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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

2101–2150 of 2870 comments
Mar 5, 2025 at 4:58 a.m.
Beb Says...

I always find the disney dining plan to be a good bargain, but I wished they'd be clearer on which restaurants used double credit

Reply
Mar 5, 2025 at 4:55 a.m.
Donna Says...

Trying to squeeze this into the budget for our next trip! Thanks for sharing.

Reply
Mar 5, 2025 at 4:51 a.m.
Alyssa Says...

I think the dining plan can be worth it if you do the character dining or the more expensive meals, however I have been burned before by not eating enough so make sure to plan and come hungry! :)

Reply
Mar 5, 2025 at 4:48 a.m.
Lauren M Says...

I can't wait to use this for those Mickey waffles!

Reply
Mar 5, 2025 at 4:46 a.m.
Kate Noe Says...

I have been going to Disney for years but for the first time in our upcoming trip in May we are going to purchase a dining plan.

Reply
Mar 5, 2025 at 4:45 a.m.
Shannon harris Says...

Love that drink cups are a part

Reply
Mar 5, 2025 at 4:37 a.m.
Lisa Scamporrino Says...

I’m so excited for this! When I took my son it wasn’t available

Reply
Mar 5, 2025 at 4:32 a.m.
Michelle henkelman Says...

great bit of information. I cant wait to go and use this info

Reply
Mar 5, 2025 at 4:32 a.m.
Amy Says...

Just too expensive

Reply
Mar 5, 2025 at 4:30 a.m.
Jamie Schofield Says...

Wish Disneyland had this!

Reply
Mar 5, 2025 at 4:28 a.m.
An Nguy Says...

Good information for budgeting!

Reply
Mar 5, 2025 at 4:20 a.m.
Heather Says...

Great information, thanks for sharing!

Reply
Mar 5, 2025 at 4:17 a.m.
Amy Beckstrand Says...

Thanks for the info! We’ll have to think about this for next time!

Reply
Mar 5, 2025 at 4:17 a.m.
Cathleen C Says...

What a well-researched, comprehensive explanation of the Disney Dining plan! I deeply appreciate the work that went into compiling this information and I know it will help us in the near future!

Reply
Mar 5, 2025 at 4:16 a.m.
Kerry S.R. Says...

I bought my first trip to Disneyland through Walt Disney Vacations and it included a dining plan with a little coupon booklet for the snacks and meals. I wish they would bring it back. It was brilliant for the kids!

Reply
Mar 5, 2025 at 4:07 a.m.
Michelle Says...

Good article! I think I like the flexibility of not having the Dining Plan more though. I'll have to try it one time when it comes free to see if it changes my mind lol

Reply
Mar 5, 2025 at 4:01 a.m.
Cecily Says...

Easy to read and informational! Thanks.

Reply
Mar 5, 2025 at 3:53 a.m.
Chelsea Says...

Can't wait for my trip in September

Reply
Mar 5, 2025 at 3:50 a.m.
Kresta Watson Says...

Such great information can’t wait to try the dining plan on my trip in September

Reply
Mar 5, 2025 at 3:49 a.m.
Amanda Says...

Is great to know this info, for when I visit

Reply
Mar 5, 2025 at 3:46 a.m.
Jena Says...

Probably the unpopular opinion but I'm actually glad I didn't buy the dining plan because my family ended up eating in ways that wouldn't have maximized our purchase. What I DID do, however, was budget that same amount (the cost of a dining plan) for my food budget and that worked well.

Reply
Mar 5, 2025 at 3:43 a.m.
Crystal Farr Says...

The dining plans are extremely convenient.

Reply
Mar 5, 2025 at 3:40 a.m.
Davin Bahk Says...

Good to know.

Reply
Mar 5, 2025 at 3:40 a.m.
Davin Bahk Says...

Good to know.

Reply
Mar 5, 2025 at 3:35 a.m.
Johnny Goff Says...

Great info.

Reply
Mar 5, 2025 at 3:30 a.m.
Joe Says...

Hmmmm. Appreciate the information. Still figuring out if it's the right budget choice for us.

Reply
Mar 5, 2025 at 3:25 a.m.
Mallory Says...

I’m not sure $160 a night saves my family of four any money. I’d like to see sample prices of food in the park.

Reply
Mar 5, 2025 at 3:21 a.m.
Christopher H Evans Says...

This was very informative.

Reply
Mar 5, 2025 at 3:15 a.m.
Deanna Says...

thank you for this detailed post explaining the dining plan

Reply
Mar 5, 2025 at 3:13 a.m.
Rikki Jones Says...

I like the idea of not having to decide what and where we are going to eat during our trip. I have problems making decisions. I feel like this would streamline it more.

Reply
Mar 5, 2025 at 3:10 a.m.
Christi Horn Says...

This is something my husband and I are considering. Thanks for the detailed info.

Reply
Mar 5, 2025 at 3:04 a.m.
Michael Says...

This info is great! One of the reasons we always check Undercover Tourist. They know all the secrets on Disney World.

Reply
Mar 5, 2025 at 3:02 a.m.
Robert Porter Says...

I have used the meal plan ina past visit and it can save you money.

Reply
Mar 5, 2025 at 3:01 a.m.
AW Says...

WOW!! This is hands down the most comprehensive dining guide I’ve ever seen! Thank you for the work put into this!

Reply
Mar 5, 2025 at 2:55 a.m.
Rachael Haynes-Wood Says...

We used the dining plan pre Covid and will never regret the stress it took off calculating the bills all the time

Reply
Mar 5, 2025 at 2:55 a.m.
Michael Bonacci Says...

Such great info as always! So detailed and informed. One of the reasons we always use Undercover Tourist!

Reply
Mar 5, 2025 at 2:50 a.m.
Kelly Says...

Thanks for the super helpful info!

Reply
Mar 5, 2025 at 2:46 a.m.
Sara S Says...

I love the dining plan - especially when it is free!!

Reply
Mar 5, 2025 at 2:44 a.m.
Anitra Buckley Says...

I truly believe the Disney dining plan is the way to go! It can definitely save some $$ in the long run!

Reply
Mar 5, 2025 at 2:42 a.m.
Laura Says...

Love this!

Reply
Mar 5, 2025 at 2:40 a.m.
Melissa Marshall Says...

Love the idea of a dining credit plan for when we need a quick stop snack or meal! Have never used it before but with lots of family we travel with this could come in very handy!

Reply
Mar 5, 2025 at 2:39 a.m.
Guen Says...

Good to know! I hope to go to Disney by early next year!

Reply
Mar 5, 2025 at 2:39 a.m.
TLCintheCity Says...

What a great amount of information, looking forward to my next trip!

Reply
Mar 5, 2025 at 2:33 a.m.
CarolMF Says...

Have bought my tickets from you before, most recently for this past February 2025. Excellent prompt service. Nice to learn of the added dining option!

Reply
Mar 5, 2025 at 2:30 a.m.
Melissa P Says...

I miss the Deluxe plan!

Reply
Mar 5, 2025 at 2:28 a.m.
MPaulson Says...

Lot's of good information to help make the choice for a dining plan.

Reply
Mar 5, 2025 at 2:27 a.m.
Lizz83 Says...

I'm not sure it would be worth it unless it were free...then I'm all in !! ????

Reply
Mar 5, 2025 at 2:24 a.m.
Kassandra Clemens Says...

I can’t wait to go!

Reply
Mar 5, 2025 at 2:24 a.m.
Jenni Riley Says...

This is such great info! ❤️

Reply
Mar 5, 2025 at 2:21 a.m.
Earl Kugler Says...

Excellent information

Reply

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