Hello there Jean,
Welcome to planDisney! Your Disney World vacation will be here before you know it, that's so exciting! You've got the right idea to be planning a few fun details like where you'd like to dine during your magical stay. There are so many amazing dining experiences, it's always a highlight from our Disney trips.
Let's talk about the value of a
Disney Dining Plan, which is one of my favorite things! Guests purchasing a Disney World vacation package which includes a resort room and theme park tickets are eligible to also add a dining plan to their reservation. If you are asking for specific prices, here are the current Disney Dining Plan prices for 2025 travel (prices subject to change):
Quick Service: is $59.14 per adult, per night of stay ($24.71 per child ages 3-9)
Dining Plan: is $97.79 per adult, per night of stay ($30.56 per child ages 3-9)
My family has added the dining plan to our vacation package on numerous occasions. For me, one of the biggest advantages of this is it allows me to pre-pay for our meals and snacks. Budget wise I know what to expect, so then we are left to enjoy our dining and snacking experiences during our vacation without worrying about, or even noticing, the prices. That's a value add for me.
Another value add is the included resort refillable mugs, one per person, with either the
Quick Service Dining Plan or Disney Dining plan. The current price to purchase is $22.99 (plus tax, prices subject to change). When my family does not have the dining plan during our stay, we end up purchasing refillable mugs for everyone in our party. They are a fun souvenir, and we use them enough that they do end up saving us money. So I take that cost into consideration when calculating value, and deciding whether to purchase a dining plan or not.
Another consideration is deciding where you would like to eat? If you add the Disney Dining Plan, you'll want to be sure to make an
Advance Dining Reservation for each night of your stay, as soon as possible (you are inside your reservation window!) Perhaps browse the menus now, and get an estimate of the price you'd pay out of pocket for your meals? This may help you decide if paying out of pocket, or adding a Disney Dining plan makes the most sense for you. I know you'll make the best value decision for your party!
One final tip, if you do add the dining plan and are looking for ideas... may I recommend spending an evening surrounded by the savory tastes, sights, and sounds of Africa at
Boma! This buffet has something for everyone, and never disappoints. Plus, Zebra Domes dessert. If you don't already love them, you will.
I hope this helps you determine the value of the dining plan for you personally, Jean. Please swing back to planDisney with any other questions you may have.
Have a wonderful time!
Tami