So, you have the Disney Dining Plan and you’re not sure what to do with all of those snack credits. Or perhaps you’re just considering whether the Dining Plan is a good value for you. Either way, you should know that you have tons of great options waiting for you at Walt Disney World Resort.
Here is your guide to 10 great uses of snack credits on your Disney vacation.
How Snack Credits Work
With any of the Disney Dining Plans you will be given two snack credits per person, per night of your stay. This means if you’re staying six nights, you will have 12 snack credits to use per person. These can be used anytime during your visit from check-in until midnight the day you check out.
Generally speaking, items that cost under $7 are considered eligible for snack credits. Specific items are constantly changing with the menus. You’ll know an item is a snack credit when you see a purple and white checked square next to it (it says “DDP”).
When considering value, most Disney experts will tell you to choose items that sell for $5 or more. While this is the best way to maximize your savings with the Disney Dining Plan, I’ll also add this caveat: choose items you’ll actually enjoy. Don’t get a $7 lobster roll when you really want a $4 pastry.
How to Use Your Snack Credits
To give you an idea of the variety of options you’ll have, I’ve divided the types of snack credits into 10 categories. Whether you’re looking for healthy snacks or sweet treats, there are plenty of choices for the whole family.
Festival Marketplace Items
One of my favorite times to visit Disney World is in the fall for the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Disney sets up 30 different marketplaces, each celebrating the cuisine of a different nation (in addition to the 11 permanent pavilions). Many of these tasting-sized portions are eligible for snack credits, making them not only the best value on the Dining Plan, but the best tasting. The same goes for the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival and the Epcot International Festival of the Arts.
Classic Disney Treats
If you’ve ready my blog before, you know I’m a big fan of Dole Whip. This and the Dole Whip Float are some of the best values on the dining plan. However, other classic Disney treats are also included. Examples are the Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar, funnel cake, Mickey pretzels, popcorn, and nice, warm churros.
Specialty Frozen Drinks
I love Disney’s variety of non-alcoholic drinks – perfect for kids and adults alike. Items such as LeFou’s Brew in Magic Kingdom or root beer floats are great (and refreshing) uses of snack credits. Starbucks fans can also use a snack credit for any sized coffee drink, including the famous frappuccinos.
Ice Cream
Isn’t ice cream always the answer? Use snack credits for single scoops of ice cream, ice cream cookie sandwiches, or even select sundaes. The best locations are the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor, L’Artisan des Glaces, or Ample Hills Creamery.
Specialty Cupcakes
No one can resist adorably decorated Disney cupcakes. From The Master’s Cupcake at Be Our Guest Restaurant to the Darth Vader Cupcake in Hollywood Studios, you’ll find them everywhere. Be on the lookout for seasonal cupcakes with unique flavors as well.
Pastries
Most dining plans only include two full meals per day, so using snack credits for breakfast is a great way to maximize your value. Each park has several bakeries filled with pastries, muffins, and more. Some of the best bakeries are Les Halles Boulangerie & Patisserie, Kringla Bakeri og Kafe, and the Main Street Bakery.
Unique Desserts
You’ll certainly find some special creations from the Disney bakers. Snack credits are great for cookies, brownies, confections, and more. Be sure to check out items such as the Zebra Domes from Animal Kingdom Lodge and caramel treats from Karamell-Kuche in Epcot. If you’re craving allergy-friendly desserts, there’s no better place than Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC in Disney Springs.
Side Dishes
Here’s one you may not have thought of: many items traditionally considered side dishes are eligible for snack credits. These include egg rolls, soups/chilis, side salads, chili cheese fries, baked potatoes, nachos, and more. These also make great choices for sharing so you can stretch your credits.
Fruits, Vegetables, and Yogurt
Not all of the snack options are cupcakes (I promise). You can find a wide variety of fresh/cut fruit and vegetables, hummus, trail mix, and yogurt parfaits. These make great breakfast options. You can even find juicy pickles for an afternoon snack.
Bottled & Hot Drinks
While not the best value on the dining plans, you can also use snack credits for items such as bottled water, soft drinks, coffee, tea, or cocoa. Generally I recommend purchasing these a la carte, but if you have extra credits they’re good for the ride home.
As you can see, there are plenty of delicious snacks spread throughout Walt Disney World Resort. Here are a few bonus tips to keep in mind:
- Use extra snack credits for packaged treats for the trip home
- Share snacks to extend your credits and try more items
- A quick-service credit can be used as three snack credits (in the same transaction)
- Snack credit items are always changing, so ask a Cast Member which menus items are currently eligible
The Disney Dining Plan isn’t for every family, but it certainly is a great way to sample the offerings of Walt Disney World while keeping to a budget.
Which snacks are you looking forward to on your next visit?
Ready to start planning your next Disney vacation? I’d love to help you take the stress out of it so your family can focus on experiencing their dream trip. My services are 100% free to clients who book with me and include booking, planning, and concierge services. Fill out my consultation request form to get started, or send me an email at jtullino@themouseexperts.com with any questions. I’d love to help you make this your best Disney vacation yet!
