One way to budget for Disney World is to pay for food ahead of time. The Disney Dining Plan is a a prepaid meal program that will let you effectively plan when and how your family is going to eat before you step foot in the parks.

But is it worth it? Or can you save more money by buying food separately?

Let’s take a look at the Disney Dining plan, including what is offered and how to maximize your plans.

What is the Disney Dining Plan?

Walt Disney World offers something known as the Disney Dining Plan, which allows you to pay for all of your meals in advance. This can be a great deal if you’re able to maximize the plan since it can save you money.

It can also reduce the stress associated with budgeting for a Walt Disney World vacation — since the price of the plan is fixed, you’ll be able to plan ahead for food costs.

Who is eligible for the Disney Dining Plan?

In order to be eligible for the Disney Dining plan, you’ll need to be staying at a Walt Disney World Resort property.

When will the Disney Dining Plan return?

Disney Dining Plans aren’t currently available and won’t be through the end of 2023. However, they will return on January 9, 2024. This means that if you’ve already booked a stay for after that date, you can easily add the plan to your package. You can also book new packages that include a dining plan.

Types of Walt Disney World dining plans

There will be two types of Disney Dining Plans available when they return in 2024. The first is less expensive and is good for those who like to eat on the go.

The second option costs more, but includes sit-down meals, which can be a great opportunity to rest during a busy day.

Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan

Disney’s Quick-Service Dining Plan is the less expensive of the two on offer. Here’s what you’ll get with your plan:

Two quick-service meals per day.

One snack or non-alcoholic drink per day.

One refillable mug.

Quick-service restaurants at Walt Disney World tend to resemble fast food spots. They’re designed to allow you to order, sit for a few minutes to eat, then move on.

Food quality can vary, but you’ll find a wide variety of cuisine options, including classics such as pizza, burgers and fries. At Epcot in particular, you’ll find many unique options, such as food from the Morocco, France and Germany pavilions.

Each quick-service meal consists of an entree and a drink. Those over 21 can choose from alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages with their meals.

Finally, the refillable mug that you’ll receive can be refilled at self-service beverage stations in Walt Disney World Resort hotels.

The cost for the Quick-Service Dining Plan depends on your age:

Adults: $57.01 per day.

Children (ages 3 to 9): $28.83 per day.

Disney Dining Plan

Your other option for a Disney Dining Plan is named, fittingly, the Disney Dining Plan. It’s more expensive than the quick-service option and includes a sit-down meal at a restaurant each day.

One table-service meal per day.

One quick-service meal per day.

One snack or non-alcoholic drink per day.

One refillable mug.

You’ll note a lot of similarities to the Quick-Service Dining Plan, though there are better benefits for this plan.

For both table service and quick-service meals redeemed at breakfast, you’re entitled to an entree and a drink (or a buffet/family-style meal).

However, credits redeemed for lunch or dinner are also entitled to a dessert. This is true for both quick-service and table-service credits.