Is the Disney meal plan worth it?

Last time we went, we stayed on property but rented a car so we ate off property quite a bit. This time we are staying on property but not renting a car so we will be eating all our meals at Disney. We were thinking of the table service/quick service/snack option. Any thoughts?

Re: Is the Disney meal plan worth it?

If you eat the way the plan proscribes then it's great. If you count it out to the penny, you may not save a fortune but there's also something to be said for the peace of mind of having it all pre-paid.

For us, the dining plan works well. We like to have one sit down meal per day and we'l grab quick service for the other meal (usually lunch). Snacks can be bagels or muffins for breakfast, or we save them for candy to bring home.

if you don't think you'll do sit down meals it's not a good deal, but generally if you expect to do 2 or more, especially if you have children, then it's a good deal. Looking at the price of a character meal for a child vs the price of the dining plan, it's a total no brainer.

Re: Is the Disney meal plan worth it?

I would definitely do the meal plan! It made sense financially and the convenience of it was great.

Re: Is the Disney meal plan worth it?

I used to say go for it, but now I say it depends. When it is an adults trip it usually pays to get it. Bc you probably will eat at more expensive places. But with kids it depends.

Jennifer is right character meals are expensive. But will you be doing breakfast or dinners, lunches?

With kids will you definitely make your TS meals or do you need some flexibility?

Do you like to order an app or are you okay with entree and dessert? Do you order pasta or chicken? Or steaks and seafood?

In the past we have come out well ahead. This trip we decided to skip the plan bc we needed more flexibility. We want to be able to say "eh one more ride, or let's swim". We also decided to try some places that the dp is not a good deal at like sci fi drive in and via napoli. My DD also has food allergies that could make dessert at a restaurant tougher so we didn't want to lock into a plan where we had to get it if they say sorry we can't do something she likes.

To see if it works for you I would sit down with the menus at allearsnet. Figure what restaurants you want to eat, what you would order and see if it works for you. If it is close it is a good way to make your life less stressful, but it takes away you ability to be flexible.

Is the Disney meal plan worth it?

Thanks everyone - I see I have some research to do. I feel that if I get the meal plan, I am apt to eat more since I wouldn't necessarily do table service once per day. Lots to think about.

Re: Is the Disney meal plan worth it?

You really need to do the table service once per day for it to possibly be worth it, unless maybe you dine at enough "Signature" restaurants (2 credits) to make up the difference.

Even if you do table service once a day it still might not be worth it if the sit downs you would do are the less expensive ones.

Also with the dining plan you get dessert at both lunch and dinner, so think about if you would really each eat your own dessert at both meals.

It wasn't for us for a few reasons.

This guys does a great analysis of whether or not it's worth it but you'll still have to give some thought to your dining habits.

is the dining plan worth it?

Message edited 3/20/2013 6:23:37 AM.

Re: Is the Disney meal plan worth it?

It's not worth it for us unless it's free. We don't do sit down meals everyday. It takes too long IMO and my oldest is special needs, on medicine, and doesn't eat much at all. I would have have to pay adult prices for him and it's just not worth it at the character buffet meals. We are perfectly content eating from quick service (lots of healthy and yummy choices).

Re: Is the Disney meal plan worth it?

We loved it, used two table service credits for the Cinderella dinner. . .used snack credits to buy DD's milk every night. . .we ran out with a day left though but I was not keeping track at all. . .I dont know if we saved a lot BUT i loved not having to think about food, just scanning the card and its prepaid

Re: Is the Disney meal plan worth it?

We do it. I don't know if it actually saves any money, but we like having it prepaid. We used to do the wine and dine plan (which gave you a bottle of wine every day). For our trips in January and May of 2013, we did the deluxe dining plan. It was A LOT of food but since we ate at 3 signature restaurants, it was worth it. For our trip down to the Food & Wine Festival, we did the regular dining plan.

Since we are DVC, we also are Tables in Wonderland card holders, which gives a 20% discount on all meals (including cocktails). We usually combine both the dining plan and TiW.


We are going again to meet friends down there in July. We will probably be doing the regular dining plan.

Is the Disney meal plan worth it?

You've all given me a lot to think about, some of which never occurred to me. Thanks for the website Jenn - very helpful.

Re: Is the Disney meal plan worth it?

100% yes

Is the Disney meal plan worth it?

For our family I don't find it saved us any money. It really depends on the way your family eats. DD loves restaurants and loves character meals so we do alot of TS during the week. You have to remember that the dining plan does not cover tip and does not cover alcoholic drinks so that is an additional cost in itself. You also get dessert with the Dining Plan we never eat dessert right after a meal so that is a waste for our family. We are now DVC and annual pass holders so we get the Tables in Wonderland card which gives us 20% off the entire bill including all drinks.