Hip, hop, hooray — the popular Disney Dining Plan returns! As announced in early May, exciting changes are coming to 2024 Walt Disney World trips, including the long-awaited return of the "DDP." A Disney World dining plan allows you to save time and money with a pre-paid meal plan. As of May 31, 2023, guests can add a dining plan to Disney World hotel stays with arrivals on or after Jan. 9, 2024, for those packages booked directly through Disney. Here's everything we know so far!
What Is the Disney Dining Plan?
The Disney Dining Plan is an add-on available to those staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel. Enjoy pre-paid meals that save you time during your vacation as your meal budgeting is all taken care of! Simply tap your MagicBand, MagicBand+ or Keys to the World card to use your credits. Plus, save up to 20 percent when utilizing your dining plan for kids ages 3 to 9.
The DDP existed for many years at Disney World and was extremely popular. After being suspended for a few years, it will make its return in 2024!
Who Can Purchase the Disney Dining Plan?
Dining plans can only be purchased directly through Disney as part of a Walt Disney World vacation package including a hotel stay.
With 2024 bookings now available as of May 31, 2023, guests may add a dining plan to packages with hotel stays arriving on or after Jan. 9, 2024. Plans must be purchased for the entire length of stay and for the entire party (ages 3 and up). Only those listed on the hotel reservation qualify for the DDP.
Types of Disney World Dining Plans
Two Disney World dining plans are currently available depending on your family's needs. To use your DDP, simply present your MagicBand, MagicBand+, Disney MagicMobile pass or Key to the World card to the cast member at participating restaurants. Note that guests age 3 to 9 must order from the children's menu when available. Mobile ordering is also available with select restaurants when using the Dining Plan.
To check how many credits you have left, use the My Disney Experience app by visiting "My Resort Stay" and selecting "Check Dining Plan." You may also look at your most recent dining receipt or visit any Guest Relations or Resort Concierge locations.
Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan
Enjoy casual flexibility with the Quick-Service Dining Plan, eligible at over 100 quick-service locations! Everyone in the party will receive two quick-service meals and one snack/nonalcoholic drink for each night of their stay. In addition, each person will receive a resort-refillable drink mug, eligible for refills from any self-service beverage kiosk at Disney Resort hotels.
Quick-service meals include an entree and a beverage. Guests 10 years old and older can choose one nonalcoholic drink including soda, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, smoothies and milkshakes. Guests 21 years old and older may substitute their drink for beer, wine or cocktails.
Snacks may be redeemed at select quick-service restaurants, outdoor carts and merchandise locations. Qualifying items include single servings such as ice cream bars, two scoops of ice cream, popcorn, a piece of fruit, 20-ounce bottled beverages and more.
Items that do not qualify for the dining plan include items that are more than one single serving, items in a souvenir container or considered merchandise (such as popcorn buckets) and special dining events.
Meals and snacks roll over each day and can be redeemed at any point during the stay, so you have flexibility. Note that meals and snacks are non-transferable and expire at midnight on checkout day.
Disney Dining Plan
Enjoy the best of both worlds with the Disney Dining Plan! Everyone in the party will receive one table-service meal, one quick-service meal and one snack/nonalcoholic drink for each night of their stay. In addition, each person will receive a resort-refillable drink mug, eligible for refills from any self-service beverage kiosk at Disney Resort hotels.
Quick-service meals include an entree and a beverage. Guests 10 years old and older can choose one nonalcoholic drink including soda, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, smoothies and milkshakes. Guests 21 years old and older may substitute their drink for beer, wine or cocktails.
Breakfast at table-service restaurants includes an entree (or a buffet or family-style meal) and beverage. Lunch and dinner include an entree, dessert and beverage (or a buffet or family-style meal). Gratuity is not included, so you'll want to budget for that at table-service meals.
Two table-service meals will be redeemed for each person at signature dining experiences (such as Be Our Guest Restaurant), select character dining locations or a dinner show. Eligible character dining locations include Cinderella's Royal Table, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (lunch and dinner only) and Story Book Dining at Artist Point.
Snacks may be redeemed at select quick-service restaurants, outdoor carts and merchandise locations. Qualifying items include single servings such as ice cream bars, two scoops of ice cream, popcorn, a piece of fruit, 20-ounce bottled beverages and more.
Items that do not qualify for the dining plan include items that are more than one single serving, items in a souvenir container or considered merchandise (such as popcorn buckets) and special dining events.
Meals and snacks roll over each day and can be redeemed at any point during the stay, so you have flexibility. Note that meals and snacks are non-transferable and expire at midnight on checkout day.
What to Consider When Choosing a Disney World Dining Plan
Here are some considerations when deciding if the DDP makes sense for you.
- The dining plan does take some planning if you want to maximize your credits and go for the highest value.
- We think alcohol being included for those 21 and up frogs does add to the DDP perks. If you do not drink alcoholic beverages or perhaps have select dietary restrictions or preferences, you may need to be more creative with maximizing your value.
- If using the Disney Dining Plan, it's best to make advance dining reservations for your table-service meals.
- Dining plans are unavailable for guests under 3 years old, but they may share from an adult plate, or you may purchase an additional meal.
- Keep in mind that many items qualify as snacks (not just classic Mickey bars!). Menus typically have a special symbol to signify which food offerings count toward the dining plans. We like that there is such a variety so we can enjoy more of our favorite Disney World snacks!
- Dining plans can only be purchased directly through Disney for Walt Disney World vacation packages.
Well, that's everything to know about the Disney Dining Plan! Let us know if you have any questions in the comments below.
Related: Our Guide to Choosing a Disney World Dining Package
Related: 14 Easy ~Hopful~ Tips for Eating at Disney World on a Budget
Hoppy planning!
