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Dishing Out All the Details on the Disney Dining Plan, Plus New 2027 Option

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The popular Disney Dining Plans allow you to save time and money with a pre-paid meal plan, as part of a Walt Disney World Resort hotel + ticket package. There are currently two different types: the Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan (which includes quick-service options) and the Disney Dining Plan (which includes quick-service, table-service and character dining options). Starting with 2027 vacation packages, you can choose a third option called the Deluxe Table-Service Dining Plan (more details below!). Did you know you can now book a discount vacation package — including an optional dining plan — through Undercover Tourist? Here's everything you need to know!

FAQs

  • What is a Disney Dining Plan? Disney Dining Plans are optional, prepaid plans that give you and your travel party dining credits to use during your vacation. There are two plans to choose from, with a third option available for 2027 vacation packages.
  • How do I get a Disney Dining Plan? Disney Dining Plans may only be purchased as part of a Disney World Vacation Package.
  • How much does the Disney Dining Plan cost? The price for Disney Dining Plans can vary, but you can expect to pay about $59 per night, per adult for a Quick Service Dining Plan (or $25 per child, per night), and $98 per adult, per night for the Disney Dining Plan (or $30 per night, per child).
  • Are there any ways to save on the Disney Dining Plan? Yes! More details below, but there are currently two different FREE Dining Plan deals for select vacation packages.

Disney Dining Plan – Young girl with kids meal

What Is a Disney Dining Plan?

Disney Dining Plan - Infographic

The Disney Dining Plan is an add-on available to those who have booked a Walt Disney World package, which just means you've bundled your Disney World tickets and a Walt Disney World Resort hotel stay. A Disney Dining Plan allows you to enjoy prepaid meals that can save you time during your vacation, as your meal budgeting is all taken care of! Essentially, the Disney Dining Plans give you and each member of your travel party (ages 3+) dining credits to use throughout your stay. Check out our helpful infographic on Disney Dining Plans to learn more (as previewed in the image above), including restaurants per resort, to help you make your hotel decision a little easier.

There are three types of Disney Dining Plans to explore.

Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan (2026) / Quick-Service Dining Plan (2027)

Enjoy casual flexibility with the Quick-Service Dining Plan, eligible at over 100 quick-service locations! Everyone in the party, ages 3 and over, 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.

Disney Dining Plan (2026) / Table-Service Dining Plan (2027)

Disney Dining Plan - Crystal Palace Breakfast

Everyone in the party, ages 3 and over, 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.

Deluxe Table-Service Dining Plan (2027)

Everyone in the party, ages 3 and over, will receive two table-service meals, 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.

Disney Dining Plan - Belle at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

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. If you desire additional appetizers or drinks that aren't included, you can pay out of pocket. For these additional costs, you can use cash, a credit card or even a MagicBand to charge that amount to your hotel room.

Two table-service meals will be redeemed for each person at fine/signature dining experiences, select character dining locations or a dinner show. While most character dining locations accept one table-service credit, the character dining experiences that require two table-service credits 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.

What's the Difference Between the Disney Dining Plans?

The Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan (2026) / Quick-Service Dining Plan (2027) includes:

  • 2 quick-service meals (per night of your stay)
  • 1 snack or nonalcoholic drink (per night of your stay)
  • 1 resort-refillable mug (for length of stay)

The Disney Dining Plan (2026) / Table-Service Dining Plan (2027) includes:

  • 1 quick-service meal (per night of your stay)
  • 1 table-service meal (per night of your stay)
  • 1 snack or nonalcoholic drink (per night of your stay)
  • 1 resort-refillable mug (for length of stay)

The Deluxe Table-Service Dining Plan (2027) includes: 

  • 1 quick-service meal (per night of your stay)
  • 2 table-service meals (per night of your stay)
  • 1 snack or nonalcoholic drink (per night of your stay)
  • 1 resort-refillable mug (for length of stay)

Disney Dining Plan - Refillable Mug

Meals and snacks can be redeemed at any time during your stay. Unused credits will roll over day to day and expire at midnight on the day you check out of your Disney World hotel.

Select experiences such as Fine Dining, select Character Dining and dinner shows are worth 2 table-service credits, which include the following:

  • Fairytale Dining at Cinderella's Royal Table
  • Princess Storybook Dining at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (at lunch and dinner only)
  • Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White
  • Be Our Guest Restaurant
  • Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue
  • Fine/Signature Dining, such as California Grill, Narcoossee's, Topolino's Terrace (dinner only) and more

Who Can Purchase the Disney Dining Plan?

Undercover Tourist offers a flexible deposit option for all Walt Disney World Vacation Packages! Pay only a refundable $200 deposit to secure your vacation and pay the balance 30 days prior to check-in!

Anyone who has purchased a Disney World Vacation package can book an optional Disney Dining Plan! Dining plans can be purchased directly through Disney or Undercover Tourist as part of a Walt Disney World vacation package, including a hotel stay. 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 a Disney Dining Plan.

Disney Vacation Club members can also pay out of pocket for a Disney Dining Plan, if staying at a Disney Resort hotel during their trip.

Can you purchase Disney Dining Plans for split stays?

Yes! Technically, since it would be two separate reservations, you can opt to add a dining plan to only one reservation — or both. If you want a Dining Plan for your entire stay, you would need to add the Dining Plan to both reservations.

If you only want to use a dining plan for one reservation, note that you can only start using the credits during the timeframe of whichever reservation you add it to. Hop tip: If the Disney Dining Plan is added to the first reservation, the front desk at the first hotel could transfer unused credits to your second hotel reservation before they expire, as long as the two stays are continuous. However, if the Dining Plan is added to the second reservation, you would not be able to use any credits until the first date of your second reservation.

How Much Is a Dining Plan?

Disney Dining Plans are a fan-favorite for good reason. They offer a great value, especially with a little planning to figure out how to take your pre-paid credits the furthest. One of the times that Disney Dining Plans are the most popular is when free dine is offered — a special promo that gives you a dining plan for FREE!

SAVE UP TO 35% on Walt Disney World Vacation Packages for select stays through Oct. 3, 2026! PLUS, GET A FREE DINING PLAN FOR KIDS (AGES 3 TO 9) when you book a Hotel + Ticket Package that includes a dining plan for each Guest ages 10 and up for all arrivals in 2026. Even better? Book your Disney World vacation package today through Undercover Tourist for a refundable $200 deposit, and pay the remainder 30 days prior to check-in!

When free dine promos are not running, your total cost for adding on a Disney Dining Plan will depend on how many nights you are staying and which plan you choose. Adults can plan to spend about $59 per night for the Quick-Service Dining Plan (or $25 per night per child). For the Disney Dining Plan, adults cost about $98 per night (or $30 per child). The best way to see the true cost of adding on a Disney Dining Plan is to build it out! When purchasing a Disney World Vacation Package through Undercover Tourist, you'll see the full price for both Disney Dining Plan options to make the best selection for your family (or opt out entirely).

Disney Dining Plan - Package opt-in on Undercover Tourist website

Dining Plan Deals

Right now, there are two different Dining Plan offers hoppening:

  • Get a FREE Dining upgrade, PLUS save up to 5% on a hotel room when you book a Hotel + Ticket package for select stays and tickets of 4 days or longer from June 28, 2026, to Dec. 21, 2026 (must be booked by April 30, 2026)
    • Minimum 4-day theme park ticket with a Park Hopper option required
    • FREE Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan available for select Value and Moderate Resorts
    • FREE Disney Dining Plan available for Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts

OR

  • Save up to 35% on Walt Disney World Resort hotel rooms when you book a Hotel + Ticket Package (with optional dining plans) for select stays through Oct. 3, 2026! Plus, get a FREE Dining Plan for kids (ages 3 to 9) when you book a Hotel + Ticket Package that includes a dining plan for each guest ages 10 and up for all arrivals in 2026.

There are no 2027 Dining Plan deals at this time.

What's Included in a Dining Plan Meal?

A quick-service meal using a Disney Dining Plan includes 1 entree and 1 beverage for all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner).

A table-service meal using a Disney Dining Plan includes:

Breakfast

  • 1 entree
  • 1 beverage

OR

  • 1 buffet or family-style meal
  • 1 beverage

Brunch, Lunch or Dinner

  • 1 entree
  • 1 dessert
  • 1 beverage

OR

  • 1 buffet or family-style meal
  • 1 beverage

Note that beverages include nonalcoholic options such as sodas and milkshakes, or alcoholic options for those 21 and up.

How to Use Disney World Dining Plans

Disney Dining Plan - Credit Balance in App screenshot

To use your dining plan, simply present your MagicBand, MagicBand+, Disney MagicMobile pass or Key to the World card to the cast member at participating restaurants. Note that guests ages 3 to 9 must order from the children's menu when available. Another tip is that you will need to remember your Resort PIN that you created at check-in to confirm your Dining Plan at restaurants. If you've visited before but it's been a while, you can reset the PIN within the My Disney Experience app. Go to the hamburger menu (icon with three lines on the far right side), scroll down to "MagicBands & Cards" and select your profile. From there, you see a "PIN" option, where you can create or reset it. (The hotel front desk can reset the PIN as well.)

Mobile ordering is also available with select restaurants when using the Dining Plan. You can run through the mobile ordering process as usual, and the app will automatically apply your Dining Plan credits as you select your food and drink options. If you're missing anything that you're entitled to, the app will remind you. For instance, if you select an entree and review your order, it will prompt you to select a drink that's included with the quick-service meal entitlement.

To check how many credits you have left, use the My Disney Experience app by visiting "My Resort Stay" and selecting "Check Dining Plan," which is an option that appears after you complete online check-in within the app. The balance does not appear until the first day of your stay. You may also look at your most recent dining receipt or visit any Guest Relations or Resort Concierge locations.

What to Consider When Choosing a Disney World Dining Plan

Here are some considerations when deciding if the Disney Dining Plan makes sense for you, including tips on how you can maximize the value of your Dining Plan:

Flower and Garden Festival 2024 Menus — Frozen violet lemonade

  • The dining plan does take some planning if you want to maximize your credits and go for the highest value. Check out the menus within the Disney World app to get a sense of what's available for each member of your party and do some napkin math on how many credits you expect to use each day (and where it makes the most sense to use them).
  • When maximizing value with the two table-service plans, we recommend character dining locations that take one table-service credit, particularly the buffets (characters and unlimited food!). Also, the Fantasmic! Dining Package and the EPCOT Festival Dining Packages accept the Dining Plan. Because you select the restaurant, the credits will depend on which one you choose, but most take one credit. For example, for the Fantasmic! Dining Package, The Hollywood Brown Derby takes two table-service credits, but 50's Prime Time Cafe, Hollywood & Vine, Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano and Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant all take one table-service credit. Reserved seating for entertainment and a filling meal? Yes, please!
  • Likewise, think through where you plan to stay for your visit, and your family's dining styles. For example, if you have a younger child whom you'll need to grab an earlier meal for, you may want to make sure you like the options on-site or close by your hotel. If you're hoping to enjoy several meals together at your hotel, you may want to make sure there are some additional options to choose from nearby (or at the hotel) to keep meal fatigue at bay and add some variety to your meals.
  • 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.
  • Children ages 3-9 must order from the kids menu. On the other hand, if a 10-year-old tadpole wants to order from the kids menu, check with the server at your restaurant. Some restaurants are strict on age specifications, while others may be more lax. However, whether it's a quick-service or table-service restaurant, it would still count as an adult credit.
  • 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. Plus, if you're at EPCOT during a festival, food items and nonalcoholic drinks typically count as a snack. We like that there is such a variety, so we can enjoy more of our favorite Disney World snacks!

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!

Written and reviewed by the Undercover Tourist Content Team
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Comments

1201–1250 of 2870 comments
Mar 6, 2025 at 4:59 a.m.
Cynthia Beauclair Says...

I like this idea

Reply
Mar 6, 2025 at 4:45 a.m.
Elexuses Bynum Says...

That’s really nice

Reply
Mar 6, 2025 at 4:23 a.m.
Katie Says...

Ahhhh I love the dining plan so much! So fun to just eat whatever!

Reply
Mar 6, 2025 at 4:06 a.m.
Emily Moore Says...

Very comprehensive guide. Thankful for the breakdown!

Reply
Mar 6, 2025 at 4:05 a.m.
Anthonylili Says...

I would definitely try this next time I visit.

Reply
Mar 6, 2025 at 4:03 a.m.
Kevin Says...

Nice.

Reply
Mar 6, 2025 at 4:03 a.m.
Amanda Storer Says...

Great info! We've tried the dining plan in the past but did not find it to be a great value for us. Maybe we will have to give it another shot sometime!

Reply
Mar 6, 2025 at 3:48 a.m.
Jamiroquai Says...

Good details in this article.

Reply
Mar 6, 2025 at 3:31 a.m.
Katie Says...

Love the easy to understand explanation

Reply
Mar 6, 2025 at 3:23 a.m.
Richard Boutte Says...

I’m really hoping to bring some of my family for their first time to Universal Studios Orlando Resort

Reply
Mar 6, 2025 at 3:18 a.m.
Laura Adams Says...

Thank you for breaking down all the info on Disney dining plans.

Reply
Mar 6, 2025 at 3:17 a.m.
Christopher Says...

Cool!

Reply
Mar 6, 2025 at 3:10 a.m.
Annette Says...

Well, I learned something new. I had no idea that there were 2 different types of dining plans. Thanks Undercover Tourist!

Reply
Mar 6, 2025 at 3:09 a.m.
Dgb24 Says...

This was quite interesting and good information!

Reply
Mar 6, 2025 at 3:08 a.m.
Ginganinnja6 Says...

I love all the great information included in this post - soo helpful! I’ve always wanted to try a dining plan and now I have all the details I need.

Reply
Mar 6, 2025 at 3:07 a.m.
Summer Dawn Says...

I don't think I'll ever use this plan since I only eat once during a park day. The 2 giant pizza slices at Connections is THE BEST!!!

Reply
Mar 6, 2025 at 3:04 a.m.
Natallie Says...

Great info, thanks!

Reply
Mar 6, 2025 at 2:57 a.m.
JJ Says...

All the snacks please!!

Reply
Mar 6, 2025 at 2:54 a.m.
Traci Says...

He prepaid dining plan just makes it's more enjoyable!

Reply
Mar 6, 2025 at 2:42 a.m.
Marci Says...

Can’t wait to go back to Disney!

Reply
Mar 6, 2025 at 2:33 a.m.
Bethany Says...

One of these trips we are gonna try out the dinning plan, we always go back and forth on wether or not to do it!

Reply
Mar 6, 2025 at 2:24 a.m.
Carolyn Says...

The Dining Plan is sooo great when it's free! :)

Reply
Mar 6, 2025 at 2:23 a.m.
Bb Says...

I've actually never used a Disney dining plan!

Reply
Mar 6, 2025 at 2:23 a.m.
Sj Says...

Unless you have big eaters in the family I don’t see how the dining plan benefits our family. Trying to get the most of the plan results in more expensive meals in return higher tips.

Reply
Mar 6, 2025 at 2:19 a.m.
JennO Says...

Great way to enjoy eating around the World! (Disney World, that is)!

Reply
Mar 6, 2025 at 2:15 a.m.
Patricia Mormile Says...

Great information! Thank You.

Reply
Mar 6, 2025 at 2:15 a.m.
Diego Sanchez Says...

This is such a great deal

Reply
Mar 6, 2025 at 2:13 a.m.
Jeanie Cousin Says...

The dining plan looks like a really good idea because of its value and because it would take a lot of stress off of planning for meals

Reply
Mar 6, 2025 at 2:05 a.m.
Arielle Says...

Thank you for laying this out so clearly!

Reply
Mar 6, 2025 at 2:04 a.m.
Arielle Says...

Thank you for laying this all out so clearly!

Reply
Mar 6, 2025 at 2:03 a.m.
Dee Patel Says...

I would love to try this with my children!

Reply
Mar 6, 2025 at 1:58 a.m.
Katy WhiteTemple Says...

I think this is totally worth it for people who can maximize its impact with reservations and planning. I feel like I spend way more than that per day so seems like a deal.

Reply
Mar 6, 2025 at 1:55 a.m.
Caitlin Etten Says...

Honestly for the meal plan to be worth it, my kids and I would have to eat way more than we normally would...

Reply
Mar 6, 2025 at 1:47 a.m.
Whitley D. Says...

Great information!

Reply
Mar 6, 2025 at 1:46 a.m.
Nancy Arellano Says...

Planning a big family trip to Florida with my 4 kids, my in-laws, my brother in-law family and their 3 kids. We are soooo excited

Reply
Mar 6, 2025 at 1:46 a.m.
Carrie K Says...

Love getting the Disney mug. And I make sure to save some snacks for walking around EPCOT during any of their festivals!

Reply
Mar 6, 2025 at 1:40 a.m.
Darylene Maka Says...

Mahalo for the information which helps save time and money.

Reply
Mar 6, 2025 at 1:38 a.m.
Kaleb kochensparger Says...

Love the dining plan

Reply
Mar 6, 2025 at 1:36 a.m.
J Says...

Dining plan can definitely work to your advantage financially. Just takes some planning and forethought!

Reply
Mar 6, 2025 at 1:29 a.m.
Neal Kane Says...

I like making a reservation or two and winging it the rest of the way

Reply
Mar 6, 2025 at 1:26 a.m.
Hillzz Says...

Thanks for all the hard work you do! ????

Reply
Mar 6, 2025 at 1:20 a.m.
Janet Says...

We've been to Disney World twice with free dining plans years ago. Back then you could get the table-service plan for free if you stayed at a moderate resort. Sadly, not anymore.

Reply
Mar 6, 2025 at 1:16 a.m.
Teresa Says...

Great article, lots of helpful information! Thanks!

Reply
Mar 6, 2025 at 1:12 a.m.
Sarah Allison Says...

I find the dining plan is really only financially worth it if you're getting an alcoholic beverage with every meal, and choosing the steak option (or whatever is most expensive) every time. That used to sound like the perfect vacation for me, but getting older I find myself drinking less and wanting lighter food options. So getting the dining plan no longer makes sense monetarily for me and my family. But I do recognize it's a way to relax and not think so much about money while ok vacation.

Wheat I've found works well for us is we buy lots of gift cards before the trip and use those for food, it helps us budget.

Reply
Mar 6, 2025 at 1:09 a.m.
Mariaah Says...

Lots of good info and really good options to choose from. We recommend all Disney goers to check it out and see if it fits for you!

Reply
Mar 6, 2025 at 1:08 a.m.
Amanda Says...

Never did a dining plan but love all the character meals.

Reply
Mar 6, 2025 at 1:02 a.m.
Tammy Serafini Says...

Ive never done a meal plan but I think we might try one when we go in November

Reply
Mar 6, 2025 at 1 a.m.
Deanna H. Says...

Great info about the dining plan. Your tips helped us plan our first family trip to Disney last year and we have shared them with everyone who asks how we expertly planned our Disney vacation

Reply
Mar 6, 2025 at 12:55 a.m.
Kim Poulton Says...

I’d love to do this!

Reply
Mar 6, 2025 at 12:54 a.m.
Jacqueline Martinez Says...

Good luck to everyone!

Reply

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