Is the Disney Dining Plan Worth It for DVC Members?

In this week's episode, we dive into the much-anticipated return of the Disney Dining Plan!
As of January 9, 2024, the plan is back on the menu at Walt Disney World Resort, and we're exploring whether adding the Disney Dining Plan is a value-for-money move for Disney Vacation Club Members?
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[@marylittig4767]

You guys have no idea how many times I hit rewind to watch my favorite parts again and again 🤩 Thanks for a super show, John Saccheri, Amy Krieger, Paul Krieger, Derek DeBoer and Jeff Haslam 🙂 I was on the floor with Derek's Carol Channing imitation 🤣

[@disneyworldvacationer]

The dining plan as a dvc owner is VERY beneficial if you do this one key thing: split stay. Get it for a night or 2, hit the expensive stuff like Ohana, get your refillable mug, then continue on the rest of your vacation as you would. I might do a video on this topic because there is so much nuance and so many ways to go about the dining plan, plus I LOVE constantly thinking and planning my next WDW trip, planning the dining is a disgusting joy for me 😂. Wonderful video as always, laughed alot, love this crew. 🙏

[@sharilowery3444]

I agree. Make a one night resservation for arrival and depature. So you have a full check in/out day to use the credits.

[@cyndimeyer837]

You can get a cheese plate as a dessert choice

[@Sunnyskies515]

Agree. I’m planing on doing this on my split stay I have 1 night separate at poly. Going to eat at Ohana because it’s basically the same price as dining there and then I get a free quick service, snack and refillable mug. Ohana is $62 + alcohol(lapu)$20=$82 Dining plan is $88.55

[@disneyworldvacationer]

@@Sunnyskies515 great plan. Keep in mind the lapu wont be served in the pinapple, just in a glass on that plan. For that reason, Im going with the backscratcher which still comes with the backscratcher 😆

[@Luv2Pplwatch]

Great Suggestions 😊

[@SZ2831]

i listen to your podcast while i drive to work and i gotta tell you, best podcast to provide the most DVC info. but i had to watch just to see Derek's glasses, omg i haven't laughed so hard lol. I learned, and i laughed. Thank you!!

[@Mark-ds7ug]

We never purchase the dining plan. For us, it just another thing to keep track of and we don't want the hassle and stress of making sure we use all of our credits before we leave. When we go to Disney, we just budget for the food and snacks. This gives us the ultimate control and flexibility to eat as much or as little as we want.

[@disneyresortsfan]

Derek is the clear winner here! He didn’t sacrifice where he was or where he was going! 🎉🎉🎉

[@derekdeboer5717]

Thank you Lars - as always you are correct :)

[@priscilladietrich556]

Before becoming DVC members we were able to do "free" dining. First time was our stay at Wilderness Lodge. We took advantage and did lots of character dining - Garden Grill, Askershus, Crystal Palace, 1900 Park Fare, O'Hana, Tusker House, etc. The next year we again qualified for "free" dining. We ended up trading most of the quick service meals for snacks and used them at the Food and Wine festival. It was during this second trip we got smart and bought DVC, lol. I felt like I chose restaurants that maximized the dining plan instead of choosing where we would like to eat. After becoming DVC members we purchased Tables in Wonderland. That worked perfect for us! I miss Tables in Wonderland! Really wish it would come back.

[@robinward4561]

Yes, the dining plan included the tip when it first came out.

[@SethMKnight]

Challenge ACCEPTED! Going in a week and going to take a picture of me and my Bowl O' Beans for a DVC World Bucket Hat! 😂

[@Jodie4Ft12In]

I gotta say you’re all awesome! Besides always learning new things, your happy/positive banter starts my week off in a better place. Your approach to all things DVC, good and not so good, is honest and you can feel you like each other; it takes the show to another level. Thanks for all you do!

[@SethMKnight]

Rope Drop HS. Lunch at Docking Bay 7 (Beef Stir Fry & Quencher) $35.99. Head over to Epcot and have A Funnel Cake for $13.50 as my Snack and end the day with Dinner at Garden Grill (Skillets & Citrus Freeze) $78.00. For a total of $127.49!

[@tpg5974]

Dining plan is a rip-off. Disney doesn't do anything that could potentially lose them money. So unless you do the math, get the most expensive meals, drink alcohol, but the most expensive snacks... most people will not come out ahead when purchasing the dining plan. I'm a numbers nerd and for my family, it never worked out. But like you said, it's your money, spend it on what makes you happy. Even if it means getting ripped off.

[@sarahmitchell8914]

I am glad that Jeff finally noted the value of the resort refillable mug for those who actually use that resource during their stay.

[@frankcarney4882]

I agree with Derek that the food quality getting lower or a more limited menu, more generic less adventurous, when the dining plan is available.

[@Jimmy-Mc]

I also agree. We just saw it in action with Rodeo Roundup BBQ cutting their menu.

[@LisaAnn365]

Yes, Amy you are right…the DDP DID use to cover gratuity, years ago.

[@krishanamcreynolds9724]

Yes, I remember in 2007 that gratuity was included with the Disney Dinning plan. You also got appetizer, entrée, and dessert with table service credit.

[@katcrow9988]

Hysterical! I have never bought a Disney Dining Plan. This was so helpful. I didn't think DVC members were eligible, and after your assignment, I have to think about it now. I have been asked by our servers, when we first sit down, if we are using the dining plan, and when I say no, they actually light up and seem happier.

[@zero65ss1]

I feel like the quickservice dining plan is a much better deal and easier to get your money back, especially if you like alcohol

[@user-rf1yj3oh5c]

This was the exact content was hoping for this morning! Thank you, as always, but also thank you for reading my mind 😆

[@WW156]

Our use if DDP started in 2005ish. Back then, Appetizer, Entree, Deserts and soft drink. Tip WAS included. Loved the bounce back free dining when Value Resorts got regular DDP, and rooms were less than $100/night. Our first trip was 10 days with free dining.

[@hvelador]

In my past experience, the way to get the most value out of the dining plan is by doing a character meal. You mention in the podcast that character meals use two credits, however that is for a few character meals, such as Cinderella‘s Royal table, and now artist point. Most character meals use one table credit, which makes character meals one of the best values under the dining plan since these meals are typically over $60.

[@dee_mcgee11]

Something mentioned at the end of the episode was character dining being 2 credits. I checked with Disney dining to confirm how many credits it is for Garden Grill at EPCOT and they said 1 credit.

[@DVCFan]

I believe it depends on the character dining location. For example, Topolino's Character Breakfast is listed as 2 Table-Service credits.

[@TheFtm22]

Yes, there are many options for character dining. I like the breakfasts best at table service.

[@marianpeters5717]

I'm with Derek. We never buy the dining plan mainly because we don't eat that much each day. Plus I am not a planner. Whatever we feel like doing when we get up is what we do

[@JUNIORPHX]

I have a coming trip 2/28 - 3/7 and I added the Dining Plan. I already have everything planed. My meals pass $96.00+ per day.

[@jessicakleinberg7925]

The best value is when there are parents with multiple kids under age 10. AND you plan to do the one credit character meals. Insane value. We traveled with our 4 kids ages 9, 7, 6 and 4. We all got the mug. The kids price for the 1 credit character meals was on average $30-$40. Kids meal price per day is under $30. Add in the snack and qs meal, refillable mug… we made out. We wanted to do the character meals anyway. So the real value comes with a ton of kids under 10! Now that our kids are over 10, it isn’t worth it and we no longer will get it.

[@thechicscript2307]

The bowl of beans is a good protein option 😂

[@TheFtm22]

Donald Derek is now required to wear those glasses on all shows! We used to do the free dining because it let our children buy snacks and such on their own in the parks without us handing them money or being surprised by a huge bill. But we've not returned to WDW since 2018 so it's likely not as good a value now.

[@SDayMB]

Good show breaking down the new dining plans.

[@CruisingWithElena]

No not true most of characters meal take ONE credit for dining plan One for Topolinos One chef mickeys One for all maybe not cinderellas castle but most take one

[@Big_Beautiful_Tomorrow]

Thanks for sharing your perspectives! I loved the approach of planning what you would for comparison. I’m curious about what you would have added for tip and how this might add to the cost and comparison - in addition to how the DVC or AP dining discount might impact the comparison….lots of variables to consider. Thanks again!

[@dustinscruggs8719]

Love the show, love you guys, and we used you guys last year for our 1st disney cruise and we did not use our dvc points. Thanks

[@frankcarney4882]

Good morning team, and it's a good team! Thanks

[@katherinerogers5681]

We always purchase it if we can. We save all of our snack credits for epcot day to use for the festival. We use double dining for the shows and the good restaurant. Then for breakfast we use our take and go. We don't do lunch really anyway. If u have teens, DDP is a great deal because they eat anything we don't eat.😅

[@jimmyD2484]

At the 21:40 Paul you make a joke about Jeff’s hacks for the Disney dining plan should be a show. I think that’s a genius idea even for a short show. There are enough of us out there who would love to know more information like that.

[@terrys4179]

FYI the dining plan most definitely included gratuity, appetizer, dessert and multiple snacks and was $45 to $50 per person per night of your stay. Back then it was worth it. Even before Covid it really wasn't as much as a savings as it used to be and this new plan at $94 would be wasted on me. Derek I could eat with you every day and wouldn't need a dining plan! lol. We have no plan to use it.

[@theammons0806]

We went through all of the places we wanted to eat and picked our preferred meals/drinks....it came out to be pretty much a wash when my husband offered to drink alcohol for me at least once a day. For us, even at a small loss it would have been a slam dunk if we could get an appetizer OR dessert instead of being forced into dessert at every meal.

[@jenny71WDW]

when we had the OG dining plan many moons ago it did include the tip and an app!! it was insanity!

[@jenny71WDW]

also when we had dinner at LeCellier they allowed lobster tail add on to you entree! Telling you it was crazy

[@michellespear1761]

We only have done dining plan when it was free and we had dour in the room. For two people a room discount was usually better than dree dining. And this was when there were two snacks. And I don't drink alcohol and usually drink water when it is hot. And the quality of the desserts definitely went down once they had meal plan in place.

[@lesliereynolds4492]

I saw Carol Channing in an alley getting into a car, she was in a show in Cincinnati and I was getting a great tour from my hosts. They have an amaaazing cemetery with beautiful monuments, their son was buried there (sad). Was glad I got to see it though.

[@bobbyfrass1]

We did the DDP once in 2010 and felt like we were having to eat all the time! I don’t remember the price back then but I remember thinking…never again. Plus we didn’t like having to have a big sit down meal once a day. It took away from our time in the parks and some of our spontaneity. Admittedly, I’m bigger around the waistline these days and do eat more. But I’d rather not feel the pressure of having to keep meal plans that I don’t want to actually follow through on.

[@user-cr7ui4xo7k]

FYI My Starbucks runs are considered a snack! I was so pleasantly surprised.

[@ginafriebel2568]

Not worth it for my family of four. None of us drink and paying adults price for a 10 year old that eats like a bird is not great. I felt like it used to be worth when alcohol was not part of the plan and when you could take the counter service meal and use snacks for Epcot booths. I am happy for others that love the plan. It is just not for us anymore.

[@graceschmidt1942]

I feel so much better after watching this. I've done both plans in the past. The quick service works better for the way I eat and I liked the convenience of it. But I also felt bad when I would add up what I actually spent vs what I paid. But now I buy gift cards and use them for food. Then I don't have a large credit card bill at the end. I periodically buy gift cards and I get them as gifts from family. Plus I still can use my discount with the gift cards👍

[@grandadmiraldanno2145]

I agree that it is more for convenience than value... but i really think that the value hinges on snacks... pay cash for a soda... but use a snack on the more expensive items

[@jenniferzivoin3405]

We love the kid meals as adults. I am an adult woman, and I save so much money eating from the kid menu. The portions are plenty big for me! My husband like to get kids menu meals as snacks. And they are much more substantial than a bowl of beans :) Dining Plan would just be too much money and food than what we would spend just buying food as we go.

[@lorial-muddaris6254]

I believe it was around 20 years ago that it did include the gratuity. That’s when I first used it and gratuity was included. However, 2 years later when I added it to a reservation gratuity was not included.

[@vickiefegley3817]

It did include tip many years ago….I remember

[@janett253]

Good show. But I'm curious how many people that have the dining plan never tip since the meal is paid for already.. I'm sure there are those that just get up and walk away. I'd love to hear from cast members. I've been a server and it would really bother me if people didn't tip on the dining plan. Disney needs to emphasize loudly that tip is not included. Also in my opinion the dining plan is not worth it. The room discounts are a better deal. Free or not the dining plan is not a good deal. I know there are those that say I like everything paid for ahead of time. That is a lazy waste of money comment. I also agree with Derek all the way. I want to eat when, where I want and not have to think about meals.

[@ruflippingkiddingme]

I guess my family is the only one that eats 3 meals a day. Especially when we're on vacation. Doubly especially at Disney when were burning so many calories. We're hungry! Now wed probably just purchas the QS plan and pay OOP for our 3rd meal. Its mostly for the convenience of having the food paid for before arriving at the park.

[@kellykristine1238]

I think you have to take into account the DVC or AP discount if it applies to you. We questioned it was a good value before becoming DVC and AP, we definitely don’t get it now because of the discount

[@jessif.]

I will definitely spend less than $57/day on two counter service meals and a snack. We don’t drink so the price is way too high for us. Plus, some of my kids over age 10 can share meals or eat leftovers, so not everyone needs 2 credits a day. If we have a DVC kitchen I like to make easy cheap things like a pot of pasta, frozen pizzas, Mac & cheese, and eggs/waffles for breakfast. I can definitely spend less than $57 per day each ($314 per day for our family of 6) to feed the family at WDW. Thank you for the discussion!

[@user-if8wo7tx8i]

Currently booked for 8/23-8/29 and will probably extend by a day. Purchased a resale and waiting for closing to clear(Thanks Andy Berry). My plan is to do a split stay between Pop and hopefully AKL(Home resort). Would I still qualify for the free dining if I changed it for the back end of my trip in the deluxe resort? Thank you Felipe

[@sheilaa1333]

I made a spreadsheet of all the places we wanted to eat and assumed the most expensive item on the menu for myself, but with a picky 12 year old who can’t drink alcohol and would rather have the kids meal option it came out far less expensive to pay as we go.

[@user-rf1yj3oh5c]

Maybe I missed it, but how does tax figure in? The $94… a night seemed like there is no additional tax on purchase when you’re adding on to a booked stay. Do you have to pay tax at the restaurant like tip, or is that additional tax for all of your food items when you are paying cash an additional amount that should be included when figuring out value or possible savings?

[@laurelgionet5476]

Disney Dining Plan when it first came out included gratuity and taxes. It has never been worth it since they took that away. And the servers loved it because they were guaranteed a tip when a lot of cultures don’t tip and don’t realize the servers make like 2 dollars an hour.

[@dawnps5671]

In the past, kids could get an adult QS meal! That was the best use of credits. 2 of us would split 1 qs.

[@SethMKnight]

Ohh. I wanna play! 🤣

[@kerryw.5301]

I wonder if the meal plan is more worth it for families with kids. None of your scenarios included a pretend kid and what they would eat during the day. Perhaps, for parents with 2 or more kids the dining meal is a good value? I would love to see you guys bring a kid or two along for the day when you go to the parks and test out the meal plans in real-time. We used to get the dining plan when we had 3 small kids and with all of the snacks (ice cream, pretzels, sodas, etc.) that they wanted throughout the day, we felt we got our money's worth. I think you should do a family of 4 on the meal plan and see how it comes out in the end. I used to eat some of the kids meals for my meals because they were not always hungry and then we used our adult meals at nicer places. You could really play around with how you worked it.

[@kristiemoniz2212]

If you do a split stay, can u buy for just 1 resort's stay?

[@jennybarker6739]

It did include gratuity and it contained an app and a dessert

[@audralee1832]

Re tipping: Parties of 6 or more are automatically charged 18% gratuity. Totally fair, but it is included on the bill...

[@lesliereynolds4492]

Direct DVC points mean nothing to me, I’ll always save a ton of money by buying second hand and paying full price for what I want which is one full meal and a couple snacks. Always get ice water, I treat a coke as a desert very rarely get one. No drinking alcohol except maybe once in 3 years. No annual pass anymore, I will only go one or two parks a year maybe. For me I’m saving a ton. I also save a lot of $5s, $1s, $10s during the year for tips for my vacations. I also set aside $20s.

[@vickycroft4621]

DVC . We've never tried the dining plan. We do love Disney dining experiences. We don't drink alcohol. Nothing good comes from it. 😮

[@lesliereynolds4492]

You could use it at Boathouse????

[@fan13n24]

In the past, we would purchase the dining plan because of both the convenience and if you ordered the most expensive dishes on every menu, it was ok as far as a cost savings. On our upcoming trip in March, we will not. First, It will be a slightly shorter trip than normal, 3 nights /4 days in the park as opposed to 5 nights/5 days in the parks. So, right off the bat, because it is based on how many nights you stay, we would have to pay cash for the 4th day in the park. Why don't they base it on the number of days on your ticket, rather than room nights? Second, we are doing two signature restaurants requiring two credits for one of the restaurants. We would have to pay cash for the second one. Third, we will be doing lunch at Space 220 on one day which is not part of the Dining plan. Lastly, for myself, I crunched the numbers after looking at all the menus for the reservations we have. It was actually $100 cheaper(not always getting the most expensive items), just for myself, to pay cash than get the dining plan.

[@frankcarney4882]

Do you think the elimination of 1 snack made the kids price cheaper while the addition of alcoholic beverages kept the adult price the same?

[@jenny71WDW]

is there a list of table service that qualify for the 1 credit? We usually go with discounted gift cards for dining. Just crunching numbers for a trip with newbies who never experienced disney or disney dining.

[@DVCFan]

There's a filter on the Disney World website now that shows which restaurants are dining plan eligible: disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/ Anything labeled "Signature Dining" would be 2 Credits.

[@Sunflower00987]

Love for a vlogger to confirm if Disney changed the definition of snacks under the plans. The website shows that snacks are defined as being available at QS locations and open carts ONLY. Therefore, snack locations, like Ahola Isle (MK), are showing the dining plans aren’t part of the plan. Therefore, does this mean the Epcot festival booths are also not accepting the plans??? No vlogger will or has answered this question regarding snacks to date (01/15/23). I really want to know this info b/c if these locations are off the plan - the dining plans have been radically changed by Disney than mentioned.

[@DVCFan]

The Festival Booths currently show snack eligible items which is most all food and non-alcoholic drinks. To us that means, yes, you can 100% use the dining plan here. We’ll get more confirmation soon when we visit next.

[@wbsouthton]

Need Mickey Express and “tables of wonderland”. Those alone are benefits or services , I believe, drive magic and attendance.

[@beth12725]

You also get the resort mug

[@janett253]

Not a great perk unless you drink a lot of soda. Not good for you. I just drink water.

[@reallypauline3322]

If you were doing a split stay through DVC points could you theoretically get the food plan for one portion of the split stay? I have never taken the food plan but very much enjoyed Tables in Wonderland and am still mourning that, RIP TIW we will miss you!

[@DVCFan]

Yes! You could get it for just one of the stays.

[@tutuluvsminnie7129]

Derek, Wont your drink by the pool count as a snack?

[@derekdeboer5717]

Hahah - NOPE! Cause that's where my cooler from home comes in handy, I'm not paying those pool bar prices for the same generic Disney beers ;)

[@smilles415]

Did you all add tax? Tax adds a lot to the bill. Also almost all of the character dining in now one credit.

[@xgriffinx16]

The second half of this video is why I WILL NEVER UNDERSTAND this dining "plan". It does NOT help you with reservations. It does NOT help you with discounts. You are forced into fitting a mold that may not work for you. If you're DVC or AP you DO NOT get your discount. I mean really... why? Just why?

[@michaelheath312]

No!!!!!

[@danielsullivan2098]

You have a DVC timeshare with a fully operational kitchen. You don't need to purchase a dining plan. You need to purchase groceries so you can cook all your meals at your DVC timeshare.

[@tonydeeugenio1489]

No way u can spin it it is not worth it wish they would stop there greed