Here is what is included in the Disney Dining Plans when they return

Hooray! Dining plans are returning to Walt Disney World. Now we know exactly what will be included when Guests purchase the Disney Dining Plan!

The Return of the Disney Dining Plans

It’s been a long three years without the dining plan, and Guests are ready for its return! The Dining Plans were temporarily paused with the reopening of the parks, likely due to the lack of character dining and the number of restaurants open in general.

Now, with most dining back to normal Disney is finally ready to bring back the dining plan! Disney dining plans will be coming back as an option exclusively for those staying at Disney Resort hotels who purchase a vacation package with us starting with stays beginning Jan. 9, 2024, which will also open for bookings on May 31. 

How the Dining Plan Works

The dining plan is very easy to use. Simply select your dining plan based on what is right for you. Then, redeem it at select locations around the parks.

1. Your meals and snacks are loaded onto your Disney band or card.
2. Touch your Disney band or card to the magic point when making a purchase.
3. Your server will give you a receipt showing your updated meal balance.

Meal balances and snacks roll over from day to day during your stay. However, they do expire at midnight on the day of your departure.

So far, pricing has not been revealed, but we do know what is included in the plans. There are two options: the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan and the Disney Dining Plan.

Disney Quick Service Dining Plan

The Disney Quick Service Dining Plan entitles Guests to meals at counter service locations and snacks. You will see all participating items marked with the Disney Dining Plan symbol at select locations. Here is exactly what you get when you select the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan.

Everyone in the travel party (ages 3 and up) will receive 2 Quick-Service meals per night and 1 snack/nonalcoholic drink per night of their package stay. Each Guest will also receive 1 Resort-refillable drink mug.

Beverages are included with each meal. Guests under 21 years of age may choose from a variety of nonalcoholic beverages. Guests 21 and older with valid identification may substitute for beer, wine, and cocktails.

The Disney Dining Plan

The Disney Dining Plan includes a combination of Table Service and Quick-Service meal entitlements. This is ideal for those who prefer table service dining such as character meals during their vacations.

Everyone in the travel party (ages 3 and up) will receive 1 Table-Service meal per night, 1 Quick-Service meal per night, and 1 snack/nonalcoholic drink per night of their package stay. The plan also includes 1 Resort-refillable drink mug.

As is true with the quick-service dining plan, beverages are included with each meal. Guests under 21 years of age may choose from a variety of nonalcoholic beverages. Guests 21 and older with valid identification may substitute for beer, wine, and cocktails.

Potential Savings

While pricing has not been released yet, Disney has made some savings projections. According to Disney, you can use the dining plans to save up to 20% on dining for kids ages 3 to 9 when you purchase a dining plan for your family as part of a Walt Disney Travel Company package. Savings are compared to the nondiscounted price of menu items available to kids ages 3 to 9 at participating locations when purchased without a dining plan. Actual savings varies based on menu items ordered.

Of course, this is dependent on whether your travel party would plan to eat all that is included in the first place. Savings will vary from Guest to Guest However, there are plenty of other benefits like the allure of prepaying for everything with no worries about what you are spending while you enjoy the parks.

Overall, the details seem similar to what existed prior to the Pandemic. We will keep you up to date as more details and price points emerge.

Do you know someone who will be thrilled that dining plans are returning to Disney? Pass this news along! Do you hope to add the dining plan to your vacation? Let us know in the comments.