This post is coming to you straight from my mother's mouth. When I started planning Disney World vacations on my own, she taught me the most important piece of advice: "an army marches on its stomach." To this day she still reminds me how important planning meals at Disney World really is, which is why I am going to share this piece of advice with you all. Trust me, if you go to Disney World like my family, (up early, stay late, and take advantage of every second in the parks) the last thing you want is your tummy growling and low blood sugar.
Before we discuss Dining Plans, which most people have questions about, we need to start at the basics about reservations and the importance of making those reservations well before your vacation. I don't think I need to reiterate the importance of staying at a Disney Resort any more than I have already (the amenities, the free transportation, extra magic hours, etc.), but there is one other perk that really tips the scale in favor of staying on Disney property: you can make dining reservations up to 180 days before you arrive! As many Disney World enthusiasts know, dining reservations can fill up quickly, especially at some of the most well known and guest favorite restaurants such as Le Cellier, Cinderella's Royal Table, 'Ohana, Mamma Melrose's, Chef Mickey's etc., so having the leg-up with the 180 days really helps. This of course means you will want to make some countdowns for sure to ensure that you get the reservations you want. If you are like me, the highly organized person with countdowns, spreadsheets, and itineraries, you will probably know when you hit the 180 day mark. http://pscalculator.net/pscalc.php. This website is great because it shows you the 180 day mark to make planning easier. This way you won't turn into the multi documents open at the same time kind of person like I am.
Now I know that the majority of people who visit the Walt Disney World Resort are first-timers, so this can seem a little daunting. But that is what this blog is for, making planning easy.
Ok, so now we have the countdowns and the magic number, let's talk more about how to figure out where you want to go. Here is my process exactly so you can get an idea of my mindset. First, go to http://allears.net/tp/emhour.htm to look at extra magic hours. You want to find out where you are going to be on every day, if you are starting early and/or staying late, park hopping, or staying in one place. This way you can plan your meal timings accordingly and what restaurants you want to go to in which park. As my mom always says, plan your day around extra magic hours and meal times. Now I already know that the way I plan is kind of crazy with multiple spreadsheets and word documents, and I don't think that would be quite appropriate to simplify your planning. But what will help you get organized to plan are these great worksheets:
Before we discuss Dining Plans, which most people have questions about, we need to start at the basics about reservations and the importance of making those reservations well before your vacation. I don't think I need to reiterate the importance of staying at a Disney Resort any more than I have already (the amenities, the free transportation, extra magic hours, etc.), but there is one other perk that really tips the scale in favor of staying on Disney property: you can make dining reservations up to 180 days before you arrive! As many Disney World enthusiasts know, dining reservations can fill up quickly, especially at some of the most well known and guest favorite restaurants such as Le Cellier, Cinderella's Royal Table, 'Ohana, Mamma Melrose's, Chef Mickey's etc., so having the leg-up with the 180 days really helps. This of course means you will want to make some countdowns for sure to ensure that you get the reservations you want. If you are like me, the highly organized person with countdowns, spreadsheets, and itineraries, you will probably know when you hit the 180 day mark. http://pscalculator.net/pscalc.php. This website is great because it shows you the 180 day mark to make planning easier. This way you won't turn into the multi documents open at the same time kind of person like I am.
Ok, so now we have the countdowns and the magic number, let's talk more about how to figure out where you want to go. Here is my process exactly so you can get an idea of my mindset. First, go to http://allears.net/tp/emhour.htm to look at extra magic hours. You want to find out where you are going to be on every day, if you are starting early and/or staying late, park hopping, or staying in one place. This way you can plan your meal timings accordingly and what restaurants you want to go to in which park. As my mom always says, plan your day around extra magic hours and meal times. Now I already know that the way I plan is kind of crazy with multiple spreadsheets and word documents, and I don't think that would be quite appropriate to simplify your planning. But what will help you get organized to plan are these great worksheets:
These worksheets are just a really easy and fun way to get started organizing your day from parades and dining reservations, to must-see attractions. At this point you might be saying things to yourself like "why didn't this website post this earlier?" and the only reason behind that is because you want to really start planning your day around these dining reservations. For example, you would hate for a lunch or dinner reservation to be scheduled at the same time as Fantasmic! or during a parade. Remember what my mom said, plan your day around your meals that way to can see, do, and eat everything you want.
I would also suggest to make some time tables in addition so you can get a better look at what the entire day looks like once you have your dining plans all figured out. Remember that you may also want to schedule breaks for swimming or naps, which are not on these spreadsheets. You can take these print out with you or create your own special itineraries for you Disney vacation. This way you will know what you are doing each day, where you need to be, what not to miss, and of course, where you are eating.
In addition to organization, research is also a huge park of picking restaurants. Luckily there are a lot of great resources that talk about the food at Disney. So here is what I suggest to anyone who has never been to Disney World or wants to try new food: look at the maps for starters. Here is a website that you can get maps for the parks and hotels that will give you an idea of the restaurants you can visit http://www.wdwinfo.com/resortmaps/. Within the maps, there is a section devoted to dining that says the name of the restaurant, price range, and a brief description.
But let's be honest, if you are a picky eater or just one of those people who really wants to know exactly what is available, I would visit https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/ and look up the restaurants you are interested in trying. You can delve into the menus and look at prices which will definitely help you plan where you want to go. If you are also using the dining plan (which I will discuss at the end of this post) it will also show you which plans are accepted at the different restaurants. If you have a ton of time, love to read, and have a love of research, you could visit the Disney Food Blog http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/. There are various topics of conversation and you can find the answer to almost any question you have within that blog. With all these tools I am very confident that you are going to be able to find the perfect restaurant for your stay.
But let's be honest, if you are a picky eater or just one of those people who really wants to know exactly what is available, I would visit https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/ and look up the restaurants you are interested in trying. You can delve into the menus and look at prices which will definitely help you plan where you want to go. If you are also using the dining plan (which I will discuss at the end of this post) it will also show you which plans are accepted at the different restaurants. If you have a ton of time, love to read, and have a love of research, you could visit the Disney Food Blog http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/. There are various topics of conversation and you can find the answer to almost any question you have within that blog. With all these tools I am very confident that you are going to be able to find the perfect restaurant for your stay.
As soon as you figure out where you want to eat, we can now make the reservation. There are two ways to make reservations. If you love the Disney music on hold and the personable attention from cast members you can call 407-WDW-DINE or 407-939-3463. They can make any and all reservations for you with a personal touch. If you just want to do it yourself, are in a hurry, or can't stand being on the phone, you can make your reservations online using your Disney World account.
In addition to linking your reservations, there are also a lot of other benefits from booking reservations online, such as you won't have to wait for an available cast member and you can read all the available times for dining on the spot instead of having a cast member read them to you over the phone. Make sure you have signed in to your account before you begin. To book online go to https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining. Choose your first restaurant and open the page for it. You’ll see a blue box marked “Check Availability” on the right, about halfway down the page. Pick your date and number of people in your party. Reservations can be made at 6:00 am ET 180 days from your arrival. Then click “Find a Table” and start making your reservations. It is that simple!
If you have done your research, you know that there are a lot of restaurants that are difficult to get reservations for such as Cinderella's Royal Table, Le Cellier, Chef Mickeys, Victoria and Albert's (especially if you want the chef's table), Be Our Guest, and many more favorites such as the Spirit of Aloha Luau and 'Ohana. This is when you are really going to want to use that countdown calendar because you will want to set that alarm early so you can get the best chance possible. Trust me, for reservations like Cinderella's Royal Table you will want to get up early and try your best to get that reservation. It would also be a good idea for you to be flexible for these hard to get reservations such as if you would be ok with breakfast instead of dinner or visa verse, the times you could make reservations for, and the day of the week. You may find on the busier days (such as Saturday), especially during peak seasons (Christmas, Spring Break, etc.) that you may not get the exact day you want, so try and figure out a couple of days, times, or even the type of meals that you would be willing to try. If you can't get the restaurant you want for the right meal or time, don't get frustrated. While these restaurants have good food and a great decor/experience, being with your friends and family makes the restaurant great and you can always meet the characters regardless if your dining is attached to meeting them. With so many great food options and dining experiences, you will not miss out on anything.
So I have done a lot of writing about dining reservations and the importance of making those reservations, but some of you might be a little weary, hesitant, or overwhelmed at this point. You may even be thinking that this is too much and why bother. Can't I just go to the park and walk up to any restaurant and be able to eat? I will be very honest with you at this point. It is going to be near impossible for you to walk up to any restaurant the day-of and get a reservation or be able to sit down right away. Now I understand that things happen or you plan a Disney vacation on the fly or last minute, but you should be prepared for there to be no availability the day of for restaurants that are not quick service. Even if you plan on the fly, try and make reservations if possible. Now for those of you who had something happen either the night before or right before you leave, there are a couple of things you can do. Once you get to the Walt Disney World Resort, call the Dining number or visit your hotel concierge if you are staying at club level. Either one can help you make dining reservations. If you are still having difficulty, here is a tip (but no guarantee), at park opening, head to Guest Relations and ask about dining reservations for that day. Some restaurants will hold a couple day-of reservations and going to Guest Relations is your best bet.
Most people will run to the restaurant at park opening so you might have a better chance if you go directly to Guest Relations, especially if one of those restaurants are in World Showcase which doesn't open until 11:00am. You will always have counter service or quick service options, which are never a bad thing. Overall, you should always try an book your dining reservations in advance.
Most people will run to the restaurant at park opening so you might have a better chance if you go directly to Guest Relations, especially if one of those restaurants are in World Showcase which doesn't open until 11:00am. You will always have counter service or quick service options, which are never a bad thing. Overall, you should always try an book your dining reservations in advance.
Ok now here it is: Dining Plans. I will admit that I am quite new to the Disney Dining Plans and I have only used it once to be completely honest. While I am not the foremost authority on Disney Dining Plans, I can tell you a little bit of my experience with it and how these Dining Plans are broken down by price and category.
First it is important to note that you can only get a Dining Plan if you book a package (hotel & tickets). Secondly, it is important to differentiate between the Dining Plans. There are:
First it is important to note that you can only get a Dining Plan if you book a package (hotel & tickets). Secondly, it is important to differentiate between the Dining Plans. There are:
Magic Your Way Package Plus Quick-Service Dining
Magic Your Way Package Plus Dining
Magic Your Way Package Plus Deluxe Dining
For first-timers this decision can seem intimidating. I think we all are price conscious and definitely don't want to overspend or seem like we are wasting money. This is where making the right decision for your family or friends is very important. So here is a quick description of the different dining plans as well as a price breakdown. (Just so you are up on the Dining Plan lingo, credits also means meals. I want you to be prepared to hear different words that mean the same thing.)
Quick-Service Dining Plan: the Quick Service Plan costs $37.58 per adult per night, and $14.32 per child per night. This plan allows you two quick or counter service meals and one snack per night of your resort stay, plus a refillable resort mug.
Package Plus Dining Plan: the Plus Dining plan is $55.59 per adult per night and $17.16 per child per night during regular season. The Plus plan is the most popular of the choices, and gives you one counter service meal, one table service meal, and one snack per night of your resort stay, plus a refillable resort mug. Plus Deluxe Dining Plan: the Deluxe Dining plan has regular season pricing of $99.97 per adult per night, and $26.84 per child per night. This more elaborate plan allows three meals of any type (counter or table service) and two snacks per night of your stay, plus a refillable resort mug.
Now you might be wondering how to use the plan in the parks and this is where most of the confusion really comes from and can tip the scale for you to make your dining plan choice. To explain how you actually use the dining plan in the parks, I will use an example from the Plus Dining Plan since it is the most popular choice. You will need to present your Key to the World card at every location you are eating at (I do not know how this is changing with My Magic+ so you will have to ask or find out upon making reservations). Also make sure the cashier knows how many meals you are redeeming when you are at a quick service or counter service location, it just makes things easier. Now what do you actually get with your meals?
With the Plus Dining Plan a counter service meal consists of an entrée (or combo meal if available) and a non-alcoholic beverage. At lunch and dinner you also receive a dessert. Table service meals include an entrée and non-alcoholic drink, or a full buffet with beverage. Again at lunch and dinner you get dessert too. Of course other items can be ordered and paid for out of pocket like an appetizer or alcoholic beverage. You will be charged an automatic gratuity for those add-on items at Table Service restaurants and gratuity is always included regardless.
Since this gives you a basic idea of the meal plan, I am going to share my experience with you all. The only time I used/purchased the Dining Plan I got the Deluxe Dining Package. Part of my concern about the Dining Plans in general, which made me choose this particular plan, was not having enough choices or a lack of food. It is no surprise that I LOVE Disney food, as does my family so having the most options is very important to us, which is why the I selected the Deluxe Dining Plan. It seemed to give the most options and meals. Because I have never used any dining plan before, I probably should have done more research before I went to the park, but I will share what I learned. For breakfast you could pick up a pastry or cereal and a piece of fruit at your hotel food court with a drink. Now breakfast at the hotel is fine, it does give you the little food boost you need, but I was disappointed with the fruit choices. Since we are early risers for Extra Magic Hours, there was little variety of fruit, so be prepared. I also had to ask a Cast Member what we could get for breakfast because I was very confused as to what was available to me. If you are ever unsure or confused, never be afraid to ask a Cast Member, that is my biggest advice. Whether you are already at table service, quick service, or grabbing a snack, as a Cast Member if you need help. Moving on, for lunch and dinner at a table service restaurant you would get an appetizer, entrée, and dessert per person. Remember when I said I LOVE Disney food and I was concerned the Dining plan would not feed the Disney food lover? Well this plan does not let you go hungry, at all! In fact, I was so full it was painful at times to eat. So here is my tip if you are using the Deluxe Dining Plan: make your dining reservations far apart so you can enjoy all the restaurants has to give. I made a reservation at the Coral Reef and then 4 hours later, made a reservation for Chefs de France. I was so stuffed because there was not enough time in between to digest. So make sure there is enough time in between your reservations. For quick service or counter service you get your entrée and a dessert which can be gelato or a small piece of cake, which is more then enough for lunch. Now if you think there is any chance that you would be the slightest bit hungry after all this, you also get a snack per person per day. I personally never had to use the snack option so we were just stuck with a lot of snack credits that we did not use. After returning home, I thought of a great way to use these snack credits if you don't think you will use them during the day. You could grab snacks from any bakery like Starring Rolls or the Patisserie in France, and bring them back to your hotel and eat them for breakfast. This way you don't have to wake up earlier to grab something at the hotel. In addition, you could get more variety such as a cheese and fruit platter instead of a sugary item or be able to get some of your favorite pastry items from around the park. This is how I would use these snack credits in retrospect but I am sure you all will think of creative ways to use them.
Overall, the Dining Plans give you a lot of variety and a lot of food. I didn't really have any issues besides the amount of food with the Deluxe Dining Plan. I was very happy, I was never hungry, could eat whatever I wanted, and didn't have any restrictions. To see what restaurants are available with what plans check out http://www.wdwinfo.com/disney-dining-plan.htm or visit https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/planning-guides/in-depth-advice/disney-dining-plan/ for a comprehensive list and explanation of your Dining Plan choice.
You should also keep in mind that certain restaurants/dining experiences such as character dining (Chef Mickey's, Cinderella's Royal Table, Crystal Palace etc.) and premiere dining experiences like Le Cellier, Mounsier Paul, Citricos, etc. will use double credits. Always ask a cast member or consult the website so you can plan accordingly.
At this point, I think you all have a great starting platform for choosing not only a Dining Plan, but also how to go about planning your day around dining. So just remember to be our guest and put Disney's restaurants to the test.
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