Today starts my Disney Dining Week..

As you all found out last week, I love to stay on WDW property!  One of the benefits I had mentioned was getting the option to participate in the Disney Dining Plan (DDP).  And can I just say… I’m a BIG fan!!!

The DDP is comprised of three packages- the quick service plan, the plus dining plan, and the deluxe plan.  With each plan you get a certain number of credits placed on your room key card to use throughout your visit. The number of credits you receive depend on which package you purchase and how many nights you are staying on WDW property. Your credits can be used pretty much how you choose as long as you follow the rules on your specific plan.

I love the DDP for several reasons!  I have tried tons of different restaurants at Walt Disney World thanks to the Disney Dining Plan.  Food at Disney isn’t cheap even if you just eat counter service meals.  Even if you do manage to swing a nice sit down meal, I bet some of you are still conscious of what you order off the menu, like I was.  With the Disney Dining plan, I never have to look at the prices on the menu, if I want the most expensive steak on the menu then I am going to get it!  The set price of the meal plan gives us the flexibility to eat at any participating Walt Disney World Restaurant and order anything we’d like.. as long as it follows the rules of your specific plan!  It is fun and exciting to eat new things and not worry about the price!  It keeps the magic alive at the dinner table.  For us, it’s also fun getting our bill at the end of the meal and seeing what we would have spent and actually recognizing the savings.  Another great things about the DDP is a lot of times Disney will run specials where the dining plan is free!  That is right… FREE.  On our next trip, we will be eating completely on Disney’s dollar and enjoying every minute of it! 

The downside to the DDP is different for everyone.  But a big one, for people that I know, are that not all restaurants are on the DDP.  Rainforest and TREX along with a few others are not on the DDP.  And yes they are totally fun and yummy places to eat.  With that being said, the DDP opens up a lot of restaurants for people to try, especially the more pricey ones.  And let’s say you got the DDP for free, that saved you a lot of money, so why not go out to TREX one night and just pay out of pocket.  The other downside, is to get the most out of your Disney Dining Plan experience, there is quite a bit of plan ahead.  That is the biggest complaint from people that I hear.  And it is true.  A lot of the best restaurants at Walt Disney World fill up very quickly and it is near impossible to walk up and get a table.  But Disney does offer a great service.  180 days from the first day of your trip you can either call or go online and make Advanced Disney Dining Reservations.  To find out more about ADR click HERE.  So yes, there is planing and phone call making involved.  But I start planing my next WDW vacation on the way home from the trip I was just on. So for me it is fun!  I think it is overwhelming to think about in the beginning, but planning your Disney vacation ahead of time is a great family bonding experience. 

I love the Disney Dining Plan and I hope you will join me the rest of the week as we go into more detail about each package and talk snacks!!  It is going to be a delicious week!  I know planning your dining reservations can be tricky so if you ever have any questions don’t ever hesitate to ask!    See ya real soon!