Foodie Friday: Snack Like a Pro

The Disney Dining Plan has seen various changes since it’s birth but regardless of which package you purchase you will have snack credits included in your dining plan.
How you choose to use your snacks is what separates the experts from the beginners.

Just because you may be a beginner doesn’t mean you have to act like one, here’s how to use your dining plan snack credits like a pro.

• Say No to H2O: Save your $3.00 and/or your snack credit on that bottle of water in the parks. Instead, go to any quick service dining location and ask for an ice water. It’s free! You can remain hydrated and save that valuable snack credit for something you can actually consume and enjoy...like a carrot cake cookie.

• The Bigger the Better: It’s not always about size, but when it comes to snacks...the bigger the better. Many of the pastries on the snack plan are more than large enough to share. Split a muffin or piece of cake and then share another snack later in the afternoon; like a pretzel, popcorn or a carrot cake cookie.

• Plan ahead: We all have that family member that is NOT a morning person. You know, the one who whines when the lights go on and the alarm goes on in the morning and can only be lured out of bed with a lot of prodding and perhaps some bribery. On your way out of the park at night stop at the bakery and grab a muffin or danish or something to bribe them out of bed the next morning. It will make your morning easier and you’ll save time not having to fight that morning rush at your resort dining area.

• Use it or lose it! It’s true, there are hoarders among us. Those silly folks who pay for snacks out of pocket during the trip because they are “saving” the snacks for something life altering (let me give you a tip...it’s not coming). If you don’t use your snack credits you LOSE THEM. There is no refund, carry over until next time, etc. Don’t let your snacks go to waste! Take some magic home, stop in the bakery and stock up on Mickey rice krispie treats, lollipops, bagged candy and other favorites. Be mindful of perishables (those carmel apples won’t last on the plane) and watch out for chocolate...because it does melt...even in Disney. 
• Note about bagged candy: Be sure to ask a Cast Member what counts as a snack before you end up making a mistake at the register. Many of the larger bags of candy from Goofy’s Candy Co. say “big enough to share”; those generally do not qualify as a snack credit because they serve more than one person.

Now your Disney new-ness will only be evidenced by your “first time” button, not by your horrible use of Dining Plan snack credits. You’re welcome.

P.S.-Did I mention you should try a Carrot Cake Cookie?