2024 Disney Dining Plan Calculator

Using the Disney Dining Plan Calculator

Use the Disney Dining Plan Calculator to help you decide if one of the Disney Dining Plans will save you more money than paying out-of-pocket dining expenses.

Begin by selecting the basic details of your trip and your dining preferences for each meal of your Disney World vacation (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

Based on the information you provide, the Disney Dining Plan Calculator will then compute your estimated daily out-of-pocket food expenses, as well as the Quick Service (QS) and Table Service (TS) credits you would use for these meals.

Switch between each Disney Dining Plan (Quick Service, Standard, and Deluxe) to see which plan offers you the most value based on your dining selections.

Those of you who are light eaters may find that paying out-of-pocket is more cost-effective.  However, most guests will likely find one of the dining plans offers the greatest value.

Notes

*Assumptions: Calculations are based on the average price per restaurant.

*Appetizers: Since appetizers are not included in most Disney Dining Plans, our calculations do not factor in this extra cost. If you choose an appetizer with your meal, be aware that this cost will be considered an out-of-pocket expense regardless of if you are on a dining plan or not. The one exception is the Deluxe Dining Plan where an appetizer is included with lunch and dinner Table Service meals (not breakfast).

*Tipping: While taxes are included in Disney Dining Plan pricing, gratuity is typically not included. Therefore, the Disney Dining Plan Calculator results do not take gratuity into account. Gratuity is already included with your meal costs at the following dining events: Cinderella’s Royal Table, Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue, Spirit of Aloha Luau, and Mickey’s Backyard BBQ. Parties of six or more are automatically assessed for an 18% gratuity charge. Otherwise, remember to tip your servers!

*TS for QS: Disney does not allow you to substitute a Quick Service credit for a Table Service meal, but they do allow you to exchange a Table Service credit for a Quick Service meal.  Note that if you run out of Quick Service credits and have an extra Table Service credit available, the Disney Dining Calculator will automatically convert a Table Service credit to a Quick Service credit.

The food at Disney World is spectacular!

There are over 140 dining locations in the parks, ranging from snack carts to counter service restaurants, buffets to ethnic restaurants, character dining to exquisite fine-dining, and much more.

With such an abundance of great food around, it’s no wonder that dining expenses end up being one of the biggest costs of a Disney World vacation.

What is the Disney Dining Plan?

In 2005, Disney introduced the Disney Dining Plan as a convenient, flexible, and potentially affordable way for guests to dine and snack at restaurants and food kiosks throughout Disney World.

The Disney Dining Plan essentially gives guests the option to pre-pay a set amount in exchange for receiving credits to be used at over 100 dining locations throughout Disney World.

Guests can choose from 2 tiers of dining plans in 2024: the Quick Service Dining Plan and the Standard Dining Plan (see below for a detailed explanation of each plan).

Dining plans are often included in Disney World Packages (along with Disney Resort reservations and theme park tickets).

Understanding the Disney Dining Plan Calculator

Here are a few terms you should be familiar with as you use the Disney Dining Plan Calculator and consider the benefits of each plan.

Dining Credits:

A “credit” is the term Disney uses to count a meal or snack. Since your credits are based on the number of nights you stay at a Disney Resort, then you can use your credits at any time during your vacation.

Snack:

A “snack” item is defined by any single-serving side item purchased at Quick-Service restaurants, most outdoor carts, and select merchandise locations throughout Disney World.

Examples of snack items include ice cream novelty, fruit bar, 20 oz. soda, popcorn scoop, fruit item, a container of milk or orange juice, a bag of a snack item, and other select items.

Quick Service:

Restaurants accepting Quick Service dining credits typically offer cafeteria-style or counter service dining.

A Quick Service meal includes an entrée and a beverage (or 3 snack items in a single transaction).

Table Service:

Restaurants accepting Table Service dining credits tend to be less casual than Quick Service restaurants (ie, sit-down restaurants with a server).  Some Table-Service restaurants are fine dining establishments, while others have themes or other unique characteristics.

A Table Service breakfast meal consists of an entrée and a beverage, while a lunch or dinner meal consists of an entrée, a dessert, and a beverage (or a buffet/family-style meal at any time of day).

Children Under Age 3:

Children under age 3 can either share a meal with an adult or dine at a buffet for no charge. However, menu items ordered separately (for the child) are subject to normal menu prices.

Children Age 3-9:

Most Disney World restaurants have a kid’s menu for children ages 3-9.

Prices on kid’s menus are often considerably less than normal (adult) menu prices. Any child who is on the children’s Disney Dining Plan must order items from the kid’s menu or else it will be an out-of-pocket expense.

Disney offers a wide selection of healthy meals for kids and standard (not so healthy) fare, depending on the restaurant.

Refillable Mugs:

All guests on a Disney Dining Plan will receive a complimentary resort-refillable mug. These mugs can be used for free refills at self-service beverage counters throughout the duration of your stay.

Refill stations can be found at select Quick Service locations, food courts, and pool bars at Disney World Resorts (every resort has at least one refill station). they are not valid for use inside the theme park.

Signature Dining:

There are a few dining experiences that are considered “signature dining” because they are special or extra-fancy in some way. Guests on the Standard or Deluxe Dining Plan will spend two Table Service credits per meal at these locations or experiences.

– Current two-credit dining experiences include things such as Be Our Guest Restaurant (dinner), The Boathouse, Cinderella’s Royal Table, Citricos, California Grill, Flying Fish, Hollywood Brown Derby, Jiko, LeCellier Steakhouse, Monsieur Paul, Morimoto Asia, Narcoossee’s, Paddlefish, Tiffins, and Yachtsman Steakhouse

– Dinner shows such as Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue require 2 Table Service credits.

– Pizza delivered to your hotel room also counts as two Table service meals. You will receive 1 pizza, 2 beverages, and 2 desserts per every 2 Table Service credits.

Specialty Drinks:

As of 2018, single-serving specialty drinks were included as part of the Disney Dining Plan.  Guests under 21 can choose one non-alcoholic specialty beverage with their meal, while guests ages 21+ can choose either a non-alcoholic specialty beverage (if available) OR a single-serving alcoholic drink with their meal.

– Examples of single-serving non-alcoholic beverages include fresh smoothies, artisanal milkshakes, premium hot chocolate, coffee, tea, and coffee.

– Single-serving alcoholic beverages include beer, wine, cider, mixed drinks, specialty cocktails, and sangria.

– Alcoholic specialty drinks can only be redeemed with Quick Service or Table Service meal entitlements.

2024/2025 Disney Dining Plan Options

Disney offers two unique Dining Plan options as an alternative to paying out-of-pocket dining expenses. Let’s review the details of each plan.

Disney Quick Service Dining Plan

The Disney Quick Service Dining Plan includes the following for each person in the room:

✓  2 Quick Service meals (per night) – (breakfast, lunch, or dinner) 1 entrée and 1 alcoholic (21+) or non-alcoholic beverage

✓  1 snack item / non-alcoholic drink (per night)

✓  1 refillable mug (per stay)

Disney Standard Dining Plan

The Disney Standard Dining Plan includes the following for each person in the room:

✓  1 Quick Service Meal (per night)– (breakfast, lunch, or dinner) – 1 entrée and 1 alcoholic (21+) or non-alcoholic beverage

✓  1 Table Service Meal (per night) – (breakfast) 1 entrée and 1 alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage -OR- full buffet or family-style meal; (lunch and dinner) 1 entrée and 1 alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage and one dessert -OR- full buffet / family-style meal

✓  1 snack item / non-alcoholic drink (per night)

✓  1 refillable mug (per stay)

Is the Disney Dining Plan Worth the Cost?

We have created the Disney Dining Plan Calculator to help you answer this question.

Whether or not the Disney Dining Plan actually saves you money vs. paying out-of-pocket has been debated ever since Disney first introduced the plan back in 2005. To be frank, there isn’t a correct answer. It really just comes down to your individual dining preferences.

Do you prefer Table Service or Quick Service restaurants? Which types of restaurants do you enjoy? How big of an appetite do you have? What types of entrees and beverages you would select? How frequently do you snack, order appetizers, desserts, etc.?

These answers will help you determine if a Disney Dining Plan makes sense.

Generally speaking, if you eat very light – skipping the desserts, cocktails, and extra snacks – then paying for food out-of-pocket could be the way to go.

If you enjoy Table Service restaurants, expensive entrees, specialty drinks (especially fancy alcoholic drinks), desserts, etc, then the Standard Dining Plan might be your best bet.

For those of you in the middle, the Quick Service Dining plan could provide you with more value vs. a paying-as-you-go strategy.

Try different scenarios on the Disney Dining Calculator and see which plan works best for you, if any.

Use Your Dining Credits Wisely – Disney Dining Plan Calculator

There are strategies you can implement to get the most value out of the dining plan you choose.

Menu items tend to be more expensive at lunch and (especially) dinner, so it would be wise to use your snack credits during breakfast (if you are on a Quick Service or Standard plan).

Table Service meals generally have higher out-of-pocket costs and, quite frankly, higher-quality food. Plus, lunch and dinner Table Service meals typically include a dessert item.

If you are on the Disney Standard Dining Plan, use your Table Service credit for dinner and your Quick Service credit for lunch (unless you are more hungry during lunchtime).

Other Things to Consider – Disney Dining Plan Calculator

General Requirement

All guests staying in your Disney Resort room must be booked on the same dining package for the duration of your stay.

Eligibility

In order to be eligible for the Disney Dining Plan, you’ll need to have a Disney Resort Hotel stay. Guests staying off-site (not at a Disney Resort) do not qualify for the Disney Dining Plan.

Since online travel search engines (like Expedia) do not always have an option to book Disney Dining, it may be a good idea to book through a Disney travel agent to confirm your eligibility and tailor your vacation to include your appropriate dining plan. (See our Disney Travel Agents page for suggestions.)

How does the Disney Dining Plan work?

Prior to ordering, tell your server that you are on a dining plan.

Your server will first scan your MagicBand and then ask you to enter your personalized pin number for your account. Once your account has been verified, your meal is then charged to your Disney Dining Plan.

It’s really a convenient and hassle-free payment system!

Note that gratuity and any menu items you order that are not covered by your Disney Dining Plan will be charged to the credit card on your account.

You can track your meal usage by checking the bottom portion of your receipt or by asking your hotel concierge for a printout of your balance.

Seasonal Events

Seasonal dining events often coincide with holidays and festivals at Disney World.

These special limited-time experiences are not included in the Disney Dining Plan Calculator. Check your Disney travel agency for the most up-to-date details and pricing.

Some seasonal offerings, such as booths at the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival, do include options that you can redeem with a snack credit from the Dining Plan.

Enjoy the Food!

We hope the Disney Dining Plan Calculator is helpful in planning your Disney World food budget.

For more informative Disney World vacation planning articles, see other Magic Guides pages including our interactive Disney World Transportation Map, Disney Reservations Calculator, Disney World Crowd Calendar, Disney World Cost Calculator, and Disney Character Dining pages.

If you need help planning and booking your magical Walt Disney World vacation, contact our friends at The Vacationeer. Their services are always helpful and totally free of charge! Click HERE for a free, no-obligation price quote.