What Is the Disney Dining Plan (And How Do You Use It)?

Planning a Walt Disney World vacation can feel like organizing a logistics summit—but that’s where the Disney Dining Plan comes in. If you’re staying at a Disney Resort hotel, this prepaid meal package simplifies budgeting and allows you to enjoy your vacation without constantly thinking about food costs.

As of 2025, Disney offers two main dining plan options. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how each works, who can use them, and how to maximize every dining credit.

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⭐ What Is the Disney Dining Plan?

The Disney Dining Plan (DDP) is a prepaid meal package available to guests booking a Walt Disney World Resort hotel as part of a vacation package that includes theme park tickets. It’s designed to give you flexibility and savings while dining at over 200 participating locations across the parks, resorts, and Disney Springs.

Currently, Disney offers two types of dining plans:

1. Quick-Service Dining Plan

• 2 Quick-Service Meals per person, per night
• 1 Snack per person, per night
• 1 Resort Refillable Drink Mug per person

Quick-Service means you order at the counter—no reservations required. This plan is ideal for families who prefer flexibility and fast meals while exploring the parks.

2. Disney Dining Plan

• 1 Table-Service Meal (includes character dining) per person, per night
• 1 Quick-Service Meal per person, per night
• 1 Snack per person, per night
• 1 Resort Refillable Drink Mug per person

This is the most popular option, combining convenience with the magic of sit-down experiences like character meals or EPCOT’s international cuisine.

🔄 Note: The Deluxe Dining Plan and other variations have been retired as of February 2020 and are not currently available.

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🎟️ Who Can Use the Dining Plan?

Only guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel who book a Vacation Package (room + tickets + dining) can purchase a Dining Plan. It must be added before travel—usually no later than 48 hours prior to arrival.

It’s not available for:

• Guests staying off-site
• Annual Passholders booking “room-only” reservations
• Ticket-only purchases

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🍽️ How Do You Use the Disney Dining Plan?

✔️ Dining Plan Credits Breakdown

Credits are allocated per person, per night of your stay, not per day of park tickets. For example, a 5-night stay with the standard plan gives you:

• 5 table-service meals
• 5 quick-service meals
• 5 snacks
• 1 refillable mug

✔️ When and How to Use Credits

• All credits are loaded at check-in (or early check-in via the app) and can be used in any order during your trip.
• Use credits at any participating location—no daily restrictions.
• Track your remaining credits at the bottom of any food receipt or through the My Disney Experience app.

✔️ Refillable Mugs

• Usable only at resort self-service beverage stations
• Can be brought into parks, but you’ll pay full price to refill there

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👶 Dining Rules and Tips

• Children ages 3–9 must order from the kids’ menu where available.
• Character dining and some signature restaurants require 2 table-service credits per person.
• Gratuity is NOT included—bring your wallet for tips.
• Leftover credits? Use extra snacks on the last day to stock up on Mickey-shaped treats to bring home.

🧠 Pro Tip from Shannon: Don’t “save” your credits. Use them to fuel your park days and prioritize the restaurants that require reservations (especially character meals). Strategic use = big value.

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🍴 Where Can You Use Dining Plan Credits?

Disney maintains an up-to-date list of participating locations. Restaurants are categorized by:

• Quick-Service
• Table-Service
• Character Dining (some take 2 credits)
• Signature Dining (often 2 credits)
• Dinner Shows (some take 2 credits)

👉 Click here to view the full list of participating restaurants.

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📞 Want to Add a Dining Plan to Your Trip?

Choosing the right Dining Plan—and making reservations at the best locations—is part art, part strategy. Let a Disney expert help you navigate the options and optimize your experience.

🎟️ Click below to get a free quote from Shannon at Mouseketrips.
You’ll receive a concierge-level plan tailored to your travel style and budget.

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Final Thought

The Disney Dining Plan is about more than convenience—it’s about elevating your Disney experience. With the right strategy, it can also offer excellent value and a touch of magic to every meal.