disney dining plans

Affordable Disney World Dining: The Deluxe, Premium, Platinum and Wine Dining Plans

Nancy Disney Dining Plans, Saving Money on Food , , , 1 Comment

Always ready to offer a variety of options to their guests, Disney has Dining Plans to fit many different needs. Today’s post will discuss the higher priced options: the Deluxe, Premium, and Platinum Dining Plans, and the Wine and Dine Plan. Offering more food than the Basic or Quick Service Dining Plans, these plans are all the same from the dining aspect: the difference in each is in the “extras” that are included with the Premium and Platinum Plans.

One thing to consider as you look at all that is offered in each plan, is that they are not cheap. Having said that, can they be a good value for you? The answer to that truly lies in your plans for your Disney vacation. For example, many folks wish to try a number of Signature or Dining Show experiences: for those families, the Deluxe Plan may be the most affordable way for you to do this. What about tours, recreation, and some of the other “extras” that are included in a couple of these plans? If want to try some of these activities, then do the math to see if one of these plans are less expensive than paying out of pocket for each.

So, what is the difference, what is included, and how much do they cost?

What Food Do You Get With the Deluxe, Premium, and Platinum Plans?

With each of these plans, every guest in your room receives three meals, all of which can be chosen from either Disney World table-service or quick-service restaurants. These 3 meal credits/day for each person in your room can be used in any of the following ways:

  • Table-service meal or buffet
    • Breakfast: includes entrée, juice and non-alcoholic beverage OR full buffet
    • Lunch and Dinner: includes appetizer, entrée, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage OR full buffet
  • Counter service (counter service or “fast food”) per night. Choose one entrée/combo meal, one single non-alcoholic beverage, and either dessert (lunch/dinner) or juice (breakfast).

In addition, each person in your room enjoys:

  • Two Snacks chosen from hundreds of snack options throughout the parks and resorts. As I mentioned in a previous post, I have found that more items ARE snack credits on the DDP than not, but when in doubt, just ask the castmember at the register.
  • One refillable resort drink mug. With this mug you get unlimited drink refills at any RESORT HOTEL only.

You can read more information about the various table service meals at Disney World here.

And you can read more about the counter service meal choices and snack choices at Disney World here.

Additional Things You Should Know

Table service credits can be used for any sit-down restaurant, character meal, buffet or dinner show. Note however, that the following locations/experiences will cost you two TS credits:

  • Cinderella’s Royal Table
  • Any of  the Signature Dining Experiences
  • Any of the  Disney Dinner Shows: You can reserve Category 2 or 3 seating at either show, or Category 1 seating at the 9:30 pm Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue (note that gratuity IS included here)
  • One room service meal, including entrée, dessert or juice, plus non-alcoholic beverage
  • One Pizza Delivery – 1 pizza, 2 non-alcoholic beverages, 2 desserts

As mentioned in Disney Dining Plans 101, you must purchase any of these Dining Plans as an add-on to a Magic Your Way Vacation Package at Walt Disney World. This means you’ll be staying at a Disney owned-and-operated resort, and will have purchased at least a one-day ticket for everyone staying in your room. (The exception being Annual Passholders or Disney Vacation Club Members who may add a Dining Plan on to their room only reservation.) And everyone in the room must be on the same plan, for the entire vacation.

Gratuity is not included for table-service meals on the Disney Dining Plan, unless noted otherwise. An 18 percent gratuity will be added automatically for parties of 6 or more; a gratuity may also be added for items not included in the Dining Plan, such as alcoholic beverages

Children ages 3-9 must choose from a children’s menu, if one is available.

Lastly, and probably most importantly, making Advanced Dining Reservations (ADRs) is strongly recommended at all table service restaurants, character meals, and dining experience restaurants throughout the year….and at certain times of year (peak season, holidays, Free Dining) it is vital. No one wants to pay to eat at table service restaurants and then be unable to do so because they are all full.

What Will These Plans Cost?

The cost of the 2010 Deluxe Dining Plan is: $71.99/adult per night; $20.99/child (ages 3-9) per night

You can download the 2010 Deluxe Dining Plan brochure here.

You can download the 2011 Deluxe Dining Plan brochure here.

The cost of the 2010 Premium Dining Plan is: $164/adult per night; $114/ child (ages 3-9) per night

You can download the 2010 Premium Dining Plan brochure here.

You can download the 2011 Premium Dining Plan brochure here.

The cost of the 2010 Platinum Dining Plan is: $220/adult per night; $155/ child (ages 3-9) per night

You can download the 2010 Platinum Dining Plan brochure here.

You can download the 2011 Platinum Dining Plan brochure here.

What Else Do You Get With the Premium Dining Plan?

As mentioned above, the main difference between these plans are the “extras” that you receive. With the Premium Plan, in addition to all the food noted on the Deluxe Plan, you also receive:

  • Unlimited use of selected recreation, including golf, guided fishing excursions, water sports etc.
  • Admission to Cirque du Soleil show, La Nouba.
  • Portrait session and print package from Disney’s PhotoPass Professional Portraits service
  • Unlimited admission to Disney’s Children’s Activity Centers
  • Unlimited Admission to a number of Theme Park tours, including the popular Keys to the Kingdom, Simply Segway Experience, and more
  • Admission to Grand Gathering Experiences, if you have eight or more in your party.
  • Access to Preferred Viewing Areas for Wishes and Illuminations (some restrictions apply)

What Else Do You Get With the Platinum Dining Plan?

With the Platinum Plan, in addition to the food of the Deluxe Plan, you receive everything in the Premium package PLUS things like:

  • Pre-arrival planning service
  • Specialty fireworks cruise
  • Reserved seating at Fantasmic!
  • Selected spa treatment per guest (age restrictions apply)
  • Additional dining options, such as Victoria & Albert’s restaurant, room service, and more.

But Wait, There’s More!

Last, but to a wine-lover, definitely not least, there is one last plan: the Wine and Dine Plan Add-On. This Plan can be added on to any package that includes dining for an extra charge per night. In the 2010 Wine & Dine Plan you will receive one wine selection for $39.99 per night per room. For details and a list of restaurants available on this plan:

You can download the 2010 Wine and Dine Plan brochure here
You can download the 2011 Wine and Dine Plan brochure here

So there you have it: Five Disney Dining Plans. Next week, we’ll start exploring if any of them make sense, from a cost perspective, for your family.

(*Photo courtesy of Disney Dining Plan brochure)

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Affordable Disney World Dining: the Basic Dining Plan

Nancy Disney Dining Plans, Saving Money on Food , , , , 0 Comment

Perhaps the most popular of the Disney Dining Plans is the basic or standard plan. As with all of the Dining Plans, this is an add-on to a Magic Your Way package, or as an added purchase to your room reservation for DVC members or Annual Passholders. And as with all of the Dining Plans as well, this may….or may not….be a good choice for your family. For the family with young children who are reluctant to sit for long meals, or for those who don’t want to take the time for table service meals, this is a plan that may not be right for you. But for those of you who, like our family, enjoy the chance to sit down each evening for a nice dinner, or wish to do several Character Meals, then the Basic Dining Plan may very well be a money saver for you. I know it has, undeniably, been for us.

So, having said all that, what exactly do you get on the Basic Dining Plan? This plan provides for each person in your room the following items:

  • One table-service meal or buffet
    • Breakfast: includes entrée, juice and non-alcoholic beverage OR full buffet, and tax
    • Lunch and Dinner: includes appetizer (for kids 3-9 ONLY), entrée, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage OR full buffet, and tax
    • Gratuity is no longer included for table-service meals on the Disney Dining Plan. An 18 percent gratuity will be added automatically for parties of 6 or more; a gratuity may also be added for items not included in the Dining Plan, such as alcoholic beverages
  • One counter service (counter service or “fast food”) per night. Choose one entrée/combo meal, one single non-alcoholic beverage, and either dessert (lunch/dinner) or juice (breakfast).
  • One snack There are a large number of snack items throughout the Walt Disney World resort theme parks and hotels. What is available as a snack item is easily identified on the menu at all snack shops and counter service restaurants by the DDP snack item logo. Examples of the kinds of things you can get for a snack credit are ice cream (including Dole Whips and Mickey bars!), fruit, popcorn, chips, muffins, baked items, as well as a number of hot and cold drink items. As I mentioned in a previous post, I have found that more items ARE snack credits on the DDP than not, but when in doubt, just ask the castmember at the register.

You can read more information about the various table service meals at Disney World here.

 

And you can read more about the counter service meal choices and snack choices at Disney World here.

 

What Does the Basic Dining Plan Cost?

In 2010, the Basic Dining Plan prices depend on the time of year:

  • Adults (ages 10 and up) $41.99 and Children (ages 3-9) $11.99
    • Cost is per person per night for the following dates: 1/01/10 – 2/11/10, 4/11/10 – 6/03/10, 8/15/10 -12/16/10
  • Adults $46.99 and Children $12.99
    • Cost is per person per night for the following dates: 2/12/10 – 4/10/10, 6/04/10 – 8/14/10, 12/17/10 – 12/31/10

You can download the 2010 Basic Dining Plan brochure here.

You can download the 2011 Basic Dining Plan brochure here.

As previously in Disney Dining Plan 101, everyone in the room must be on the same package. In addition, there is no charge for children under 3: they may share an adult meal, or you may pay separately for them. Children ages 3-9 must order from a kid’s menu when available. All dining credits must be used by midnight the last day of your stay, otherwise they expire.

Tips for Using the Basic Dining Plan

Table service credits can be used for any sit-down restaurant, character meal, buffet or dinner show. Note however, that the following locations/experiences will cost you two TS credits:

  • Cinderella’s Royal Table
  • Any of  the Signature Dining Experiences
  • Any of the  Disney Dinner Shows – You can reserve Category 2 or 3 seating at either show, or Category 1 seating at the 9:30 pm Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue (gratuity that gratuity IS included here)

Probably the single most important tip to using the Basic Dining Plan is to make Advanced Dining Reservations (ADRs). It is strongly recommended at all table service restaurants, character meals, and dining experience restaurants throughout the year….but at certain times of year (peak season, holidays, Free Dining) it is imperative: during these times, it is highly unlikely that you will have your choice of restaurants and/or times. In fact, it is quite possible you will have virtually no choices if you wait and try to do a walk up. Paying to eat at table service restaurants…and then not being able to do so is certainly not how anyone wants to spend their money at Disney World, or anyplace else for that matter.

As mentioned previously, only you can decide if the Basic Dining Plan is the right choice for your family. Consider the ages of your children, everyone’s eating habits, likes/dislikes, and then decide if the cost is worth it for you. It’s not a savings for everyone, but for many, like with our family, it unquestionably is.

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Affordable Disney World Dining: Disney Dining Plans 101

Nancy Disney Dining Plans, Saving Money on Food , , , , 1 Comment

Without a doubt, questions about the Disney Dining Plans seem to come up more frequently than any other question about meal planning at Disney World. It seems that Disney, in their efforts to provide flexibility and choices to their guests….has also provided a good deal of confusion. So I am going to take the next few weeks to discuss different aspects of the Disney Dining Plans, in the hopes of making things a bit clearer. 🙂

What Exactly IS the Disney Dining Plan?

Actually, the Disney Dining Plan is several different plans that allow you to pre-pay for most if not all of your food. In doing this, you (and everyone in your room) receive “credits” for a various number of table service meals, quick service meals, and/or snacks, depending on the Plan that you choose. Done with the eating habits of your family in mind, choosing to use a Dining Plan *can* save you a good amount of money on your meals.

How Do I Purchase a Disney Dining Plan?

You basically have two options for buying a Dining Plan:

  1. You add it on to a Disney Vacation Package (or buy a package that has a Dining Plan already included in the cost) that includes accommodations and park tickets for at least one day for each person in the party.
  2. If you are a Disney Vacation Club member or Annual Passholder, you may purchase a Dining Plan without purchasing tickets, by adding it to your room reservation or contacting DVC Member Services.

So in other words, you have to stay at a Disney owned/operated hotel. (And this is one very important reason why, when trying to make your Disney vacation as affordable as possible, you don’t immediately assume that staying off property will be cheaper. When you factor in the potential savings that you may get with one of the Dining Plans, it often *is* cheaper to stay with Disney.)

How Do the Dining Plans Work?

As already mentioned, depending on which Plan you choose, you and each person in your party will receive varying numbers of credits towards table service and counter service meals, and snacks. What exactly you get for each credit can vary somewhat, but roughly, with table service meals you get an entrée, dessert, and non-alcoholic drink. With counter service, it’s an entrée, dessert, and non-alcoholic drink. Snack credits can be used on hundreds of different types of items throughout property, and are identified on menus by the DDP snack symbol.

You can also usually use table service Dining Plan credits at buffets, signature dining (2 credits/person in most cases), as well as dining shows, and dinner packages.

So, once you get to Disney World and are ready to start eating, the process is very simple and works very smoothly. Your party’s total credits for each type are noted in your account: when you get ready to pay for your meal, the number of credits used are deducted from your account by swiping your Key to the World Card, and you get a receipt noting how many of each type of credit you have remaining.

So other than gratuity for table service meals (and any additional items you may order that are not included in your plan), you pay nothing, as it’s all pre-paid.

What Are the Different Disney Dining Plans?

There are a number of Dining Plans available for a wide range of costs as well, so no matter your budget and/or your eating preferences, you are likely to find a plan that works well for your family. Briefly, the most popular choices are:

  • The Quick Service Plan is least expensive and provides for 2 quick service meals, and 2 snacks per person/per night, as well as 1 resort-refillable drink mug per person/per visit.
  • The Basic Dining Plan provides 1 table service meal, 1 counter service meal and 1 snack per person/per night.
  • The Deluxe Dining Plan offers 3 meals per person/per night at either counter service or table service restaurants, 2 snacks per person/per night, and 1 refillable drink mug per person.
  • There are also Premium, Platinum, and Wine and Dine Plans.

I will go into detail on each of these plans including costs in the next few weeks.

Is There Anything Else to Know About the Disney Dining Plans?

One of the major complaints about the Dining Plans is that it is a LOT of food. For this reason, it’s really important to think about the eating habits of your family, to determine if any of the plans are a good fit for you. Buying a Dining Plan and then throwing out half the food because you can’t eat it all is not a good value.

Likewise, you will want to consider how you eat and if your habits actually match the credits that Disney dining has allotted to each person each day: while many people love the convenience of having it already paid for, if you find that you are constantly buying additional food beyond what is on your plan, then again, it’s not really going to be a savings for you.

Finally, keep in mind that when you purchase a Dining Plan, everyone in the room must have the same package/ticket options. You cannot purchase a Dining Plan for children under the age of 3, but kids under 3 can eat from an adult meal, or you can pay out of pocket for them if you wish. Likewise, children ages 3-9 will be on the kids Dining Plan and must order from the children’s menu where available.

So there you have your first Disney Dining Plan lesson. 🙂 Next week, we’ll start discussing the individual types of plans available, to help you decide which, if any, is right for you!

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