to the parks, just in case.
It sounds like you are already planning to do this, but one way to maximize the value of your Dining Plan is to use your Table Service credits for the more expensive meals and pay out-of-pocket for the less expensive meals. I find that I get the most bang for my Dining Plan buck at the one-credit character meals, such as Breakfast à la Art with Mickey & Friends at
Topolino's and
1900 Park Fare dinner with Princess Tiana and her pals. My favorite spot to grab an absolutely delicious lunch or dinner at a great value when paying out-of-pocket is
Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria in EPCOT. My family and I love to split one of their incredible pizzas and add the fresh and yummy house salad. Mmmm.
One more thing, Vicki! Be sure to check out the "Ask planDisney" video on Disney Dining Plan Snack Tips. My planDisney pal Greg and I share our favorite ways to maximize your snack credits. It was the yummiest day in EPCOT for us, but we hope you find it helpful!
I hope this helps, Vicki, and I hope you have the most magical, memorable and delicious upcoming vacation! Please feel free to stop by any time with any questions you have ... Put our service to the test!
Be Our Guest,
Mandy