So, you've planned your trip to Disneyworld…you've found a great hotel deal, you've researched your best ticket options, but you're just not sure about the dining plan.
Theme Park Dining Plans – Are They Worth It?
Over the past few years, theme parks have introduced dining plans that are designed to save you money IF you stick to the plan. Before you're tempted to buy an amusement park dining plan, ask yourself these important questions…
- Have I read all the details of the plan?
- Are beverages included, or will we be happy with water?
- Does this plan offer the right amount of meals for my family? If you have teenage boys…these plans are a bargain!
- Do we have picky eaters? Picky eaters may frown at the limited food choices.
- Do we like the restaurant choices on the plan? If you're spending multiple days at the park, will you get bored with the meal choices?
- Will we be tempted to eat at a restaurant not on the plan? What will you do when little Johnny wants ice cream and it's not on the dining plan?
Let's take a look at the dining plans at some of the popular theme parks.
Disneyworld Dining Plan
- Only for guests of select Walt Disneyworld Resorts with a Magic Your Way Vacation Package.
- Quick-Service Dining Plan includes 2 quick-service meals and 1 snack per day. Beverages are included, and each guest receives a refillable drink mug.
- Regular Dining Plan includes 1 table service meal, 1 quick-service meal and 1 snack per day. Beverages are included, and each guest receives a refillable drink mug.
- Deluxe Dining Plan includes 3 table service or quick-service meals per day and 2 snacks. Beverages are included, and each guest receives a refillable drink mug. The Deluxe Dining Plan does have an option to trade meals for special dining experiences like character dinners.
Universal Dining Plan
- Universal Dining Plan is available only for guests that purchase a Universal Orlando Vacation Package.
- Universal Dining Plan includes 1 table service meal with a beverage, 1 quick-service meal with a beverage, 1 snack and 1 beverage per day for $51.99 per adult or $17.99 for ages 3 – 9.
- Universal Quick-Service Plan includes 1 quick-service meal, 1 snack and 1 beverage per day for $17.99 per adult or $12.99 for ages 3 – 9.
- Personal Note: We purchased the dining plan for our family of 5 (including 3 teens), but we ended up leaving the park after lunch each day because of the crowds. If you take advantage of the early admission, you can hit all the big rides by lunchtime!
Sea World
- All-Day Dining Plan – it's all you care to eat and drink all day long at participating restaurants. $29.99 for adults and $14.99 for children ages 3 – 9.
- Personal Note – If you've got big eaters, this is a deal!
Busch Gardens
- Busch Gardens is owned by Sea World, so the dining plan is the same. The restaurant choices vary by park.
