Looking to get the best bang for your buck on the Disney Dining Plan at Disney World in 2024? Look no further! Our comprehensive guide is packed with 9 expert Disney Dining Plan Hacks that will help you maximize your meal credits on your 2024 Disney Vacation!

9 Expert Disney Dining Plan Disney World Hacks in 2024

The Disney Dining Plan is a popular option for visitors to Disney World, mainly for those who like to have an established Disney budget planned out in advance. But with so many options and choices, it can be overwhelming to navigate the dining plan effectively. That’s where our expert hacks come in!

From split stays to creative use of snack credits, our guide will show you how to make the most of every meal credit, save money, and enjoy some amazing special dining experiences using your Disney Dining Plan. 

So, buckle up and get ready to learn all about using the Disney Dining Plan to your advantage. 

Let’s dive into our 9 expert Disney Dining Plan Disney World hacks and discover how you can savor every moment of your vacation, one meal credit at a time!

Brief overview of the Disney Dining Plan 2024

In this section, we will provide a brief overview of the Disney Dining Plan 2024, including how it works and what it offers. We will also explore tips for understanding the plan, maximizing your meal credits, and using the My Disney Experience app to enhance your dining experiences. Whether you’re looking for table service meals, snack options, or quick service eats, we have you covered.

Understanding the Disney Dining Plan

The Disney Dining Plan is a pre-purchased meal plan that allows guests to enjoy a variety of dining options at the Walt Disney World Resort. It offers flexibility and convenience by providing a set number of meal credits that can be used at participating restaurants.

There are two different tiers of the Disney Dining Plan: Quick-Service Dining Plan, and the Standard Dining Plan.  Sadly the Deluxe Disney Dining Plan is not an option on the Disney Dining Plan 2024, though honestly, it was way too expensive for most people. 

A quick service restaurant at Walt Disney World is a restaurant where you walk up and order your food and find your table.  A table service restaurant at Disney World is a restaurant where you are seated at a table and order your food through your server (Disney cast member). 

Here are the details of each of the 2024 Disney Dining Plan options:

The Standard Disney Dining Plan (aka Regular Dining Plan)

• All guests in your travel party will have 1 Table-Service meal, 1 Quick-Service meal, and a snack/nonalcoholic drink per night of their package stay.  They will also get 1 Resort-refillable drink mug.
• Beverages are included with your meal. Guests under 21 years of age may choose from a big list of nonalcoholic beverages. Guests 21 and older with valid ID may use their beverage credit for beer, wine, and cocktails.
• Price: $94.28/adult, $29.69/child 3-9; per night of stay

The Quick Service Disney Dining Plan

• All guests in your travel party (age 3 and over) will receive 2 Quick-Service meals, and a snack/nonalcoholic drink per night of their package stay.  On this plan they will also get 1 Resort-refillable drink mug.
• Beverages are included with your meal. Guests under 21 years of age may again choose from a big list of nonalcoholic beverages. Guests 21 and older with valid ID may use their beverage credit for beer, wine, and cocktails.
• Price:$57.01/adult, $23.83/child 3-9; per night of stay.

As you can see the Standard Dining Plan includes a combination of quick service meals, table service meals, and snack credits, while the Quick Service Plan only allows for meals at Quick Service locations as well as snack credits.  They both include the same beverage, or “drink credit”, option with your meals.  

The refillable mug is very handy for those who like their coffee or sodas in the morning, and those who like to return to their Disney resort during the day.  Keep in mind you can’t use these mugs to refill drinks at any of the Disney World parks, you can only use them at Disney Resort Hotels.

Another important fact: the Disney Dining Plan 2024 is only an option for those who have booked Disney vacation packages!  Also, be sure to look for the “DDP” signage on snacks to see if they qualify, or check the app.  Souvenir cups or popcorn buckets do not qualify. 

Making the Most of Your Meal Credits

When using the Disney Dining Plan, it’s important to maximize your meal credits to get the best value for your money. Here are some tips (but we will go over the 9 Expert Disney Dining Plan hacks later in this post):

• Make advanced dining reservations for table service meals to ensure availability and make the most of your credits.
• Consider using your table service credits for character meals, where you can enjoy a delicious meal while meeting beloved Disney characters (more on this later).
• Get creative with your snack credits by trying unique food items or using them for desserts at quick service restaurants.
• Utilize quick service meals for grab-and-go options, especially on your last day, to make the most of your remaining credits.

Navigating the My Disney Experience App

The My Disney Experience app is a powerful tool that can enhance your dining experiences at Disney World. It allows you to make dining reservations, view restaurant menus, and check real-time availability. Here’s how you can make the most of the app:

1. Download the My Disney Experience app and create an account.
2. Link your Disney Dining Plan to your account to keep track of your meal credits.
3. Utilize the app to make dining reservations in advance and secure your preferred dining times.
4. Use the app’s real-time availability feature to find additional dining options and make reservation changes on the go.
5. Check the app to see if you can “add on” (see more info below).

By understanding the Disney Dining Plan, maximizing your meal credits, and utilizing the My Disney Experience app, you can make the most of your dining experiences at Disney World in 2024. 

​And here are the Disney Dining Plan Disney World Tips for 2024!

Ok let’s get to it- how do you make the Disney Dining Plan work for you? That can be tricky- as you have to eat a whole lot of food on your Disney Vacation to truly make it “worth it.”  But if you plan on eating at the best restaurants and trying lots of new, fancy food and drinks, then the Dining Plan could be a great option for you.   Here’s what you can do to maximize the value of the Disney Dining Plan:

1) Do a Split Stay

One thing to consider is doing a split stay at a Disney Resort Hotel.  What is a split stay? A split stay is where you spend the first 2 nights (for example) of your Disney World vacation at one Disney resort and the last 2 nights at another resort.  

By dividing your vacation between two different resorts, you can take advantage of front-loading your fancy Disney restaurants and make the most of your Disney Dining Plan credits.  What I mean by this is you will book the Disney Dining Plan for the first Disney resort stay and not for the last.  This would involve booking two different vacation packages but that can be easily done- and a good travel agent can definitely help (send me a message on my contact form- I would be happy to help). 

The benefit of doing it this way is that you pay for two days of the Disney dining plan, but you get access to it the day you check in, and the day you check out. You will have access to your Disney Dining plan for three days and your resort mug refills until 11:59 pm on the day of your checkout. 

This allows you to experience the Disney Dining Plan, make the most of it at the beginning of your trip, but not have to pay for it for your entire trip.  And you get to stay at two different Disney resort hotels (Disney will transfer your luggage so no worries on this part).

Then, on the last days of your vacation, you don’t have the Dining Plan, but you can take it easy and eat wherever you like without having to make it “worth it.”

2) Use your Snack Credits Creatively

Don’t limit yourself to traditional snacks when it comes to using your snack credits on the Disney Dining Plan. Get creative and explore the world of unique food items and desserts available at quick service restaurants. 

Additionally, do your research and know the value of your snack credits. I consider the best option for snack credit value to be if it sells for more than $6.  

Some of the best “bang for your buck” options for the Disney Dining Plan snack credits are:

• Mickey Pretzels (they are huge and found in a variety of parks and locations)
• Ice Cream Sundaes (found in a variety of parks and locations)
• Milk Shakes (found in a variety of parks and locations)
• Poutine (Refreshment Port near the Canada Pavilion EPCOT)
• EPCOT festival snacks (these can be found throughout World Showcase at EPCOT during any of the many Festivals they have).  Here are a few great examples, some as expensive as $11.25!
  • Cheesy Crab Wontons
  • Steam Bun with Veggies and Plant Based Meat
  • Grilled Lobster Tail with Key Lime Butter
• Outpost Puff (Docking Bay 7, Galaxys Edge, Hollywood Studios)
• Rising Moons Overnight Oats (a hearty breakfast option, Ronto Roasters Galaxys Edge, Hollywood Studios)
• Colossal Cinnamon Roll (Animal Kingdom, Creature Comforts)
• Starbucks Drinks- yep, you can do that, and there is a Starbucks at every park!   Any drink, any size! 
• Dole Whip Floats (available at multiple locations)

These are just some awesome snack options that sell for more than $6.  For more options, search by park on the My Disney Experience app and check out the prices on the menus. 

3) Use your Drink Credits for Alcohol or Specialty Beverages

Did you know that you can use your drink (beverage) credits for alcoholic beverages or specialty beverages? This hack will help you indulge in specialty cocktails, wine, other adult beverages, or a fancy drink like a milkshake or mocktail at select locations that maybe you wouldn’t have tried had you not had the Dining Plan. 

This is a great way to add an extra touch of fun to your Disney World trip and try some unique and exciting beverages. 

Whether you’re in the mood for a refreshing mojito, a glass of fine wine, or a fancy mixed drink, you can use your drink credits to treat yourself.  Many restaurants and lounges offer an extensive drink menu, allowing you to explore different flavors and expand your cocktail or mocktail knowledge!

To make the most of your drink credits, be sure to check out the establishments that specialize in mixology or offer signature cocktails. These venues often feature unique and inventive drink creations and are fun places to relax after a long day at the parks.

Remember to ask the knowledgeable cast members (Disney’s name for their crew) for recommendations and guidance on choosing the perfect drink to complement your meal.

Keep in mind that not all dining locations accept drink credits for alcoholic beverages, so be sure to review the dining plan guidelines and check with the server or bartender before placing your order. 

Additionally, please drink responsibly and ensure that you adhere to Disney World’s alcohol policies.  Here are some fun Disiney Dining Plan options to check out:

Location	Specialty Drinks
Boma	Extensive Fancy Wine selection
Nomad Lounge	Nomad Mule
Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar	Air Pirate’s Mule
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto	LapuLapu (but you can’t get it sered in a pineapple

4) Use your Table Service Credits at Character Meals

Character meals are a popular dining option at Disney World, allowing you to meet your favorite Disney characters while enjoying a delicious meal and a nice break from the long lines at the Disney parks. It’s an opportunity to create magical memories and capture fun photos and interactions with your favorite characters.

One of the most iconic character meal locations is Cinderella’s Royal Table, located inside Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom.  But, read on, as this experience will cost you more than one DDP credit!

When planning your character meal reservations, it’s important to understand which character meals require one table service credit and which require two. The credit requirements can vary depending on the restaurant and the characters present.

Some character meals that typically require one table service credit include:

• Crystal Palace – located in Magic Kingdom
• The Garden Grill – located in Epcot
• Hollywood & Vine – located in Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• ‘Ohana – located in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Character meals that often require two table service credits include:

• Cinderella’s Royal Table – located in the Magic Kingdom
• Be Our Guest Restaurant – located in Magic Kingdom
• Akershus Royal Banquet Hall – located in Epcot

Pro Tip: This even applies to non-character table-service meals.  

• Le Cellier Steakhouse – located in Epcot is a 2 table service credit restaurant
• Biergarten- also located in Epcot, is a 1 table service credit restaurant

Be sure to check the latest information on credit requirements when making your dining reservations, as it is subject to change. This will ensure that you can make the most of your table service credits.

5) Use the My Disney Experience 

The My Disney Experience (MDE) app is vital for managing your dining reservations and ensuring you can make the most of your Disney Dining Plan. One helpful feature of the app is its ability to provide real-time information on reservation availability.  As of 2024, they have been updating this feature to make it easier to find open reservations. 

Another helpful feature of the MDE app is the ability to view the menus for almost all of the Disney Table Service and Quick Service Restaurants.  This feature is helpful for the quick service restaurants and kiosks as it will list the price of snacks, and you can see if they meet the $6 cut off we talked about above.  It also allows you to choose your meals ahead of time to be sure you are getting the best value. 

Simply log into the app and navigate to the “check dining availability” section. From there, you can search for available reservation times and click on “view menus.” 

Tracking and Using Your Credits

With the My Disney Experience app, you can also easily keep track of how many Disney Dining Plan credits you have used, and how many you have left.  To do this go to “my plans” and select your resort reservation.  You will then see a dining plan option that will list your available credits.

Note that when using the Mobile Order feature on the My Disney Experience app, it will default to the Disney Dining Plan, so when checking out, be sure anything you don’t want to come from your dining plan is modified.

For example, if you order an item via mobile order and it asks you if you want cheese sauce and you say yes, it counts this as a snack. 

You don’t want this to be a snack, as it’s a poor use of a snack credit. You can then modify this order and remove the sauce so that it isn’t counted as a snack. It’s best to save that snack credit for one of the pricier items listed above. 

6) Use a kids meal credit to get an adult meal (maybe- mileage may vary)

At Disney World, there are select restaurants that don’t have a kids menu.  At these restaurants your child (if you have one in your travel party and on your vacation package dining plan) will be able to use their kids meal credit on an adult meal.  This means more food for less money!  

But, keep in mind that your mileage may vary on this one.  There used to be more locations where you could do this, but since the pandemic, there are fewer and fewer. 

As of the writing of this in 2024 there are reports you can still do this at Casey’s Corner, Ronto Roasters, and Yorkshire County Fish Shop.   This could change at any time and could vary based on what cast member you ask. 

7) Run the Numbers and be sure you are saving money

This one is not a hack but rather some simple words of wisdom.  When considering the Disney Dining Plan, it is crucial to run the numbers and evaluate whether you are truly saving money or at least breaking even.

To do this, compare your dining costs without the plan to the cost of the plan itself, taking into account any out-of-pocket expenses. This analysis will help you determine if the Disney Dining Plan is worthwhile based on your specific dining preferences and budget.

Consider the following factors when running the numbers:

• The price of the Disney Dining Plan: Evaluate the cost of the plan and compare it to what you would typically spend on meals without the plan.
• Number of meal credits: Take note of how many meal credits are included in the plan and whether they align with your dining preferences and schedule.
• Value of meal credits: Assess the value of each meal credit by determining the average cost of a meal throughout the parks and resorts.
• Dining habits: Consider your dining habits and whether you typically eat enough to utilize all the meal credits provided by the plan.

Running the numbers will provide you with a clear understanding of the potential value offered by the Disney Dining Plan. By taking the time to analyze the costs, you can ensure that the plan is a good fit for your budget and dining goals. Remember, everyone’s dining habits and preferences are unique, so it’s important to make an individual assessment.

Use this chart to help you figure out if it works for you!

Factors to Consider	Meal Cost without the Plan	Meal Cost with the Plan	Potential Savings
Average daily meal expenses per person	$X	$X (standard: $94.28/adult, $29.69/child; quick service: $57.01/adult, $23.83/child)	$X
Number of days on the Disney Dining Plan	X	X	X
Total cost of the Disney Dining Plan	$X	$X	$X
Estimated cost without the plan	$X	$X	$X
Total potential savings with the plan			$X

8) Use your credits for Epcot Festival Dining Packages

If you’re visiting during one of Epcot’s festivals, such as the Food and Wine Festival, consider using your dining credits for festival dining packages.  A dining package offers a unique dining experience and allows you to have special seating at a Broadway-style concert, Garden Rocks concert, Eat to the Beat Concert, or even the popular Candlelight Processional during the holidays.

It’s a great way to use your dining credits and enjoy the festival offerings. But, there’s a catch of course, all of these dining packages will cost you 2 credits. 

9) Use your quick service credits for grab-and-go snacks on your last day

As your magical Disney World vacation comes to an end, make the most of your quick service credits by stocking up on grab-and-go snacks on your last day. This hack allows you to grab some yummy Disney treats for the journey home or to enjoy as you explore the parks for the final time before departing.

Some great options include: 

• Half order of Beignets
• Trail Mix at the Gift Shops
• Popcorn Bags
• Cookies from any of the bakeries.  Minnie’s Main Street Bakery Cookies are wrapped making them even easier to travel with!
• Mickey Mouse Shaped Rice Crispy Treats with Chocolate Dipped Ears

Not only will you have something to munch on during the journey home, but you’ll also be able to savor the last moments of your vacation with some tasty snacks. Plus, you’ll have a delicious reminder of the Disney magic as you reminisce about the memories made during your trip.

FAQ

Disney Dining Plan Hacks

How does the Disney Dining Plan work?

The Disney Dining Plan is a prepaid meal plan that allows guests to enjoy a specific number of meals and snacks each day of their Walt Disney World vacation. The plan includes table service meals, quick service meals, and snack credits that can be used at various restaurants and food locations throughout the parks and Disney Resort hotels.

What is the difference between table service and quick service meals?

Table service meals are sit-down, full-service dining experiences where you are served at your table. Quick service meals are typically counter-service meals where you order at a counter or kiosk and then find seating on your own. Both options are available on the Disney Dining Plan and can be used with the appropriate meal credits.

How do I know how many dining credits I have left?

You can keep track of your dining credits by using the My Disney Experience app, looking at your dining receipt, or by asking a Cast Member at any dining location. The app will display your remaining meal and snack credits, making it easy to see how many you have left to use during your trip.

Can I use my meal credits for character meals?

Yes, you can use your table service meal credits for character meals. Character meals are a great opportunity to meet and interact with beloved Disney characters while enjoying a delicious meal. Just be sure to check if the specific character meal requires one credit or two credits, as some may have different credit requirements.

Can I use my snack credits for more than just snacks?

Absolutely! You can get creative with your snack credits and use them for items other than typical snacks. Some quick service restaurants and EPCOT festival booths offer unique food items or desserts that can be redeemed with snack credits. It’s a great way to try something new and maximize the value of your credits.

What are some tips for maximizing my meal credits?

One tip is to make reservations at popular table service restaurants in advance and read the menus in advance. This ensures you can find the best and most expensive item that you would enjoy and would allow you to get the best bang for your buck. Another tip is to plan your meals strategically, using quick service credits or snack credits for breakfast and lunch, and table service credits for dinner. This allows you to experience a variety of dining options while making the most of your meal credits.

Can I use my dining credits for Epcot festival dining packages?

Yes, you can use your dining credits for Epcot festival dining packages. These packages offer a unique dining experience during events such as the Food and Wine Festival, allowing you to sample delicious food and see a great show. It’s a great way to make the most of your dining credits and enjoy the festival offerings, but these dining packages so cost your 2 credits. 

What should I do with any remaining quick service credits on my last day?

On your last day at Disney World, consider using your remaining quick service credits for grab-and-go snacks. This allows you to have some snacks for the journey home or to enjoy as you explore the parks before departing. Make the most of your credits and leave with some delicious treats to remember your magical vacation.

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