The Pros and Cons of the Disney Dining Plan: Is It Worth It?
When planning a trip to Disneyland or Disney World, one of the most debated questions is whether to invest in the Disney Dining Plan. This plan, which covers meals and snacks, is either loved or loathed depending on how the details play out. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of the Disney Dining Plan and help you decide if it's worth the cost.
Understanding the Disney Dining Plan
The Disney Dining Plan comes in different tiers, each with its own cost structure. The standard plan offers one quick service meal and one snack credit per day, the deluxe plan offers one quick service meal or one table service meal and one snack credit per day, and the manuals in Wonderland plan offers 20 off certain table service meals with alcoholic beverages included per year. Understanding the plan can help in making an informed decision.
The Pros of the Disney Dining Plan
Prepaid Dining: The biggest plus of the Disney Dining Plan is that it allows for prepaid dining. This means you don't have to worry about around-the-clock decisions about meals or snacks. One of our readers, Anna, a mother of picky eaters, highlights that having pre-paid dining makes it easy for her family to enjoy a variety of meals and flavors without worrying about costs.
Flexibility: The lowest tier of the dining plan, the manuals in Wonderland plan, offers the most flexibility. This plan, which requires a small membership fee, allows you to enjoy up to 20 table service meals and drink credits, including alcohol, at a discount. This can be a great option for families who want to try a variety of dining experiences but don't want to commit to the higher tiers of the plan.
Free Valet Parking: The manuals in Wonderland membership also comes with the benefit of free valet parking at the resorts, which can save a lot of time and hassle.
The Cons of the Disney Dining Plan
Overpriced and Excessive Food: Despite the benefits, the Disney Dining Plan can be seen as overpriced, especially for those who are not particularly hungry or do not like to eat multiple meals a day. Many visitors report feeling like they are constantly eating, especially on the standard and deluxe plans, which cover three sit-down meals a day for over 100 per adult. This can make it difficult to justify the cost, especially for those who have picky eaters or who prefer smaller, more spread-out snacks.
Complicated Reservations: To use the table service credits, one needs to make reservations, which can be somewhat complicated, although rarely problematic. The standard and deluxe plans require multiple reservations, which can lead to difficulties in planning the trip, particularly in terms of balancing dining and touring time.
Hot Weather Adaptations: Disney parks can be incredibly hot, and many visitors find themselves not eating the same way they do at home, leading to more small snacks rather than full meals. The plan does not account for this and still includes a lot of food, which can be a downside.
Alternative Solutions: Tables in Wonderland Membership
For those who find the Disney Dining Plan too expensive, the Tables in Wonderland membership is a more cost-effective alternative. For 150–200 dollars (depending on residency or annual pass), this plan entitles you to two table-service meals and drink credits (including alcohol) for up to 10 guests. This effectively serves as a prepaid gratuity card, as the dinner bill always includes a gratuity.
Beyond the food and drink benefits, the membership comes with free valet parking, and you may also get free parking at the parks if you book breakfast at a participating location.
Conclusion
Whether the Disney Dining Plan is worth it depends on your family's preferences and how you plan to use the plan. For those who prefer to try a variety of dining options and don't mind the cost, the plan can be a great choice. For those who are more focused on maximizing touring time and prefer smaller, more spread-out snacks, the Tables in Wonderland membership might be a more practical and budget-friendly option. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your family's dining habits and trip goals.