Don’t Buy the Disney Dining Plan Unless You Fit One of These 4 Categories

Don’t Buy the Disney Dining Plan Unless You Fit One of These 4 Categories

So, what’s the deal with the Disney Dining Plan these days? Seemingly everyone online says something different, and it can get confusing quick! Luckily, you’ve come to the right place.

Cornflake Breaded Fried Chicken and Waffle

The question of whether or not to get the Disney Dining Plan is one of the most debated amongst those planning a Disney World vacation. Debates often rage about whether the plans are “worth” it, etc. However, the truth is that there’s no “right” answer across the board. Rather, it depends on what your Disney dining priorities are.

Let’s run down the Disney Dining Plan options available for 2027 bookings, as there’s been a big change.

There’s the Quick Service Dining Plan, which offers members of the party ages 3 and up:

  • 2 Quick-Service Meals Per Night of Stay
  • 1 Snack or Non-alcoholic Beverage Per Night of Stay
  • 1 Resort-Refillable Drink Mug

The Quick Service Dining Plan will cost $62.78 per adult per night (ages 10 and up) and $25.82 per child per night (ages 3 to 9) in 2027.

Maple Mustard Chicken Strips

The traditional Disney Dining Plan offers “classic dining options at both quick-service and table-service restaurants,” as everyone in the party ages 3 and up receives:

  • 1 Quick-Service Meal Per Night of Stay
  • 1 Table-Service Meal Per Night of Stay
  • 1 Snack or Non-alcoholic Beverage Per Night of Stay
  • 1 Resort-Refillable Drink Mug

This plan will cost: $99.87 per adult per night (ages 10 and up) and $31.94 per child per night (ages 3 to 9) in 2027. Next year, the plan will be renamed the Table-Service Dining Plan.

A Sampling of Mom’s Favorite Recipes

2027 will also see the introduction of the new Disney Deluxe Table-Service Dining Plan, which will include:

  • Two table service entrées, dessert (lunch and dinner only), OR full buffet.
  • Guests under 21 years of age can choose one non-alcoholic beverage with their Quick Service and Table Service meal (including specialty beverages for guests 10 years old and over — i.e., Artisanal Milk Shakes, Fresh Smoothies, Premium Hot Chocolates, or Soda, Coffee, or Tea — where offered).
  • Guests 21 and older can choose either one non-alcoholic beverage (including specialty beverages where offered) or one single-serving mixed cocktail, beer, or wine (where offered) within their meal entitlement.
  • One quick service meal, including entrée OR combo meal
  • One snack/nonalcoholic drink
  • One Resort refillable drink mug per person, per package

Oysters Rockefeller

The new plan will cost $163.01 per adult per night (ages 10 and up) and $46.85 per child per night (ages 3 to 9).

Now that we’re clear on the Dining Plan offers, should you get it? Well, do you fit into the following categories?

You Want to Have All Your Dining Costs Squared Away BEFORE Your Trip

Arguably the biggest benefit for many who purchase the Dining Plan is the fact that their food is already “paid for” before their trip. No need to worry about going over budget or counting dollars and cents at Disney World. It’s all dealt with, and you don’t have to stress about it during every meal. Just remember gratuities are NOT included.

Dry-Aged Duroc Pork Chop

You Pour Over Menus and Choose Your Meals BEFORE Heading to Restaurants

Speaking of pre-trip convenience, knowing exactly what you’ll be able to eat on each day of your trip will allow those who prefer to plan their meals beforehand to do so. You can look over menus beforehand and choose pretty much everything before even stepping foot in Disney World if you so choose. Of course, those who prefer a bit more spontaneity in their dining may not want to do that.

Rigatoni alla Vodka

You Predictably Like to Eat Roughly the Same Amount of Food Every Day

If you’re the kind of person who consistently eats the same amount of food each day — three meals, a stable snack, etc. — then the plan will likely be a good option for you. However, if you tend to indulge more on certain days or skip breakfast on others, the plan may not be as “worth” it for you.

Maple Popcorn!

You’re a Fan of Disney World’s Cocktails or Specialty Drinks

Alcoholic beverages — as well as specialty beverages such as milkshakes, smoothies, and various “mocktails” — are available as part of the new Disney Deluxe Table Service Dining Plan. If you’re hoping to get the best bang for your buck, this Dining Plan may be for you!

Sake-Politan Cocktail

Choosing the best Disney Dining Plan option — or even adding the option at all — depends on what your priorities and preferences are. Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney tips!

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Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!


What are your thoughts on the Disney Dining Plan? Let us know in the comments below.

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