After quite literally waiting years for the Disney Dining Plan to return, it will finally be back in early 2024.
But, since it’s been a while, we’ve been doing our best to bring you our top tips on how to make the most of the Dining Plan. We’ve covered why you definitely should buy it, and we’ve even talked about why you shouldn’t buy it. And now, we’re sharing what we think are hands down the three best values on the Disney Dining Plan.
First, let’s start with a quick Disney Dining Plan 101. Basically, with a Disney Dining Plan, you pay a set amount to get a certain number of “credits” that you use throughout your stay. You can then redeem those credits for snacks, Quick Service meals, or Table Service meals (depending on the credit type and plan type).
It’s a way to essentially pre-pay for your Disney meals and make your vacation feel more all-inclusive. Once it’s time to pay for your actual meal in Disney World, you’ll simply use your credit to cover the cost of your food, instead of paying out-of-pocket at that time (since you’ve already paid for the Dining Plan itself).
Here’s some basic information about the Quick Service Dining Plan:
- Everyone in the travel party (ages 3 and up) will receive 2 Quick Service meals per night, a snack/nonalcoholic drink per night of their package stay – along with 1 Resort-refillable drink mug.
- Meals and snacks can be redeemed at any time during the stay.
- For example, if you book a 4-night package with a Disney Quick Service Dining Plan, each Guest in your party would receive 8 Quick Service meals and 4 Snacks or Nonalcoholic Beverages—which can be used at any time during your 4-night stay.
- Pricing for this plan is $57.01 per adult, per day, and $23.83 per child (ages 3 to 9), per day
Here’s a look at what Disney says you can expect from the Standard Dining Plan:
- Everyone in the travel party will receive 1 Table Service meal per night, 1 Quick Service meal per night, and a snack/nonalcoholic drink per night of their package stay—along with 1 Resort-refillable drink mug.
- Meals and snacks can be redeemed at any time during the stay.
- For example, if you book a 4-night package with a Disney Dining Plan, each Guest in your party would receive 4 Table Service meals, 4 Quick Service meals, and 4 snacks or nonalcoholic beverages—which can be used at any time during your 4-night stay.
- Pricing for this plan is $94.28 per adult, per day and $29.69 per child (ages 3 to 9), per day.
Read More About the Dining Plan Here
But right now, we’re sharing the best values you can get on the Dining Plan for Quick Service, Table Service, and snacks!
Best Value Quick Service
The Polite Pig
If you are looking for some seriously flavorful eats in Disney Springs that don’t require a reservation and are served to you fast — go to The Polite Pig, you will NOT regret it. This spot features modern barbecue in a variety of wood-fired smoked and grilled items, and all drinks are served on tap.
The owners, James and Julie Petrakis (in partnership with Chef Brian Petrakis) are already well-known in the Orlando area for their restaurants The Ravenous Pig and Cask & Larder which focus on using local seasonal ingredients. The pricier options on the menu here will really help you get the best value for your Quick Service credit. You could opt for Layla’s Ribs for $26, the Cedar Plank Salmon for $26, or the USDA Prime Brisket for $22.
Plus, there are PLENTY of cocktails, beers, and wine choices to pick from, ranging in price from $5 to more expensive options around $16. If you pair a $16 cocktail with the Ribs, you’re looking at a $42 value for your Quick Service meal — that’s pretty incredible (and the food is tasty too).
Note that Disney’s website seems to list The Polite Pig as Quick Service and Table Service, though it does NOT truly offer a Table Service option. We anticipate that the entrees below will be included in the Quick Service Dining Plan, but it’s possible Disney may make a change there. Be sure to check and see what is available to order on the Quick Service plan when you visit.
Runners Up: Docking Bay 7 (Entrees around $19), Flame Tree Barbecue (Entrees around $19)
Check Out a Review of Polite Pig Here
Best Value Table Service
‘Ohana
Now it’s time to talk about a long-time DFB favorite — ‘Ohana dinner. While we love breakfast, dinner is the best option in terms of value. Dinner is $59 per adult and $38 per child. Here, you will find delicious all-you-can-eat family-style Polynesian food.
Dinner includes a mixed greens salad, signature ‘Ohana bread, honey coriander chicken wings, pork dumplings tossed in a chili-garlic sauce, the ‘Ohana dinner skillet that includes the famous noodles, and bread pudding.
This is another spot where you can potentially see fireworks from the windows if you time dinner right. The restaurant will even dim the lights and play the music to Happily Ever After as you look down upon Magic Kingdom while stuffing your face with loads of noodles. It’s a wonderful experience, really.
Runners Up: Tusker House ($59 per adult), La Hacienda de San Angel (Entrees around $54)
Read Our Full ‘Ohana Dinner Review Here
Best Value Snack
Milkshake at Hollywood Scoops
Based on price alone, the best value you’ll find with your snack credits is probably gonna be one of the seasonal shakes at Hollywood Scoops. These tend to cost about $9.49 and rotate based on the holiday or season. Plus they usually come topped with a colorful doughnut!
Of course, sometimes you need a savory snack instead, which is why you might want to head over to Refreshment Port at EPCOT to grab the Traditional Poutine for $7.50. It’s made with french fries, beef gravy, and cheese curds. Need we say more?
Runners up: Epic Eats Funnel Cake ($7.29-$8.49), Les Halles Bacon & Cheese Roll ($8.25)
If you’re considering purchasing the Dining Plan on your next vacation, then you may want to check our DFB Guide. We have full chapters on whether the Dining Plan is worth the cost, how to get the most out of the Dining Plan, and recommendations for those using the Dining Plan!
Stay tuned to DFB for the latest Dining Plan news!
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The post Hands Down, These Are the 3 Best Values on the Disney Dining Plan first appeared on the disney food blog.