A Review Of Disney World Dining Plans

My husband and I recently took a vacation to Walt Disney World in Florida. We chose to stay in one of Disney's Resorts and take the opportunity to use one of the dining plans offered.

I was very happy we decided to purchase the dining plan. With the meal plan, you do not have to worry about how much each meal costs at each mealtime, just choose the type of restaurant that corresponds to the type of plan you have and show your room key to the cashier. They will then deduct a meal off of your plan and you can go eat.

Several different meal plans are available, depending on how much you would like to pay and what types of meals you would like to eat.

We choose the Quick Service dining plan, which gives you two quick meals (pizza, chicken, burgers, etc.) and two snacks (chips, ice cream, beverages, etc.) for each night you stay there.

One awesome part of the plan is that you choose when you want to use your meals - you are not required to eat two meals and two snacks every day. You may use your meals until they run out. You can eat 4 meals one day then 4 snacks the next, or however you choose to use your credits. Your balance is always printed on your receipt, so you know exactly how many you have left.

Another perk of the dining plan is the refillable drink mugs for use at your resort, which you can refill at any time throughout your stay. They are also very nice souvenirs after you return home.

Options other than the Quick Service plan are available too:

The Dining Plan option includes one Table Service meal, and one Quick service meal per night. A table service meal allows you to sit and order your food, instead of going through a line. It can also be used at buffets that accept dining plans. This plan only includes one snack and does not come with a refillable mug.

The Deluxe Dining Plan offers three meals - you can choose quick service or table service. You also receive a refillable mug and have two snacks per day. This option also allows you to trade meals for some experiences like Character Dining.

The final two options are the Premium and Platinum Plans, which also come with three meals, two snacks, mug, and other dining experience options. They allow you to do the most with your meals, and also include other resort benefits, such as special tours at the parks.

If you are planning on staying at a resort, I would recommend you choose one of the meal plans to help save the hassle of planning out your budget for each meal and needing to carry other methods of payment with you for your food. I got to eat at several different places, even at one of the World Showcase countries at Epcot with just my Quick Service meal plan, and I have no regrets!

©2010, FloridaIsBest.com. All rights reserved.