Disney Dining Plan

The Disney Dining Plan allows Walt Disney World resort guests to pre-purchase their meals prior to their stay.

How Does It Work?
At least three days prior to your stay you can purchase the Disney Dining Plan from Disney or from your travel agent. (Note: It cannot be added at time of check-in). Upon check-in the Dining Plan is attached to your Key to the World cards. Then, when dining, present your Key to the World card and the items purchased will automatically be deducted from the food items you have remaining.

The number of meals purchased applies to your entire party and can be used throughout your entire stay. For example, if you want to use two Table Service meals in one day and another in your party wants to use two Quick Service, that is permitted. And if you want to skip Table Service one day and use two the next day, that is permitted.

Due to the popularity of the dining plan and Walt Disney World restaurants, it is strongly recommended you make advance reservations at 407-WDW-DINE. Reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance.

Who Is Eligible?
Anyone purchasing a Walt Disney World Magic Your Way vacation package can purchase the Dining Plan. The following restrictions apply:

You must purchase the plan for your entire length of stay
You must purchase at least one day's admission to the parks (Annual Passholders are eligible for the plan without purchasing additional admission. Also, Disney Vacation Club members who are staying at a property using their points need not purchase admission).

How Much Does It Cost?
For 2008 the cost of the Disney Dining Plan is: $37.99 per adult/junior per night and $9.99 per child (3-9) per night of your stay. Each night's stay includes:

One Table Service Meal
One Quick Service Meal
One Snack
All taxes are included.

Gratuities (Tips)
Starting with the 2008 dining plan, gratuities are not included. For parties of 6 or more an 18% gratuity will be automatically added. A gratuity may also be added for ordered items that are not a part of the dining plan (eg: alcoholic beverages).

Gratuities are included at the following:

Cinderella's Royal Table
Dinner Shows (The Hoop-Dee-Do Musical Revue, Mickey's Backyard BBQ and Disney's Spirit of Aloha Show)
Private In-room dining and Pizza Delivery

What is included In Each Meal?

For Table Service, the following is included:

Breakfast

One single-serving juice
One breakfast entree
One non-alcoholic beverage
or
One full buffet meal

Lunch/Dinner

One appetizer (ages 3-9 only)
One entree
One dessert
One non-alcoholic beverage
or
One full buffet meal

Note: Children 3-9 must order from the children's menu where available

For Quick Service, the following is included:

Breakfast

One single-serving juice
One breakfast entree
One non-alcoholic beverage
or
One complete combo meal
One non-alcoholic beverage

Lunch/Dinner

One entree
One dessert
One non-alcoholic beverage
or
One complete combo meal
One dessert
One non-alcoholic beverage

For the Snack, the following is included:

Frozen ice-cream item
Single serving box of popcorn
Single piece of fruit
Single serving of pre-package juice or milk
Medium sized fountain drink
12 ounce hot non-alcoholic beverage
20 ounce bottle of Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite or Dasani Bottled Water

Where Can I Use It?
The Disney Dining Plan can be used at over 100 Walt Disney World dining locations and most carts that sell popcorn, ice cream and beverages. Keep an eye out at quick service locations, carts and some merchandise shops that an icon indicating snacks are available there. For a complete list of participating restaurants, click here.

Certain locations require two table service meals to be redeemed. These include:

Signature Restaurants (the higher end restaurants at WDW)
Cinderella's Royal Table
In-Room Private Dining and Pizza Delivery
Dinner Shows: The Hoop-Dee-Do Musical Revue, Mickey's Backyard BBQ and Disney's Spirit of Aloha Show.
Grand Gathering Experiences: These include International Dinner and Illuminations Dessert Reception, Safari Celebration Dinner and the Magic Kingdom Good Morning Gathering. (Note: At least eight guests in your party must attend)

The following are not included in the plan:

Pizza delivery
In-room mini bars
Souvenir or refillable beverage mugs
Glow cubes
Merchandise and photos at restaurants (except at Cinderella's Royal Table)

Is It Worth It?
That depends on how you plan to eat while at Walt Disney World. If you enjoy eating at table service restaurants and having large meals, it's definitely well worth. But if you'd rather grab a quite bite and spend more time on the rides, it may not be. Also, if you plan on spending entire days away from WDW elsewhere (eg: Universal Studios or Kennedy Space Center), that's less time you'll have available at WDW to use up your meals. For some good discussions on whether or not it may be worth it to you, see the Tips and Comments page.

Anything Else I Should Know?

The Disney Dining Plan has no cash value. It cannot be traded, refunded, etc. In addition, unused meals cannot be refunded, saved or transferred.
You can only purchase the plan for the length or your stay at the resort. You cannot purchase fewer or extra days.
Advanced Reservations are recommended for table service restaurants (407-WDW-DINE). The Dining Plan alone will not guarantee you seating.
If you have a reservation and multiple Disney resorts, unused plan meals will not transfer to your new resort.
The offerings can only be redeemed as listed. You cannot renegotiate at time of fulfillment.
Meal usage is tracked on your Key to the World card. After meal receipts will show you how many meals of that type are remaining. Your Front Desk or Concierge can also let you know exactly how many of each meals you have remaining.
You may not use the plan to redeem meals for family or friends who are not included in the reservation and therefore have not purchased the plan.

To read other's experiences with the Disney Dining Plan or to leave your own tips or comments
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