Disney's Dining Plan 101 - 13 Tips for Using Your Credits Wisely

Let's Recap!

1. Understand the Tiers - There are various types of Disney Dining Plans. Each plan offers a set number of meals which are redeemed by either meal or snack dining credits.

2. Decide Whether or Not to Purchase - Speaking of which, once you understand what all of the different packages cost and include, take the time to decide if you’ll need it.

3. Plan a Dining Itinerary - After you book a dining package, map out where you’re going to feast. While almost every restaurant participates in the dining plan, there are exceptions.

4. Avoid Booking Table-Service Breakfasts (Mostly) - When deciding where to use table-service credits, avoid booking breakfasts.

5. Stick by One Credit Table Service Meals - Regarding the point system for table-service meals, let us explain.

6. Avoid Two Credit Establishments - And this brings us to our next point, as a thrifty guest, avoid the Signature establishments! By using two table-service credits for one meal, you are paying double in point value.

7. Order Expensively - When making entrée selections at sit-down establishments, remember that you’ll be charged the same amount for either steak or a chicken salad. In the spirit of making the most of those credits, always order meals with the higher dollar value.

8. Explore Substitution Options - Again, the most popular plan is the second tier plan because it includes one table-service meal a day.

9. Don’t Use Quick-Service Credits for Snacks - Whatever you do, don’t let any dining credits go to waste!

10. Maximize Snack and Drink Credits - Every plan includes snack credits and most people use these on sodas, Mickey Ice Cream Bars, and packaged snacks.

11. Never Use Snack Credits on Water - Bottled water is another popular snack credit option, but we’d urge you to resist.

12. Don’t Buy Additional Snacks - With each plan offering two snacks per day, never pull out your debit card for extra ice cream.

13. Keep a Food Diary - If you’re a first-time dining plan buyer and want to confirm if it was a money-saver, keep track of what your food and beverages would’ve cost out of pocket.