Is the Disney Dining Plan Worth it?

When I visited Walt Disney World in September 2025, I decided to try something new: the Disney Dining Plan (this one includes table-service dining). OH, AM I GLAD I DID! Over my 4-night stay, I had 4 table service meals, 4 quick service meals, 4 snacks, and a resort fillable mug—and let me tell you, I took full advantage of every credit.

I paid about $390 total for the dining plan. At first, that might seem like a lot, but considering how expensive food can be at Disney, it was 100% worth it. And remember, this cost is per person—so for me traveling solo, that $390 covered all my meals and snacks for five park days.

Day 1

• Quick Service: Street Corn Fries at my resort (HOLY HEAVENLY). I thought they w

  ere a snack… they were not. Pro tip: read the fine print!

• Dinner – Boatwright’s: Hurricane, Diet Coke, seafood boil, and bread pudding.

Day 2

• Breakfast – Ale & Compass: Crab Cake Benedict, assorted fruit, biscuits, deviled eggs, continental enhancements, pastries, Peach Bellini, AND a Diet Coke.

• Quick Service: Casey’s Corner at Magic Kingdom (because… tradition).

Day 3

• Breakfast – 1900 Park Fare: POG juice, Diet Coke, spicy margarita, all-you-care-to-enjoy breakfast, and the legendary strawberry soup.

• Quick Service: Casey’s Corner (again, no shame).

• Snack – Golden Oak Outpost: Cookies & cream beignets and hot honey lemonade.

Day 4

• Breakfast – Cape May Café: Salted caramel beach buns, an alcoholic salted caramel cold brew, and a Diet Coke.

• Quick Service: Chicken tenders and fries at my resort.

• Food & Wine Festival Snack: Fry Flight (garlic, sweet potato, and regular fries) – $9

  
  
  
  
  

  

  

  .

Day 5

• Lunch – Tusker House: Full buffet, Diet Coke, and the Sunrise Margarita. Absolutely incredible—lunch here is a hidden gem.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Gratuities are NOT included, so you’ll still need to tip. I used a Disney gift card for tips and it worked like a dream.

• Not all restaurants participate, so check before you book.

• Some character dining options require two table-service credits:

  • Be Our Guest

  • Cinderella’s Royal Table

  • Storybook Dining at Artist Point

  • Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue

  • Akershus (lunch & dinner only)

Final Thoughts

The Disney Dining Plan is an incredible value—especially with rising food costs. It’s perfect for families and solo travelers like me who want great meals without stressing about the price every time the check comes.

To put it all in perspective:

• The total value of my meals and snacks without the dining plan came to approximately $509..

• I paid $390 for the dining plan.

That’s a savings of nearly $120—PLUS the convenience and peace of mind. I’d absolutely do it again!