Hi Lindsay,
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! The
Disney Dining Plans are one of my favorite topics to discuss because I love the value they provide.
My family has always selected either the Disney Dining Plan or the Disney Deluxe Dining Plan because we prefer having access to some table-service meals. On the Disney Dining Plan each guest in your party age 3-years old and above will receive two meals (one quick-service and one table-service) per night of stay. On the Disney Deluxe Dining Plan, you will receive three meals (either quick-service or table-service) per night of stay. On either plan, guests receive two snacks per night of stay plus a resort refillable mug.
Essentially, purchasing a dining plan gives you a solid idea of how much you will spend on food. Food can be expensive at the Walt Disney World Resort. The Deluxe Dining Plan is my favorite because, for my family of four, a buffet character meal could easily cost $150-$200 and we like to eat three meals a day.
To get a decent cost comparison, I have priced out our meals using restaurant menus. To do a cost comparison, just go to the website of the restaurants you want to visit and click on "View Menu." Check out the prices at
Be Our Guest, for example. I always call 407-939-1947 and speak to a cast member in dining to verify the prices of the buffets for the dates of our trip. Remember that when you are not on the dining plan, unless you are at a buffet, you typically pay for drinks and desserts separately. You also would not get the resort refillable mugs.
Lindsay, you can add a dining plan when booking your vacation package online or when you call to book with a cast member at 407-939-5277.
Magic, memories and Minnie Mouse hugs,
Donyell