when we travel to WDW, we typically stay off site. This time we have decided to try a resort hotel and the Dining Plan. However, there are certain parts that seem complicated...
1. We are staying 7 days/6 nights. With the 7 table service meals that we are credited, can we only use one for character dining?
2. Can we eat more that one table service/counter service meal a day until the credits are depleted, or are we limited to one of each a day? (we will only have a partial day at one of the parks and may not necessarily use all our allotted daily credits)
3. I am under the impression that snacks are accumulated within your party, but quick service and table service meals are individualized to your card. Is that correct?
Any other tips and tricks for dining plan rookies are welcome!!
I hope you enjoy your first on-site stay! As much as people complain about the transportation on this website, I think it is outstanding and is the best part of staying on property. Yes you might have to wait a little bit for a bus, but you won't have to wait for the parking shuttle, and then climb into a hot car to drive yourself home. We normally fly down and don't even bother with renting a car.
Don't worry about the dining plan. It's really not that complicated once you get into it. Also, the waiters and CS staff will help you navigate through it if you have any questions.
1. You can use as few or as many as you want for character dining. Cinderella's Royal Table requires 2 table service credits. I am pretty positive that all other character meals only require 1.
2. You can use as many or as few in a day as you want. This summer when we went, we arrived very late on Friday night and didn't use any of the meal credits on that day. Instead, we used the extra table service to go to the Hollywood Brown Derby and the extra counter service for breakfast on the day we left.
3. All credits (table service, counter service, and snacks) are accumulated for your whole party. At the bottom of each receipt, there will be a tally of your party's remaining credits. We always have snack credits left over at the end of the week.
Here's a few of tips -
The dining plan gives you a ton of food to eat! You will get a dessert with every meal, which is crazy. I don't recommend booking 2 table service meals in the same day. You might explode.
If you are picky about when you eat or want to go to the more popular restaurants (Be Our Guest, Le Cellier, Cinderella's Royal Table, Chef Mickey's, O'hana), make sure to make reservations as early as possible. If you are less picky about locations and times, then you can be more flexible with the reservations. Even when I went over New Year's, there were still table service restaurants openings for lunch in mid-December. There are always more table service openings at lunchtime, even when free dining plans are being offered.
My family always has snack credits left over at the end of the week. All of the single serving packages available in the gift shops count as snacks. We use all of our remaining snacks for those on the day we leave and then take them on the airplane with us.