We know eating is one of the biggest and best parts of Disney! We literally plan out what we want to indulge in throughout our trip. One of the simplest ways to plan ahead is by reserving a dining plan. However, there’s a few dining plans to choose from when you book. So, which one is the best for you?
The first thing that is important is to understand what Disney means when they say table-service meal, quick-service meal, and snacks. This helps you know what you have left for the day, what you should be looking for, and what’s available to you!
Table-Service Meals
Table-service meals are probably the most self explanatory of the three. All table-service means is you are seated and waited on by a serving staff! For this tier, think Woody’s Roundup, Cinderella’s Royal Table, and Be Our Guest. These restaurants include an entree, dessert (some have an appetizer), and beverage. In the case of guests over 21, an alcoholic beverage can be ordered instead of a soda, tea, lemonade, etc. However, for table-service, we absolutely recommend making reservations when you book your Disney vacation!
There is one small catch for certain table-service restaurants. In the case of Cinderella’s Royal Table, Princess Storybook Dining, and Artist Point with Snow White, reservations will cost you two table-service meals instead of one, so plan accordingly!
Quick-Service Meal
Quick-service meals are what you would be using for your cafeteria and counter style dining. You place an order on the mobile order or at the counter, pay, and sit down to eat. In the case of quick-service, think Rocking Bay 7 Food and Cargo and Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe. There is two ways to use quick-service meals! For one, they can be used at the quick-service locations in the park and at resorts. However, a second option is pizza pickup. At many Disney resorts, a quick-service meal can be used for a pizza pickup. Each quick-service gets a beverage (alcoholic or nonalcoholic), and pizza pickups allow for two beverages!
One of our favorite nighttime rituals is a pizza, an adult beverage, and a Disney movie before bed!
Snacks
Lastly for the dining plan, you have snacks! These are exactly what you think they would be. Snacks are those delicious bites and cold drinks that get you through the day. Some snacks on the plans include nonalcoholic beverages, ice-creams, single popcorn scoops, and single-serve snacks.
So, which dining plan is right for you?
Well, there’s not one set answer. Dining plans all depend on how you want to eat throughout your vacation. Would you rather grab and go, or would you rather have a seated and served experience?
Table-Dining Plan
The table-dining plan has a little bit of everything. There’s one table-service, one quick-service, and one snack per day per person. If you’re looking for a bit of everything, this may be for you – especially if you’ll be spending time in the parks during the day!
Quick-Service Dining Plan
Next, there’s the quick-service dining plan. If sitting down to eat isn’t for you and your party, this is a fantastic option! You still have your snack, but everyone gets two quick service meals instead of one!
Deluxe Table-Service Dining-Plan
This is the plan for those wanting to indulge in all their options on their Disney vacation! This plan has a quick-service and a snack. The deluxe goes from having one table-service to having two table-services. Picture a sit-down breakfast, a quick-service lunch in the park, dinner at Chef Mickey’s, and a snack before you head up to bed!
We understand that food on vacation is a make it or break it. Paying for food up front can not only save you money, but it’s so much easier than worrying about your budget. It’s already in the budget! Every dining plan includes the refillable resort mug. You can have endless soft drinks simply by filling up your cup at any resort!
Are you traveling with little kids? You could automatically save money! Children under 9 get a free dining plan if everyone in their party book their own dining plan. So, you may even have some members eat for free.
