The Pricey Disney Dining Plan That Disney World Lovers Call A Trap

When traveling, dining plans at whatever resort you're staying at typically reduce the stress and cost of eating during your visit. However, when it comes to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, the price you pay for the dining plan isn't exactly worth the peace of mind that it provides. Disney World isn't exactly known for being a saver's paradise, although there are some cheaper buffet options at Disney World, and the standard Disney Dining Plan currently costs customers $97.79 per adult per night and $30.56 per child per night.

While this plan grants one table service entrée and dessert, one quick service meal, one alcoholic or nonalcoholic drink per meal, and one snack or drink per customer per night (and one refillable drink mug), the price point of $97.79 means the plan is still generally considered a rip off. To put it simply, it is unlikely that you'll consume enough food each and every day of your visit to make paying this amount worthwhile. Plus, the plan must be paid for in accordance with how many days you are staying at the resort itself, meaning you aren't allowed to pick and choose how long you subscribe to the plan. As a result, you can very easily find yourself sinking quite a lot of money into something that doesn't quite fit your dining needs.

Again, it shouldn't be surprising that you'll be paying a pretty penny at Disney World. After all, this resort is home to California Grill and its $138 cocktail. However, the sheer lack of flexibility involved in the Disney Dining Plan means it is both exuberantly priced and not an ideal choice for those wanting to experience every restaurant in the area. As some restaurants, like Cinderella's Royal Table, actually require customers to burn through two table service credits per person, people are likely to feel worried about running out of meals on their vacation when using the Disney Dining Plan. When taking into account the fact that an adult dinner at Cinderella's Royal Table costs $88 plus tax and tip (the latter of which you still need to pay out of pocket while using the plan), even the additional daily benefits that the plan offers are unlikely to make up for spending two table service credits at once. Chances are, you'd be better off paying for the meal out of your own pocket.

Really, the only way to get your money's worth from the Disney Dining Plan is by choosing the priciest entrées from restaurants that don't demand two credits on every day of your stay. Most people simply aren't interested in doing this. Plus, if you somehow find that you haven't used up each of your daily allowances by the end of your trip, there is no way of redeeming the excess allowance; the money you put into it will be lost forever.