Close Banner
GET MY TICKETS
Home / Blog / Restaurants & Dining / Dishing Out All the Details on the Disney Dining Plan, Plus New 2027 Option

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

Inside This Post

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
View Comments

Comments

2701–2750 of 2870 comments
Mar 4, 2025 at 12:09 p.m.
Cameron Says...

Love the dining plan!

Reply
Mar 4, 2025 at 12:07 p.m.
Candice Says...

Awesome read thx

Reply
Mar 4, 2025 at 11:04 a.m.
Carol B Says...

This wonderful information and I love your site!

Reply
Mar 4, 2025 at 10:54 a.m.
katk Says...

Interesting

Reply
Mar 4, 2025 at 10:50 a.m.
Katie K Says...

The dining plan can be a good value if you are planning a lot of character meals!

Reply
Mar 4, 2025 at 9:56 a.m.
Chris King Says...

Love that you know your stuff, saves me time

Reply
Mar 4, 2025 at 9:13 a.m.
Michael G Says...

Pre-covid, the dining plan was the best value for any of the promotions the parks would give. Like everything, it seems to have been scaled back some but there is still good value to be had.

Reply
Mar 4, 2025 at 7:45 a.m.
Sara Says...

Looks great

Reply
Mar 4, 2025 at 7:27 a.m.
Jessica Says...

I don't think the dining plan is a good idea by itself since it's hard to reach the same amount, but the vacation plan was a very good price

Reply
Mar 4, 2025 at 7:23 a.m.
Erin Says...

Make your plan and this is a good deal!!

Reply
Mar 4, 2025 at 7:11 a.m.
Chasquinho Says...

We got the plan during our last trip, gotta say it was great to use it!

Reply
Mar 4, 2025 at 6:48 a.m.
Hannah West Says...

Thank you for this information!

Reply
Mar 4, 2025 at 6:47 a.m.
Michelle M Says...

This is all you need to know about the dining plans! Tonight I had no idea what was included in a Disney Dining Plan, but now I know what's included. I searched for this information on the Disney website before finding this page, and I will say that this information here was more to the point and clear. Thank you for being so informative!

Reply
Mar 4, 2025 at 6:34 a.m.
Rachel Sanderson Says...

Always good to know, I've have always had questions about the dining plan.

Reply
Mar 4, 2025 at 6:13 a.m.
Tina F Says...

Good info

Reply
Mar 4, 2025 at 6:07 a.m.
Priscilla Wright Says...

Happy to have dining plan options. Thank you for the information.

Reply
Mar 4, 2025 at 5:26 a.m.
Kim Says...

The plan works great for many but not so much for me. As a vegetarian and one who doesn't drink alcohol the cost to pay as I eat is better and if I can get Disney gift cards at a discount that is what I do to pay for meals.

Reply
Mar 4, 2025 at 5:18 a.m.
Beverly Says...

Good info!

Reply
Mar 4, 2025 at 5:04 a.m.
Kirsten Says...

We always get our tickets through you!

Reply
Mar 4, 2025 at 4:56 a.m.
Kirsten Says...

I’d like to try this if I ever go back to WDW, DL is my first love????

Reply
Mar 4, 2025 at 4:52 a.m.
michael orellana Says...

yesss

Reply
Mar 4, 2025 at 4:42 a.m.
Kelly Campbell Says...

Love this

Reply
Mar 4, 2025 at 4:35 a.m.
Lemur Says...

Love this when we have had it!

Reply
Mar 4, 2025 at 4:15 a.m.
Jessica Says...

So many great tips about the DDP!! Thank you!

Reply
Mar 4, 2025 at 4:08 a.m.
Michelle Clark Says...

The dining plan was a better deal in years past when it included everything including gratuity. The first year we ate out and paid zero. Now it doesnt include as much.

Reply
Mar 4, 2025 at 4:06 a.m.
Michelle Mazzocchio Says...

Great info, we purchased Disney Dining plans the last time we went to Disney World - it was fantastic!

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

Sounds great if I purchase a Disney Vacation package

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

Easiest way to eat without the stress of a bill at the end of each meal.

Reply
Mar 4, 2025 at 3:50 a.m.
Kaitlyn Spink Says...

I’ve never tried the DDP. It was not an option during Covid but now that I am a new AP I just might give it a try! Thanks for all your tips !

Reply
Mar 4, 2025 at 3:38 a.m.
Jenn Says...

Good tips. Lots to think about. Thank you

Reply
Mar 4, 2025 at 3:30 a.m.
Jessi A. Says...

Great tips!

Reply
Mar 4, 2025 at 3:22 a.m.
Angie Str Says...

I love Undercover Tourist!!

Reply
Mar 4, 2025 at 3:02 a.m.
Kylie Says...

We haven't done dining plans before, but this article is making me think we should next time!

Reply
Mar 4, 2025 at 2:58 a.m.
Michelle Davis Says...

We did get the dining plan!

Reply
Mar 4, 2025 at 2:58 a.m.
Loc Vu Says...

Very informative. Thanks!

Reply
Mar 4, 2025 at 2:54 a.m.
Susie Ramsey Says...

This was a very informative article.

Reply
Mar 4, 2025 at 2:52 a.m.
Blake Says...

Would love too be able to try this out one day! We have not been to Disney world yet!

Reply
Mar 4, 2025 at 2:46 a.m.
Kari Says...

All this talk of food is making me hungry for a Disney churro!!

Reply
Mar 4, 2025 at 2:41 a.m.
danae Says...

Love the tips!!

Reply
Mar 4, 2025 at 2:30 a.m.
Kristina Says...

Thank you for sharing this and breaking it all down! I’ve always felt overwhelmed when looking into dining plans!

Reply
Mar 4, 2025 at 2:29 a.m.
Steph Says...

Great blog explaining how it all works! Works really well and good value for money.

Reply
Mar 4, 2025 at 2:28 a.m.
Steph Says...

We find the dining plans great value for money! Great blog explaining how it works!

Reply
Mar 4, 2025 at 2:09 a.m.
Ashley Says...

I’m more of a snacker in the parks, and not into doing a lot of meals, so I don’t see the dining plan ever being worth it for me

Reply
Mar 4, 2025 at 2:06 a.m.
Jenn E Says...

Great info, thank you!

Reply
Mar 4, 2025 at 2:02 a.m.
chris g Says...

good tips, now have to decide, do i want to spend that much time dining? or more time for rides and just grab quick serve.?

Reply
Mar 4, 2025 at 1:57 a.m.
Michelle Espinosa Says...

Nice

Reply
Mar 4, 2025 at 1:56 a.m.
Ashley Says...

Great info!

Reply
Mar 4, 2025 at 1:55 a.m.
Caitlin Wagner Says...

Wow I learned a lot! Going to use this info for my next Disney trip.

Reply
Mar 4, 2025 at 1:51 a.m.
Abby R Says...

This is so helpful, thank you!

Reply
Mar 4, 2025 at 1:42 a.m.
Rafael Griffin Says...

I love the flexibility that the dining plan offers!

Reply

Leave a comment

About Undercover Tourist

Undercover Tourist is the leading supplier of online discount tickets to Orlando, Florida-area attractions, including Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld® Orlando, LEGOLAND® Florida Resort and more.

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get the inside scoop on theme park news, planning tips, concert and sports announcements, special offers and much more!

Park Plans

Our step-by-step guides will save you up to 4 hours a day.