Here's how it works:
1. First, you must book a Magic Your Way Vacation Package (meaning a Disney resort + park passes reservation). So right off the bat, you're probably spending more money than necessary because you are purchasing park passes at full-price.2. Next, you choose the level of Dining Plan that you'd like to purchase (see options below). Everyone in your room is required to have the same type of Dining Plan for the duration of their trip.
3. Your room key is loaded up with dining "Credits" that you spend at various restaurants around Walt Disney World throughout your vacation.
So, you've got to ask yourself: What will save you more money.....
- Paying full price for your park passes, possibly paying full price for your resort room (if no room discounts are currently being offered for Magic Your Way packages), and purchasing a full price Dining Plan for everyone in your room? OR...
- Purchasing discounted park passes from a third-party dealer, potentially getting a discount on your room, and just paying out of pocket for your food?
Typically, it depends on how many table-service dinners you imagine yourself eating in one week. Even the particular restaurants you choose (and their pricing) will determine whether or not you'd see any value in purchasing a Dining Plan.
But do you want to check and just make sure?
Intercot has a great tool called the Dining Plan Estimator.
Free Dining Promotions:
In recent years, Disney has been offering a "Free Dining Promotion" during slower times of the year. With this promotion, you must purchase a Magic Your Way Vacation Package, and not only pay full-price for your park passes, but they also restrict you into paying full-price for your room reservation as well. Then, depending on the hotel you're staying at, everyone in your family will receive a particular Dining Plan for free. (Value resorts typically get the Quick Service plan free, Moderate & Deluxe resorts get the Regular Dining Plan free)
But again, the jury is out as to whether this "Free" promotion is worth it, if you have to pay full-price for your room and your park passes. Typically, the same weeks that Free Dining is offered, they also offer room-only discounts of up to 40%.
Ask yourself: What will save you more.....
- Paying full price for your room & park passes in order to get the dining plan free? OR...
- Getting a hefty discount on your room, purchasing discounted park passes, and just paying out of pocket for your food?
Again, it all depends on how much you typically spend on food during vacations.
I personally have used the Free Dining Promotion, and I won't lie: it's very convenient, you don't have to worry about paying cash, and boy-oh-boy, you eat A LOT! The sheer amount of food that is included in the Dining Plans is incredible. You really feel obligated to eat and eat so that you get your money's worth, and dessert is always automatically included with your meals! So if you want to live it up, maybe the Dining Plan IS worth it!
Disney Dining Plan Options
Quick Service Dining Plan:
For each night of your vacation, each guest in your party receives...
- 2 quick service meal combos (think: counter service fast food) with non-alcoholic beverage & dessert
- 1 snack (variety of options like popcorn, beverage, ice cream, small fruit, baked goods, etc.)
- 1 resort refillable mug (unlimited fountain & hot drinks at your own resort)
***Gratuity not included***
***Gratuity not included***
Adults: $34.99/night Children: $11.99/night
Regular/Basic Dining Plan:
For each night of your vacation, each guest in your party receives...
- 1 table service meal or buffet, including non-alcoholic beverage & dessert
- 1 quick service meal combo with non-alcoholic beverage & dessert
- 1 snack (variety of options like popcorn, beverage, ice cream, small fruit, baked goods, etc.)
- 1 resort refillable mug (unlimited fountain & hot drinks at your own resort)
***Gratuity not included***
***Gratuity not included***
Adults: $51.54 (regular season) - $53.54 (peak season)
Children: $15.02 (regular season) - $16.02 (peak season)
Deluxe Dining Plan:
For each night of your vacation, each guest in your party receives...
- 3 meals of any combination of table service & quick service restaurants
- 2 snacks (variety of options like popcorn, beverage, ice cream, small fruit, baked goods, etc.)
- 1 resort refillable mug (unlimited fountain & hot drinks at your own resort)
***Gratuity not included***
Adults: $85.52 (regular season) - $89.52 (peak season)
Children: $23.79 (regular season) - $25.79 (peak season)
For each night of your vacation, each guest in your party receives...
- 3 meals of any combination of table service & quick service restaurants
- 2 snacks (variety of options like popcorn, beverage, ice cream, small fruit, baked goods, etc.)
- 1 resort refillable mug (unlimited fountain & hot drinks at your own resort)
***Gratuity not included***
Adults: $85.52 (regular season) - $89.52 (peak season)
Children: $23.79 (regular season) - $25.79 (peak season)