If you’re planning a Disney trip and debating whether to go all-in with the Disney Dining Plan, you’re not alone. With the return of the Dining Plan, families everywhere are asking: Is it really worth the cost?
As a mom of four, I put it to the test on our recent trip — with kids aged 13, 5, 3, and 1 — and here’s what I learned (and what you should definitely know before you decide).
🥞 What’s Included in the Dining Plan?
There are two options:
- Quick Service Plan – 2 quick service meals & 1 snack per night
- Standard Dining Plan – 1 quick service, 1 table service, and 1 snack per night
Both plans also include a resort refillable mug, which you can use for unlimited drinks at your hotel (yes, coffee refills included!).
🍽️ What We Loved
- Kids under 3 eat free at buffets and family-style meals. That alone can make character meals way more affordable.
- Kid meals are well-portioned. Adults can even order them for themselves at quick service locations.
- It took the pressure off budgeting. No calculating prices before ordering—everything felt paid off and handled.
😬 What We Didn’t Love
- It’s a lot of food. You really need to maximize your meals (think steak, not salad) to come out ahead.
- Signature dining uses 2 credits. Dining at places like Cinderella’s Royal Table can eat up your allotment quickly.
- You still pay out of pocket for extras—tips at table service, special drinks, and sometimes breakfast if you use up your meals early.
💡 So… Was It Worth It?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no.
We saved money some days and overspent on others—but the biggest benefit? Peace of mind. With meals pre-paid, there were fewer surprises and meltdowns. It helped us stay in the moment and say yes more often.
🎥 Want to See Our Full Breakdown?
Watch the episode:
📺 We Tried the Disney Dining Plan – Was It Worth It?
I walk through what we ordered, what it would have cost out of pocket, and how we made it work for a large family.
📌 Bonus: Grab My Disney Dining Cheatsheet
Want a free one-pager to help you decide if the Dining Plan is right for your family?
👉 Download it here — includes tips for budgeting, snack picks that give you the most value, and our favorite restaurants that give you pixie dust-level portions.
🚼 Traveling with littles?
Don’t forget: I specialize in travel planning for big families, neurodiverse kids, and stroller-toting parents.
Let’s plan your next magical (and stress-reduced) vacation together. ✨
📩 Work with me