Just in case a promotion such as free dining should come out this week...let's just say on Thursday July 12th like the rumor mill is churning, it's important to understand the Disney dining plan options and how to make them work for your family.
Here is the readers digest condensed version of the dining plans so you can choose the one that's right for your family:
- Quick Service:
- What it includes: (2) quick service (counter service) meals and (1) snack per person, per night for the length of your stay. This plan also includes (1) resort refillable drink mug per person (valid for the length of your stay) which is eligible for refills at quick service locations only in your Disney resort hotel.
- Who it works best for: In my opinion this plan is best for families who are on the go and enjoy a "park commando" type of touring plan, families on a budget and small appetite eaters.
- Pros: Think of the quick service plan as your "instant gratification" meal. These counter service meals are fast and flexible, no need to make advanced dining reservations. There are various counter service locations in each of the parks so you won't have a problem finding a meal no matter where you are.
- Cons: Counter service meals aren't for everyone. Although the menus are gaining variety and healthy options these meals basically offer your basic burger and fries, sandwiches, salads and chicken nuggets. If this isn't your ideal cuisine you may want to consider another dining option. *note: there are quick service options for more diverse items-Epcot's World Showcase is a prime example of this*
- Plus Dining:
- What it includes: (1) Quick Service Meal, (1) Table Service Meal, and (1) Snack, per person per night. This plan also includes (1) resort refillable drink mug per person (valid for the length of your stay) which is eligible for refills at quick service locations only in your Disney resort hotel.
- Who it works best for: In my opinion this plan has the most broad appeal. The table service option includes many of the character dining experiences so it's great for families on the go who don't want to commit to an abundance of Advanced Dining Reservations but still want that break in the day for a character meal or just a little break from touring the parks.
- Pros: There is a lot of diversity in this plan, your table service meal can consist of anything from a character meal, buffet, Fantasmic dining experience or one of the many themed restaurants in the parks and resorts.
- Cons: Some of the most popular character meals are (2) table service credits, as are the dinner shows. This plan does require a bit of planning as the table service meals require Advanced Dining Reservations.
- Deluxe Dining:
- What it includes: (3) Meals and (2) Snacks, per person, per night. This plan also includes (1) resort refillable drink mug per person (valid for the length of your stay) which is eligible for refills at quick service locations only in your Disney resort hotel. The meals can be any combination of quick service locations, table service locations or signature dining experiences (which require 2 table service credits).
- Who it works best for: In my opinion this plan can work for anyone. I find it works best for using 1 credit for an early morning/early afternoon meal and a late signature dining experience (which takes 2 credits). This maximizes your dining experiences without feeling like you're forcing yourself to eat or taking up too much of your day inside the restaurants. This is the ideal plan for a family who enjoys fine cuisine and trying new things and it's a great way to try foods you may never order at home because of the price.
- Pros: I personally really enjoy the signature dining experiences and this plan is great for those who want to experience the dinner shows. There is a wide variety of places and cuisines to choose from and you can find something for everyone. The service is impeccable and the food is a vacation all in itself.
- Cons: This does require a bit of planning to maximize your plan. You need to understand that the value comes from eating at the signature restaurants and using all your credits wisely. Consult an expert (a.k.a. me) if you think this plan is for you.
- The dining plan credits are per person, per night of your package stay for everyone ages 3 and over.
- You can redeem more than your allotted meals or snacks per day if you wish, until your total is depleted. So basically you can use your "credits" as you see fit, if you want to use all your snacks the first day of your vacation that's your perrogative as the total credits are based on your length of stay.
- All unused meals and snacks and the use of your resort refillable mug expire at midnight on your package reservation check out day; so if you don't use it, you lose it.
- You may NOT redeem meals or snacks for guests who are not on your dining plan.
- The dining plan is unavailable for guests 2 and under; however they may share from an adults plate at no charge or a meal may be purchased from the menu and the price will be added to your bill.
- Guests ages 3-9 must order from a children's menu, where available.
- Items that aren't included in the dining plans include:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Items that are more than a single serving (example a box of doughnuts or a jar of something)
- Items that are served in a Souvenir Container (such as popcorn or drinks)
- Items that are sold from recreation rental counters
- Items that are considered merchandise (such as bottle toppers, glow cubes and bottle straps)
If you aren't already on the "to watch" list, email me your travel dates and information to be among the first to receive a quote for fall promotions or 2013 Walt Disney World packages.
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