Walt Disney World has updated and expanded its official pages about the Quick-Service Disney Dining Plan and the regular DDP in advance of 2024 vacation package bookings starting on May 31, 2023. This covers everything announced thus far, including what each tier will include, what they exclude, major changes, and more.
Let’s start with the current status of the Disney Dining Plan. As you’re no doubt aware, it’s not available for booking with 2023 Walt Disney World vacation packages. The good news is that Walt Disney World is bringing back the Disney Dining Plan in 2024! Or at least, two tiers of the DDP are returning.
Although the Quick-Service Disney Dining Plan (QSDDP) and standard or regular Disney Dining Plan (DDP) will be bookable for 2024, the Deluxe Disney Dining Plan (DxDDP) and Disney Dining Plan Plus (DDP+) will remain unavailable. (We discuss the potential reasons for not restoring the DxDDP and DDP+ yet here.)
In terms of the new details about the two tiers of the Disney Dining Plan for 2024, we’re going to do this a little differently, and start with the commentary. That’s in large part because the official details appear to be 90% or more unchanged as compared to 3 years ago, so there’s not really a ton of new ground to be covered that’s not already (better) address in our 2024 Disney Dining Plan Info & Review. (To the contrary, that’s a better resource that explains and dissects the DDP in detail.)
Anyway, let’s start commentary with the first big unknown, which is pricing. Walt Disney World has not released the per night cost of the Quick-Service Disney Dining Plan or the regular Disney Dining Plan. This is actually entirely normal. For at least the last few years pre-closure, Walt Disney World did not advertise prices.
Disney Dining Plan prices were widely discussed on third party sites like this one, so it might’ve seemed like readily available info, but we always did the math by pricing out vacation packages with and without the DDP. Even on press releases and internal materials, pricing was seldom included. The same is true again for 2024, meaning we won’t have Disney Dining Plan pricing until packages go live on May 31.
It was fairly obvious that Walt Disney World wants to obfuscate DDP pricing as much as possible, and only have consumers see package totals. Presumably, that was the approach to avoid sticker shock. The company must’ve determined that a package total increasing by a couple thousand extra dollars was preferable to displaying a daily dining cost for whatever reason. An already large number getting larger doesn’t give people as much pause, but they stop to assess actual costs when presented with individual numbers?
I won’t pretend to understand the consumer psychology on that one. I’d think the smaller number would be more palatable, but then again, perhaps advertising that prominently leads to more people doing the math, which produces unfavorable outcomes. As a general matter, Walt Disney World is probably better off with consumers knowing or thinking about prices as little as possible.
When it comes to pricing, we’ll reiterate our previous pricing prediction for 2024, which is that the regular Disney Dining Plan increases by a larger percentage than the Quick-Service Disney Dining Plan. We’ll actually take that a step further, presenting the possibility that the price of the QSDDP stays flat or decreases slightly.
No price increase or a decrease would be unprecedented after a 3 year absence during which the cost of everything else went up, but it’d be pulling a page out of the 1-day ticket pricing playbook, and isn’t as far-fetched as it might seem.
There’s also the possibility that 2024 Disney Dining Plan pricing for kids will decrease or remain flat. It’s been a while since Walt Disney World advertised the Dining Plans as saving money, but, intriguingly, that has returned:
“Save up to 20% on dining for kids ages 3 to 9 when you purchase a dining plan for your family as part of a Walt Disney Travel Company package. Savings compared to the nondiscounted price of menu items available to kids ages 3 to 9 at participating locations when purchased without a dining plan. Actual savings varies based on menu items ordered.”
Advertising savings for kids is very purposeful, and strongly suggests adult prices will increase more. As for the “why” of that, our guess would be because families are the demographic that Walt Disney World wants to target with the Disney Dining Plans. (Another guess: families with small children do not use the DDPs nearly as efficiently as couples or those with older children. On average, the Disney Dining Plan spillage is probably much higher with this demo. But those are just our guesses.)
One big reason why it’s not totally unrealistic for prices to remain flat or drop slightly is because Walt Disney World is reducing the number of snacks available on the Disney Dining Plans from 2 to 1 per night. So that alone achieves cost-savings for the company and decreases the value of both tiers of the DDP. (In past breakdowns, we’ve ascribed a $5 value for each snack credit. Given current menu prices, that’s probably $6 now.)
For another thing, Walt Disney World has already engaged in aggressive culinary cost-cutting, especially at counter service restaurants. They’ve substituted suppliers, changed ingredients, and reduced portion sizes. All of this means that even at the same prices, the Disney Dining Plan will offer less than before–or you’ll have to spend more to get as much, etc. The value or purchasing power of the DDPs will decrease even if the price stays the same.
The next big change we’re spotting is both Princess Storybook Dining at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (for lunch and dinner) and Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White now requiring 2 table service credits. Previously, these were each 1-credit restaurants, and as a result, topped our list of the Top 10 Disney Dining Plan Table Service Credit Values.
This change isn’t even remotely surprising. Both of these are on the ‘elevated’ end of the character dining spectrum, feature princesses, and are incredibly popular Advance Dining Reservations. Artist Point has been an incredibly tough ADR since it opened, but Akershus wasn’t nearly this bad in the past–when it was a 1-credit restaurant and the #1 best-value use of a table service credit.
This duo now joins Cinderella’s Royal Table as character dining experiences that require 2 credits. We’ve long cautioned against booking Cinderella’s Royal Table on the DDP because it’s a poor per credit value, and that will also be the case with both Akershus and Artist Point. In fact, these are even worse values.
Our expectation is that, over time, Akershus’ popularity will plummet. It’s still “new” and seatings have been limited until recently. Very few people who comprehend credit value will book it while on the DDP. Eventually, Walt Disney World will either have to introduce a new and better menu, or downgrade it to 1-credit status.
Conversely, Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White can probably “get away” with charging 2 credits even while offering tepid value. It’s incredibly popular, reviews are unequivocally positive, and has an element of scarcity due to only serving dinner. Although it’s in Magic Kingdom, Be Our Guest Restaurant managed to do something similar for a few years pre-closure, and although its popularity did drop off with the Signature switch, the restaurant still had no trouble filling tables.
Otherwise, this appears mostly to be the same verbiage used in the past on the official Disney Dining Plan pages. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the foresight to save those in full when they were still available, but I’m pretty sure the other details are mostly boilerplate or holdovers from the 2020 Disney Dining Plan details.
This is almost certainly why dinner shows, plural, are discussed rather than just singling out Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue. It’s also probably why dinner at Be Our Guest Restaurant is discussed as requiring two credits, but not lunch. You’re welcome to believe this is a “sign” that Walt Disney World is going to announce another dinner show and introduce it by 2024 (highly unlikely) or bring back counter service breakfast and lunch at Be Our Guest Restaurant (more likely, but still not guaranteed). The better explanation is that someone at Walt Disney World copied and pasted old language without realizing that it should be updated.
The only other possible change–and this actually might’ve been there before–is the note that “certain select menu items require payment of an additional amount in addition to redeeming the number of meals required at the location.” I don’t recall seeing this in the past, but there were a handful of Signature Restaurants that had add-on fees, so it probably/possibly was there.
In any case, our expectation is that this practice will become more common with the 2024 Disney Dining Plans. There are already more add-ons on menus than there were previously, and Walt Disney World has gotten “upcharge happy” in the last few years. That’s another “good” way of keeping base prices relatively flat, too.
Anyway, below are the new/updated/changed details of the 2024 Disney Dining Plans according to Walt Disney World. If anyone spots other differences, please let us know in the comments. We could’ve missed some things!
Quick-Service Disney Dining Plan Details
Everyone in the party ages 3 and over receives the following during their package stay:
- 2 Quick-Service Meals Per Night of Stay*
- 1 Snack or Nonalcoholic Beverage Per Night of Stay*
- 1 Resort-Refillable Mug**
For example, if you book a 4-night package with a Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan, each Guest (ages 3 and up) in your party would receive 8 Quick-Service meals and 4 Snacks or Nonalcoholic Beverages—which can be used at any time during your 4-night stay.
Important Information
- Beverages are included with each meal. Guests under 21 years of age may choose from a variety of nonalcoholic beverages. Guests 21 and older with valid identification may substitute for beer, wine and cocktails.
- Guests ages 3 to 9 must order from a children’s menu, where available.
- Plan must be purchased for entire length of stay and for the entire party (ages 3 and up).
- Meals are nontransferable between party members and expire at midnight on day of checkout.
* Specific number of meals and snacks are determined by the number of nights included in the package stay. You can redeem your meals and snacks any day during your stay, until the number associated with your package have been depleted. All unused meals and snacks and the ability to use your refillable mug expire at midnight on your package reservation checkout date.
** Resort-refillable mugs are eligible for refills from self-service beverage islands at any Disney Resort hotel Quick-Service location.
Regular Disney Dining Plan Highlights
Everyone in the party ages 3 and over receives the following during their package stay:
- 1 Quick-Service Meal Per Night of Stay*
- 1 Table-Service Meal Per Night of Stay*
- 1 Snack or Nonalcoholic Beverage Per Night of Stay*
- 1 Resort-Refillable Mug**
For example, if you book a 4-night package with a Disney Dining Plan, each Guest (ages 3 and up) in your party would receive 4 Table-Service meals, 4 Quick-Service meals and 4 snacks or nonalcoholic beverages—which can be used at any time during your 4-night stay.
Important Information
- Beverages are included with each meal. Guests under 21 years of age may choose from a variety of nonalcoholic beverages. Guests 21 and older with valid identification may substitute for beer, wine and cocktails.
- Reservations at Table-Service restaurants are highly recommended and are subject to availability.
- Guests ages 3 to 9 must order from a children’s menu, where available.
- Plan must be purchased for entire length of stay and for the entire party (ages 3 and up).
- Meals are nontransferable between party members and expire at midnight on day of checkout.
* Specific number of meals and snacks are determined by the number of nights included in the package stay. You can redeem your meals and snacks any day during your stay, until the number associated with your package have been depleted. All unused meals and snacks and the ability to use your refillable mug expire at midnight on your package reservation checkout date.
** Resort-refillable mugs are eligible for refills from self-service beverage islands at any Disney Resort hotel Quick-Service location.
What’s Included for Each Type of DDP Credit
Quick-Service Meal – Meals redeemed at breakfast, lunch or dinner will include:
- 1 Entrée
- 1 Nonalcoholic Beverage (or Alcoholic Beverage, for Guests 21 and older)
Table-Service Meal – Meals redeemed at breakfast will include:
- 1 Entrée
- 1 Nonalcoholic Beverage (or Alcoholic Beverage, for Guests 21 and older)
-OR-
- 1 Full Buffet (prix-fixe) or Family-Style Meal (prix-fixe)
- 1 Nonalcoholic Beverage (or Alcoholic Beverage, for Guests 21 and older)
Meals redeemed at brunch, lunch or dinner will include:
- 1 Entrée
- 1 Dessert
- 1 Nonalcoholic Beverage (or Alcoholic Beverage, for Guests 21 and older)
-OR-
- 1 Full Buffet (If Available) or Family-Style Meal
- 1 Nonalcoholic Beverage (or Alcoholic Beverage, for Guests 21 and older)
Alcoholic Beverages – Guests 21 and older may choose either one nonalcoholic beverage or one-single serving mixed cocktail, beer or wine (where offered) as part of their meal.
A single-serving alcoholic beverage includes items such as:
- Beer or Cider
- Wine or Sangria
- Mixed Drinks and Specialty Cocktails
Nonalcoholic Beverages – Guests 10 years of age and older can choose one nonalcoholic beverage (including specialty beverages where offered) as part of their meal.
A single-serving nonalcoholic beverage includes items such as:
- Milkshakes
- Fresh Smoothies
- Premium Hot Chocolate
- Soda, Coffee or Tea
Snacks – At Quick-Service restaurants, most Outdoor Carts and select merchandise locations, snacks may include a single serving of items such as:
- Frozen ice cream novelty, popsicle or fruit bar
- 2 scoops of hand-scooped ice cream
- Popcorn scoop (single-serving box)
- Piece of whole fruit
- Single-serve bag of snacks
- 20-ounce bottle of Coca-Cola® products, including Dasani® water
- 20-ounce fountain soft drink
- Single-serve coffee, hot chocolate, hot tea, milk or juice
- Cup of soup
- Add on toppings or sauces (e.g. side of cheese dipping sauce)
What’s Not Included
- Items that are more than a single serving (such as a box of doughnuts or a jar of peanut butter)
- Items (such as popcorn or drinks) that are served in a souvenir container
- Items considered to be merchandise (such as bottle toppers, glow cubes and bottle straps)
- Special dining events offered at certain Table-Service locations
Premium Uses of Table Service Credits
Character Dining – Dine with some of your favorite Disney Characters! Have your camera ready for this experience that adds a little extra magic to your Table-Service meal.
Two Table-Service meals will be redeemed from the dining plan for each person dining at:
- Fairytale Dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table
- Princess Storybook Dining at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (at lunch and dinner only)
- Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White
Merchandise or photo imaging products that may be offered for sale at Character dining experiences are not included. Gratuities are not included unless otherwise noted.
Fine/Signature Dining Restaurants – Experience an elegant Table-Service option with a wide selection of cuisines ranging from traditional African, Indian and Mediterranean to premium steaks and fresh seafood.
Each meal from a Fine/Signature Dining restaurant on the Disney Dining Plan includes:
- 1 Entrée
- 1 Nonalcoholic Beverage (or Alcoholic Beverage, for Guests 21 and older)
- 1 Dessert
Two Table-Service meals will be redeemed from the dining plan for each person dining at a Fine/Signature Dining experience.
Signature Dining restaurants offer fine dining with a distinctly magical flair. Guests are expected to dress accordingly in attire that respects the restaurant’s sophisticated and upscale aesthetic. Clothing should be clean, neat and in good condition. Please, no swimwear.
Dinner at Be Our Guest Restaurant – Be Our Guest Restaurant requires 2 Table-Service meals to be exchanged for a single dining experience.
Dinner Shows – Enjoy family-style dining with live entertainment at a themed dinner show. All dinner shows require advance reservations. Two Table-Service meals will be redeemed from the dining plan for each person dining at a dinner show experience.
Private In-Room Dining – When staying at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, indulge in the comfort and convenience of dining in your room.
Each private in-room dining meal on the Disney Dining Plan includes:
- 1 Entrée
- 1 Dessert (lunch and dinner)
- 1 Nonalcoholic Beverage (or Alcoholic Beverage, for Guests 21 and older)
For private in-room dining, 2 Table-Service meals will be redeemed from the dining plan for each person dining.
Pizza Pickup – Stop by select Quick-Service locations to pick up a pizza meal, which includes:
- 1 Large Pizza
- 2 Single-serving Nonalcoholic Beverages (or Alcoholic Beverages, for Guests 21 and older)
Two Quick-Service meals will be redeemed for each Pizza Pick-up meal. Valid at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside.
How to Buy the Disney Dining Plan
Guests of on-site Walt Disney World Resort hotels can choose one of the vacation packages that includes one of the Disney Dining Plans, which offer the convenience and flexibility of prepaid dining at over 200 locations throughout Walt Disney World Resort.
It’s also possible to add the Disney Dining Plan to other reservations, including Disney Vacation Club bookings.
How to Use the Disney Dining Plan
Simply present your valid Disney Resort ID (MagicBand, Disney MagicMobile pass or Key to the World card) to your server or cashier at participating restaurants.
For special dietary requests, Guests should note them at the time of booking their dining reservations. Guests may also speak with a chef or manager upon arrival at the dining location.
If you’re dining with another party that’s also on a dining plan, please notify the server or cashier which meals should be redeemed on each valid Disney Resort ID.
You can redeem your meals and snacks in any order during your stay, until the number of meals and snacks associated with your package has been depleted. All unused meals and snacks and the ability to use your Resort-refillable mug expire at midnight on your package reservation checkout date.
How to Track DDP Credits
Your dining plan usage is electronically linked to your reservation. Keep track of your remaining meals and snacks in 3 ways:
- View your remaining meals and snacks in the My Disney Experience app.
- Check your dining receipts. Remaining meals and snacks are printed on them.
- Ask your Resort Concierge or Guest Relations to obtain them at any time.
As a reminder, unused meals and snacks will roll over day to day and expire at midnight on day of checkout.
Advance Dining Reservations
Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs) for Table-Service restaurants—including Character Dining and Fine/Signature Dining—are strongly encouraged; advance reservations are required for dinner shows.
Make ADRs online or via the My Disney Experience app.
An accepted major credit card guarantee is required for reservations at certain locations. A per-person cancellation charge may apply for reservations cancelled within 2 hours of the reservation time (cancellation charge varies by location). Advance reservations are highly recommended.
Gratuities
- Gratuities are not included, except for the following: dinner shows and Cinderella’s Royal Table.
- An additional form of payment is needed if you add gratuity and have not provided a credit card at check-in to charge incidentals and other expenses to your room.
- An 18% gratuity will automatically be added to your bill for parties of 6 or more.
- An automatic gratuity charge may also be added to your bill for certain items you order that are not included in the Disney Dining Plan.
Additional Charges
Certain select menu items require payment of an additional amount in addition to redeeming the number of meals required at the location.
Dining plans are unavailable for Guests under the age of 3, but they may share from an adult plate at no extra charge, or an additional meal may be purchased from the menu. The price of the meal will be added to your bill.
Ultimately, whether the Disney Dining Plan is right for you is a personal decision based on a lot of variables. For the majority of Walt Disney World guests from a strictly economic perspective, it is usually not a good value. This doesn’t mean it’s not a good service or worth buying, as it will offer psychological comfort or peace of mind which can be worth as much as monetary savings for some families. If you do opt to purchase the Disney Dining Plan for your 2024 Walt Disney World vacation, make sure you do your homework and plan accordingly!
If you are still unsure of whether the Disney Dining Plan might be right for you—or need personalized help with any aspect of your trip from hotels to the DDP and more—we recommend contacting a no fee “Authorized Disney Vacation Planner” (basically, Disney’s term for a travel agent) to get a quote and to help you plan. They get their commission from Disney, so none of the authorized (key word) planners will charge you for booking their trip and helping. Here’s one such recommended Authorized Disney Vacation Planner.
Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!
Your Thoughts
Spot any other changes to the 2024 Disney Dining Plans? What is your experience with the Disney Dining Plan? Thinking about buying the 2024 Disney Dining Plan once it becomes available? Does the DDP work for you? Is it a bad fit for your family? Do you agree or disagree with our assessment? Any questions? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
