The Dining Plan
Disney does not disappoint when it comes to dining. Whether snacks or full meals, we have seldom been disappointed with anything. With our years of doing Disney, we have tried the dining plan and we have gone without it. Personally for our family we find it is not the best option as we overall don’t eat much. Plus the snacks can be the best part if you know what to get. For example, at Magic Kingdom we can not forgo a cinnamon roll from Gaston’s Tavern. They are HUGE. We either split one as a family or we get two to share between the four of us. We also love The Plaza ice cream. The peanut butter sundae is tops and seasonal ones, like peppermint, can’t be missed. At Epcot, the World Showcase will leave you stuffed if you “eat” around the world instead of “drink” around the world. France has great ice cream and pastries. Norway has a coconut pastry that is amazing! Oh, and Morocco! You have to get the baklava. At Animal Kingdom we love the elephant ear pastry. Of course at any park, a Mickey pretzel with cheese dip and a churro hit the spot.
The dining plan was beneficial for us when were trying to experience different Disney restaurants. We never did two sit down meals because it was too much food. Most restaurants use one dining credit but some require two, like Cinderella’s Royal Table. It’s a cool experience but I like Askerhus better at Epcot. My daughter got to see all the princesses and it only requires one dining credit. If you have left over meals at the end of your trip you can swap the meal in for snacks. One meal equals three snacks so that can help get you through your car ride home. I also learned that kids can get adult meals if they choose and there is no penalty toward your credits. My family does not drink anything but water really so the all you can drink mugs were a waste for us. But for families with teens who like soda, it provides a great option to quench their thirst at the resort. Additionally the cups will work at any Disney resort property, just not the parks.
Reflecting on sit-down places we have eaten at...Sanaa, Chef Mickey’s, 1900 Park Fare, Be Our Guest, ‘Ohana, House of Blues, T-Rex Cafe, Rainforest Cafe, Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, 50s Prime Time, Akerhus Royal Banquet Hall, Beaches and Cream Soda Shop, Cinderella’s Royal Table, Coral Reef, Garden Grill, Hollywood & Vine, Olivia’s Cafe, and the Sci-fi Dine-in. These all require reservations made 180 days in advance. Some restaurants are in more demand than others. Honestly, if we want an impromptu sit-down dinner there are many people who cancel the day of allowing you to add a new reservation.
So is the plan worth it? Yes and no. If you know your family likes to eat or will not be back at Disney anytime soon, I suggest to splurge and purchase a dining plan. You’d be sad knowing you missed out on such great food. If your families like to snack, then I would pass.
The dining plan was beneficial for us when were trying to experience different Disney restaurants. We never did two sit down meals because it was too much food. Most restaurants use one dining credit but some require two, like Cinderella’s Royal Table. It’s a cool experience but I like Askerhus better at Epcot. My daughter got to see all the princesses and it only requires one dining credit. If you have left over meals at the end of your trip you can swap the meal in for snacks. One meal equals three snacks so that can help get you through your car ride home. I also learned that kids can get adult meals if they choose and there is no penalty toward your credits. My family does not drink anything but water really so the all you can drink mugs were a waste for us. But for families with teens who like soda, it provides a great option to quench their thirst at the resort. Additionally the cups will work at any Disney resort property, just not the parks.
Reflecting on sit-down places we have eaten at...Sanaa, Chef Mickey’s, 1900 Park Fare, Be Our Guest, ‘Ohana, House of Blues, T-Rex Cafe, Rainforest Cafe, Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, 50s Prime Time, Akerhus Royal Banquet Hall, Beaches and Cream Soda Shop, Cinderella’s Royal Table, Coral Reef, Garden Grill, Hollywood & Vine, Olivia’s Cafe, and the Sci-fi Dine-in. These all require reservations made 180 days in advance. Some restaurants are in more demand than others. Honestly, if we want an impromptu sit-down dinner there are many people who cancel the day of allowing you to add a new reservation.
So is the plan worth it? Yes and no. If you know your family likes to eat or will not be back at Disney anytime soon, I suggest to splurge and purchase a dining plan. You’d be sad knowing you missed out on such great food. If your families like to snack, then I would pass.
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