These days the food at Walt Disney World is like an attraction in itself! Between all the themed restaurants and indulgent treats, you’re sure to find plenty of delicious recipes throughout the resort. Plus, you’ll need your energy to enjoy full days at the parks. Dining can be a big expense on a vacation, so here’s how to budget for food at Walt Disney World.
Using the Disney Dining Plan
The Disney Dining Plan is designed for convenience and can save you up to 10% on your meals at Walt Disney World Resort. If you have one of the plans added to your Magic Your Way Vacation Package, here’s what you’ll need to do:
1) Decide on a Dining Plan
There are three main options for the Disney Dining Plan:
- Disney Dining Plan (most popular)
- 1 table-service credit
- 1 quick-service credit
- 2 snack credits
- Quick-Service Dining Plan
- 2 quick-service credits
- 2 snack credits
- Deluxe Dining Plan
- 3 meal credits (table-service or quick-service)
- 2 snack credits
Each of these plans are listed per person, per night of stay. They also include a refillable mug.
Which one you should choose depends on the eating habits of your family and the type of vacation you’d like to have. These can be added to any Magic Your Way Vacation Package and are only available to Disney Resort hotel guests.
The cost for the dining plan will be added to your package and will be paid off before you arrive. It greatly simplifies your budgeting as the bulk of your meals are paid for in advance!
2) Decide If You’ll Want Any Signature Dining or Additional Meals
While the Disney Dining Plan can certainly cover your meals for the week, some people find they’d like to add an extra meal here or there.
Since the most popular plan is the Disney Dining Plan that offers only two full meals, some families opt to add a quick-service or table-service breakfast on select days. Others are traveling with a toddler and need to add an extra kid’s meal (children under 3 are not eligible for the dining plans).
Most table-service restaurants at Walt Disney World Resort accept one dining credit per person, but there are a few Signature Dining options that require two credits. The same is true of Cinderella’s Royal Table in Magic Kingdom, special dining packages, and the three dinner shows. You may end up paying for a meal out of pocket in order to accommodate one of these restaurants.
To factor these into your budget, look at your plans for which restaurants you’d like to enjoy. Use the resources below (in the “Paying Out of Pocket” section) to calculate a budget for these extra meals.
3) Plan for Gratuities
The Disney Dining Plans cover all taxes, but in most cases it doesn’t cover gratuities. The exceptions are Cinderella’s Royal Table, dining packages, and the dinner shows.
The average person tips 15-20%, with an 18% gratuity automatically added for parties of six or more. This is true of all table-service dining, including buffets. Of course, you’re always welcome to tip additionally for excellent service.
When you dine with the Disney Dining Plan, your bill will show how much you would have paid out of pocket so you can use this to calculate your tip. To get an estimate before you travel, look up the menus at your chosen restaurants (see below). To make it easy, you can also get a rough estimate by multiplying your tipping percentage by your dining plan cost (it will give you some extra buffer for housekeeping or additional gratuities).
4) Plan for Snacks
A great way to save money on food in the parks (with or without the dining plan) is to bring some snacks and breakfast items with you. These can be delivered to your resort through a grocery service or packed in your luggage.
The dining plan offers plenty of food, so many people get by for breakfast with simple items such as granola bars, cereal, pastries, or fruit. While it’s a minor cost, it’s handy to factor into your budget so you can plan ahead.
The same goes for any specialty snacks/foods that your family requires, such as those for particular dietary needs.
Paying Out of Pocket
While the dining plans are great, some people prefer to pay out of pocket for food on their vacations. Budgeting for the expenses does take a bit more work, but it can be done.
1) Create a Meal Plan
When you’re not using the Disney Dining Plan, you have to give a little more thought as to the types of meals you’d like to enjoy each day. Do you want a table-service meal each night? Do you plan to do all quick-service? Will you be bringing in any of your own food?
Take a look at your park schedule and decide what type of restaurants you’re looking for. Factor in two snacks per person, per day as an average.
2) Research Menus
It’s time to do some homework! Research the menus and environments at the different Disney restaurants to decide which options your family would most enjoy. You can find links to every Walt Disney World restaurant on its website along with menus.
Character meals are always popular choices, and can include sets of characters such as Mickey & Friends, the Disney Princesses, Winnie the Pooh & Friends, and more. Dining packages are also available for particular events such as Fantasmic! or the Candlelight Processional (seasonal).
Be sure to choose a few back up options, particularly if you’re booking within 180 days of your visit.
3) Add Up Your Food Costs
Once you know which restaurants you’re most interested in, you’ll want to know how much to budget for each one.
Keep in mind that prices are subject to change at any time and that you won’t find exact prices listed for most of the buffets or character meals. For these you can use the power of Google to get an estimate (or ask your vacation planner to do it for you).
Look at the menus and get an idea of what you might like to order. Be sure to include drinks, appetizers, and desserts if you’re likely to want them. Add up the costs for each meal to assess your main budget.
4) Plan for Gratuities
As I mentioned earlier, it’s standard practice to offer a 15-20% tip for table-service meals (including buffets). Parties of six or more will automatically be charged 18% to their bill.
Look at your estimates for food costs and add in that extra percentage.
5) Plan for Snacks
As with those on the dining plan, sometimes it’s best to bring extra snacks or breakfast items from home. If this is something you’d like to do, factor in the extra cost of this food as well.
Above all else, leave wiggle room in your budget and remember that you’re on vacation – give yourself the gift of convenience when possible.
If you’re interested in learning how to stretch your budget, check out my post on how to save money with the Disney Dining Plan.
Bon appetit!
Ready to start planning your next Walt Disney World vacation? I’d love to help you take care of all this planning so you can focus on the fun. When you book with me you get all of my planning and concierge services at no additional cost. Contact me to request a free quote on any Disney Destination!
