The Disney Dining Plan is BACK, Here's What You Need to Know 

I have never gone without the dining plan. We could pick whatever we wanted without even thinking about the prices. It made it easier.

Not worth it for us. We buy Disney gift cards before our trip to "pre-pay" our food and we can be totally flexible where & what to eat, when we want to eat. Plus Disney gift cards are 5% off at Target. We save $$$ doing it this way.

TLDR: the disney dining plan isn't financially worth it, the only advantage of it is you can pre-pay for it ahead of time (in which case, I'd just buy gift cards before your trip). It also can severely limit your options at some places, so you may not even be able to get the food/ snack you want

TheDFB team is amazing. Thank you for providing this information with honesty.

Thanks for the update AJ. I remember when we used to get free dining for 2 weeks when we went to the Fort in a cabin during Christmas season!! Such a deal! Those first 2 weeks of Dec are much different now! We did that for years when our girls were young. It will be interesting to see how it rolls out this time.

Leaving today for Disney! We have the standard dining plan and this video helps soooo much, since we haven’t used it since 2019! Thank you for the info about snacks bc I was confused about it!

We just got ours for first week of Feb but we also have been able to snag a sit down reservation everyday of our trip we always used it to it's fullest before now we have 2 kids and it's nice to prepay and not have another budget to keep track of

I wouldn't recommend paying for it for first timers. If you get it free, hey, it's free! We got the dining plan our first time and ended up going home with a ton of snacks just to use up our remaining credits. Now that we've been to DW several times, we have favorite restaurants, snacks and know exactly what we want. I think we'd use most of the credits now.

It is so very interesting how the Disney parks are different. I've been following your channel for a few years already and have never been to any Disney park. So. I thought they would all work the same. Last year, we finally went to Paris (as we are from Germany, so that's the closest). Luckily, I searched for videos specifically about Disneyland Paris and had to notice that everything is completely different. 😅 We stayed in a Disney Hotel (Newport Bay) and added a dining plan and they are not at all like those you've just talked about in your video. In Disneyland Paris you can choose between only breakfast, breakfast and lunch or dinner and breakfast, lunch and dinner. So, no snacks included and you can only use them up to a certain pre-fixed price. We did go with the breakfast and dinner option and were quite happy with it. 😊👍 Thank you for all the work you put into providing us all with these informations for free. 💖

Thanks for doing this! My husband and I are total foodies so if anyone can maximize the DDP it’s us 😉

I remember back when we got the Dining Plan and we had to get desserts at every meal well at lunch and dinner and we were so stuffed. I think it was worth the money we had a ton of snacks every day too. They really have cut back and it sounds like a jip now

If it is about convenience and you don’t care about the money the easiest thing is to just charge everything to your room through the magic band. I feel trying to keep up with what credits I have or haven’t used would just add one more thing to track. (My family went all out and basically made money no major limitation so I was generally willing to pay for any advantage but once again we plan on only going every 4-5 years as the kids will keep getting different types of experiences as they mature).

My friend and I went to Disney a few years ago and the dining plan actually worked well for us. It was really convenient, especially with the magic bands (which, at the time, were sent straight to you before the trip)

Thanks for all your hard work !!!!

We only did the dining plan once, when it was a free promo years ago. My family and I would not buy it due to the fact that it costs us more,and you can’t combine any hotel discounts with it. It’s more affordable to use the hotel discount . We also use pre bought gift cards and our rewards.

For us it was having 6-12 months to pre-pay for everything before our trip that made it worth it. We weren't even considering going back to Disney until DDP came back.

It sucks that everyone has to get the dinning plan for every day, my family has people who would make full use of it. But also people who wouldn’t utilise it 😢

We can definitely save money not getting the dining plan but have gotten it in the past. I recommend paying out of pocket for breakfast if you get the dining plan and keep your credits for lunch and dinner. Breakfast is usually the less expensive meal of the day. 😊

I love having the dining plan! If you're like me and love getting the fish or steak (the most expensive things), it saves a great deal of money and you can eat like that without any buyers' remorse. The free dining deals make this even better. We took advantage of it last time and upgraded to the standard plan - saved so much money.

I am anxiously awaiting, more news on how the dining plan worked out for you or didn't. I think a lot of knowing if it's worth it, depends on knowing the people you are with.

I'm going to Disney in the fall and am considering the DDP and this info has been great! I'm kinda leaning more to paying out of pocket since I'm trying to be conscious of money and will probably just splurge on a few big meals (like Cinderella's royal table and Chef Mickey)

Before COVID I did the math comparison of the DDP over No plan with the Table of Wonder card. Over a 10 day trip I saved an average of $15 per day not using the DDP for just me and the wife. However every time I swiped my card I was stressing the money. So IMHO the $15 per day for stress free dinning s so worth it.

It is going to be my girlfriend’s first Disney trip she will remember in October when we are going. I want to give her the experience that I got growing up that she never got, so for the table service side of things we are saving a boat load both with money and peace of mind. Granted she also has a smaller pallet for taste which will be expanded hopefully, but it just puts her mind at ease not having to worry about it. If we want breakfast we will buy it as we only eat snack credit portions anyways, but we’d also get full off of a nice glass of chocolate milk 😂. Staying five nights six days at all star movies. Now picking and how to use them is the hard part for myself as I’m planning it… so many tasty options 😂

We have purchased the quick service for our trip. We are only two people and with our disney dining credit as part of our booking will cover most of our meals.

Our first time trying out the DDP, coming up in Feb, with convenience being the objective. Knowing it's already paid for, long before the trip, is just one thing less to think about. More time to focus on the Magic!

Quick service can be worth it if you do some research ahead for most expensive foods and snacks and get alcoholic drinks with quick service meals

Nope! Doesn't make sense for me, but I so appreciate your info! Love your videos!!❤

My life in the hospitality industry. Value = Expectation / Price A positive number is good. With the DP we need to add 'likelihood' as a factor. We would multiply the Value result by the LF for the final number to compare to the cost. That outcome then becomes just another line or two into the master planning / cost spreadsheet. So for each expected meal during your plan how LIKELY is it you will use those credits? If you tend to grab snacks or rides are the priority locking into the DP would be scored .8 as in the DP would have 20% less Value because you are likely to leave some credits on the table or compromise on the food choices to net gain max dollar value. If dining is your plan then a 1.2 The DP is going to get maxed and has 20% positive value by allowing you to live your eating adventure wo looking at the bill. As AJ points out you don't have to make your rating / choice when you book. You can wait until you know your plans execution success for special events and dining reservations.

Were off to DW for two weeks in May (from the UK), we picked up the quick service in Nov where we get an extra £1008 and a £200 gift card on top for the deal so for us it was worth it

My daughter and I are going for our first time in April for 7 days. We are doing the quick service plan. I feel like not spending money when I’m there on food will give me the ILLUSION each day is cheaper than it actually is. Downside is I’ll probably wind up buying way too many toys now for the kiddo. 🤷‍♂️ YOLO

Thanks for this helpful video. I am a person who likes to make sure that things are a good deal before purchasing; I have always suspected that the dining plan would cost us more and I finally have that info definitively because we just came back from an 8-night trip with 5 people. During our stay, we had three TS meals. I tallied up our total food costs including tips (without a dining plan) and if we would have purchased the QS plan, we would have spent $735 more on food for the trip; If we would have purchased the QS/TS plan, it would have cost us $2226 more. Kind of shocking! I will say two important things: we bring collapsible water cups and drink water with our meals, and we also don't buy alcoholic drinks in the parks, so that plays a big factor as to why it wouldn't be financially better for us. Also the refillable mugs wouldn't pay off for us because we are hardly ever at the resorts. Finally we are a family that loves wdw "snacks". We have a list of must do food items and hardly any of them count as QS or TS (festival booth items, MK spring rolls, night blossom, buffalo chips, totchos, etc.)

Definitely worth it. Show up and one less thing to worry about.

In looking how much the plan costs now, and which restaurant require 2 table service credits and what it would cost to just order off the menu and use a discount if you have one, it will cost less to just order and do a discount, and get discounted gift cards and pay with them.. it'll cost you a lot less than getting the dining plan!

Got the deluxe dining plan a few years ago, and it was WAY too much. It was almost impossible to consume all that food. On the way out, we used every credit we had to purchase snacks in a shop in the MK, and gave the massive shopping bag of stuff to our grandsons. Advised everyone after to avoid the deluxe. No way it was necessary.

It used to be worth it if you wanted to hit the nice restaurants, you'd get a little bit of a "discount" and then convert those QS into snacks and enjoy the food and wine festival with the snack credits. Now you're basically just pre-paying everything. I say "discount" because normally you might not be planning to do a bunch of the signature restaurants in a stay, so you're kinda forcing yourself to spend more, but you would've made out versus out of pocket. Now I am not so sure that there'd be any difference.

Already had a 4 day trip (1st time to DW) and staying at the Poly! Thankfully my travel agent was able to add this with the new deal! Free food! Really looking forward to my trip this summer, and will be watching this channel religiously.

Is there any word on whether they are going to be bringing back the deluxe dining plan at some point? We had the deluxe dining plan for our Disney World trip we took in 2019 & I was definitely very happy with that choice & will be sad if it’s not an option for future trips😢

When I'm on vacation, I like to eat where I want to eat and not feel limited. Sometimes we feel like having signature restaurant dinners and sometimes we just feel like having Casey's hot dogs. Also there are great restaurants off property that we want to try like Bull and Bear. I find this not conveneed for our family.

We leave in 3 days for Disney world and I got the standard dining plan def missing the old Disney plan with the 3 tiers

So is dessert included in the meal when you have quick plan or not? Thanks ! We are arriving late january!!! ❤❤

I did math for this years upcoming trip and it came out about same for dining plan and paying. We always did deluxe plan as we are big eaters, like expensive entrées and expensive restaurants, drinks, etc. and it was worth it for us. But it was so much food as you used to get an appetizer and dessert. The standard plan is better for us now as we are eating less as we get older. I think for adults who drink alcohol and kids under 9 it’s a better-deal but not so much for those who don’t drink or don’t eat meat.

Thanks for doing the math for us! We have a son with special needs we are bringing (He loves Disney) and he would not benefit from a dining plan due to the fact that he has a limited palate. I never eat dessert. so, no way to the DDP. Even if you buy the most expensive item on the dinner menu, you are likely ahead of the game sans DDP. I will pack a small toaster for breakfast ($14 at Walmart), order snacks (apples, bananas, oranges, popcorn) and bagels and soda and have it delivered from Kroger to the room ($10). Eat lunch and dinner at the resort or parks of course!... I can see the advantage for some , just not for us!

Last time we went I think we had like 3 snack credits left for each person so we just loaded on like packagable snacks like rice crispie treats, popcorn and more ‘luxury’ snaxks we normally wouldnt like Candy Apple or starbucks

Since I am solo trip to DW I may not get DDP I rather pay myself

WHO'S HAPPY THAT THE DISNEY DINING PLAN IS BACK? I've only been to Walt Disney World once, plus I'm a vegetarian so finding a sit down restaurant is kind of tricky to eat at if they don't have anything for me to eat

We just returned after using the counter-service plan (2 counter service entrees, 2 drinks, one snack/day) . It wasn't good for us. We never eat that much food; it felt like force feeding. The plastic refill cup was useless; we just don't drink sugary drinks. They should offer a no refillable cup option.

We are looking at a 2 week holiday, but we are looking at an off resort/hire car stay and an Orlando freedom pass for the parks. That would rule us out for any Disney dining plan then?

Cost can be worth it (or at least break even) if you plan things out. I did some math and on most of the days we would spend more than the dining plan cost for the day with my group if we did the same meals out of pocket. That said, it does require some planning. Definitely not for everyone, but I think it makes sense for us.

My coworker just bought a gift card too use for food on they’re trip .. 😊

I fall on the skeptical side. The cost is not worth it.

For quick service plan, a lot of the kids meal come with a drink, can they still order a different specialty beverage?

Planning a trip for in a few years would be me two kids likely 10 and 12 at the time (one daughter loves steak one loves chicken dishes) daughters dad and my partner (both men love steak and lobster so high cost items) wondering what others think go dinning plan to ensure things are fully paid in advance and the crazy expensive meals the men love are covered? Costs are being split among adults but we’re doing a equal split so I am questioning the dinning plan. And advice?

I Alwsys get the Quick Service Plan And Then Bring Some Cash For Breakfast Or extra snacks that works For me .. If you get the table Service Plan you Have to Make sure your gonna Use that table Service Credit every day of your trip , If you dont use it your wasting it

On the new plan is there one less snack credit compared to the old plan that had two snack credits 😮?!

What I'm confused about is, if you stay in a value resort are you stuck w just doing the quick service dining plan or can you still do the standard? That's never been made clear to me.

I was skeptical of the original -- why should I change now? I am fortunate to be entirely capable of paying for what I order, so WHY? Trivia: I once had the dining plan for ONE DAY! The details are fuzzy, but it had something to do with a one-night stay at the Dolphin resort (followed by a longer stay at another resort). Somehow I was able to set up a 1-day dining plan in connection with this stay. It was fun using it up, including one snack! But I don't need to do it again...

Hello! thank you for this great video! What meal/ restaurant is being show at 24:32- 24:37???

I had book my hôtel and my ticket. How can i had dinning plan in a other réservation ? I can find it :(

Can you mobile order with dining plan? Can you charge your room for mobile order yet?

We used the deluxe ddp in 2019 and our hotel invoices still showed an additional $1,200 in tips, food and snack charges. When we went again for the 50th in Sept/Oct 2021 we skipped the ddp and our invoice showed $2,500 in tip, food and snack charges. Both were 10 day trips for 3 adults. Not worth it for us.

Going in February with our 2 and half year old and scheduled almost all our signature dining as a character/buffet/family style meal. Because she can eat off our plate for "free" we figured this would be the best option for us

Question if I’m an annual pass holder and I rent points for a DVC resort can I get the dining plan

The DDP only value to us is when it's was an included in an offer, included usually when Disney was under pressure to fill rooms. To purchase it outright otherwise doesn't make any sense to me. It's doesn't represent value and in some instances limits your choices.

I paid for it in advance, so it’s free 💁 girl math !

We miss the deluxe dining plan!! We are huge foodies 😢😢😢

How strict are they with people sharing credits? In the past I remember we just got like a total amount of credits, so sometimes my wife or a party member could use one of my credits if I wasn't going to use it. Is this still possible?

i love the dining plan so i don’t have to roll my eyes at every price i see, the penny pinch all vacation long. yeah i might loose money, but i’m also paying for some piece of mind. also, i was surprised to not hear anything about it being free for Disney+ members (with a 4 night stay)

Our food budget for Disney is always $100 per day per person. Dining plan saves us at least $100/ day. I will admit we stick to buffets and character dining but chef mickeys for the 5 of us is over $300 just for breakfast. The dining plan is only $100 more for the day. We will certainly eat more than that in quick service and snacks. I can see if you are eat pbj from your backpack and stick to water people that is fine but we appreciate the excellent food to be had at the parks.

We did get the Disney dining plan but the only reason we did is because we got it on the amazing deal with Disney+

Can I cancel the dining plan if I already have it on my reservation?

Thank you for this video! My husband and I were just talking about a trip between July and Sept when Disney has the deal of a free meal plan with the purchase of a 4 night, 4 day and park hopper purchase. There would be 4 adults traveling which with the Quick service plan, it would be just over $900. Is it worth it? I haven’t looked into the hotels that are part of this offer to know if we can even do one of the budget friendly ones. Thoughts? Typically when we go to Disney which is about every 3-4 years, I do a grocery delivery and we eat most of our own food with only buying “treats” or an occasional park meal. I would love to not have to “meal plan” while at Disney the next time we go so I can spend more time enjoying the trip. 😊

Yes I will probably if it isn´t gone again in 2029 fingers crossed but not sure yet fully since I haven´t decided were to stay but Caribbean has the modern Filling stations with multiple choices for delicious mug drinks.

So, how does this work with Jaleo? I know it’s two credits per diner, but what can you get since it’s small plates? Do you only choose one? Go for the 32oz ribeye? Like where is the value

I do not know if this was addressed, but when you purchase the dining plan, you pay for how many NIGHTS you are staying, not DAYS. I am going for seven nights, but will not be leaving until midday on the eighth day, and having arrived in time on the first day to grab at least dinner, and sometimes a snack, any dining points left (and there will be enuff) I will be using for breakfast and lunch on that last day. I divide the total for the dining plan by eight days, not seven, which brings the per day cost down to about $82.50. I can justify a drink or three extra in the food budget! 😊

It’s a complete waste of money unless you strategically plan every single meal to find the most expensive food options. There were days we could have saved 50% or more if we just paid for the food out of pocket. Another way for them to price gouge.

does anyone know where that pizza is from at 16:24?

In the old days did it ever sell out on a date?

Didn't the quick service used to have 2 meals and 2 snacks?

Can 2 quick service credits be used for 1 table service?? (I hate quick service)

Wondering if you can give some more insight on what to do with any leftover meal credits at the end of a trip if you have them now if you cannot convert them into snack credits anymore? We used to just bring home a few bag of candies if we ever had any leftover. Also wondering if when you say that you can no longer convert into snack credits does that mean you just can’t convert into snacks and use them as single credits whenever you want or you can’t convert them at all? We used to use them all the time to eat at the festival booths and it was such a fun way to taste everything but we would basically just use one meal at a a single booth to try all 3 dishes they were offering. Is that not an option anymore either?

This is linked to your magic bands right?

How do you get your refillable cup? Front desk?

I will get the dining plan because they giving it to me for free this time lol

we always get the dining plan

The old dining plan had 2 snacks per day. Definitely not worth it now.

Is there any chance of the eventual return of the Deluxe Disney Dining Plan?

0:10 How do I feel about Diamond Dallas Page? Nostalgic…

Can you use a quick service credit in a table service restaurant paying the difference? Or are you not allowed to use it at all?

Can you get the dining plan if you’re renting DVC points?

How does tipping work?

Where is the blue drink with the sandwich at 00:59 ?

How do the kids quick service credits work, if the restaurant doesnt offer kids meals ?

I’m trying to watch this video and there is a giant ad for your products blocking the screen. Jesus.

We luckily got the dining gift card for $720. I think that’s a better deal at least for us. Don’t get me wrong, if o got the dining plan for free, I’d take it 😂 but I don’t paying for it

Are people who buy the discounted military salute tickets able to buy the dining plan if they stay at a Disney resort?

Girl math: I am eating for free once I get there 😂❤

Am I understanding it right that when you dine at a table service restaurant, you can order what ever you want? So I can get a starter, main and dessert? Are there any limits in this?

What happened to 2 snacks per person per day😢

Will the Sleepy Hollow waffle/fruit sandwich be a 'snack' credit?

Yea I’ll be getting it for two reasons! 1. My husband sucks at saving money last time we went, we didn’t save enough for feeding ourselves and we only got one table service meal. If we pay ahead using our tax refund I can feel safe we will be eating! 2. I like snacks and I will love saying yes to my kids when they see some cute beverage or cupcake or whatever they want!!