The Disney dining plan offers special meals for children.
Walt Disney World offers guests the option of adding a meal plan to their room and ticket package. As of January 2011, Disney offers six different dining plan options, ranging from the basic counter-service dining plan to the elaborate platinum and premium packages that provide you with a range of dining credits that can be used at Disney restaurants. Knowing about the types of packages, when to make reservations and other plan details is important when planning a trip to Disney with the dining plan.
Consider Your Family's Needs
Disney requires that all people sharing a room must be on the same dining plan, for the same number of nights. Before booking the dining plan for your trip, research the different dining plans and consider your family's dining needs. The least expensive dining option is the quick-service dining plan, offering two snacks and two meals at a counter service restaurant per day and one refillable mug, good at your hotel, per person. More expensive options include meals at table service restaurants, special dining experiences and other benefits depending on the plan selected. All of the Disney dining plans offer reduced pricing for children under nine years of age. Children under three are not required to purchase the plan and may eat off of an adult plate for no additional charge.
Make Reservations Early
Disney allows reservations to be made for its table service restaurants 180 days in advance, both online and over the phone. Popular dining spots, such as Cinderella's Royal Table, character dining and Le Cellier in EPCOT often book quickly. Plan your trip in advance and make your reservations as soon as possible to ensure your first choice restaurants are available.
Account for Extra Expenses
Not all expenses are included in your dining package. If your dining plan includes meals at table service restaurants, you must pay gratuity on your own. In addition, some plan options, such as the basic dining plan, do not include appetizers in the package cost. These items and additional snacks or side items as well as alcoholic or specialty drinks must be paid for out of pocket. In addition, if a child on the children's plan wishes to order from the adult menu, the meal must be paid for outside of the dining plan.
Track Your Credits
Each time you purchase a meal or snack with your dining plan, you are given a receipt that notes how many dining credits you have left. Keep track of your credits to ensure you have enough credits for all of the meals and snacks you have planned during your trip and that you use them all before your vacation is over. While you purchase the plan for each person staying in your room, the receipt tells you how many total credits you have left, not the number of meals or snacks available for each person.
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