Dining plan

[Jakesky40]

I will be down in Wdw in two weeks and this will be my first trip ever with any dining plan, just chose the quick service plan this time and was wondering if anyone had any advice for maximing the usage of it? Also question on the refillable beverage, is it only refilled at my resort or through out the park? Thanks all

 

[sxeensweet]

Refill mugs are Only at resorts but can be any resort refill station, not just the one you are staying at. For example you can fill it at The Boardwalk Bakery being Boardwalk's refill station is in there etc.

 

[DisAl]

You will get the most for your money by using your meal credits for either lunch or dinner. My thinking is why use a meal credit for a $7 or $8 breakfast when you can use it for a $16 lunch.
You can get some really nice quick service meals; one of my favorites is the ribs at Flame Tree in Animal Kingdom.
At the ABC Commissary in Hollywood Studios there are some choices available at dinner that are not available at lunch.
I suggest you go to the WDW restaurants page at https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/ and look over the menus to see what appeals to you and where you can get the best values.
And don't forget that Be Our Guest is a quick service meal at lunch even though they do serve you at your table! (You do need a reservation for lunch at BOG.)

 

[Weather_Lady]

One of my favorite CS meals is the fajita platter at Pecos Bill's in the MK -- it's one of the most expensive CS entrees anywhere, but it's huge - enough to feed 2, if you wanted. As a DDP entree with access to the unlimited guacamole bar... er, I mean, toppings bar, it's a steal.

Other general advice about maximizing CS dining credit value:
- Be aware, and don't be afraid to inquire, about substitutions that can be made (e.g., snack for drink, etc.). If you want to have more to choose from in making substitutions, head toward CS places with a larger menu (e.g., Columbia Harbor House, MK) instead of to smaller places that mostly have snacks (e.g., Sleepy Hollow Refreshments, MK).
- Note that some expensive specialty beverages (milkshakes, slushies) can be ordered as your "beverage" at some venues.
- If you have children in your party who prefer to order an adult meal, there is no distinction between adult and child CS credits (at least, there wasn't as of last year).
- If you simply Google, "2017 best disney dining plan values" or something similar, you can find vast lists of recommended CS items that maximize your DDP value based on current pricing.
- Just a general tip about the when/where of CS meals: be aware of which places in each park have lots of air-conditioned indoor seating (e.g., Cosmic Ray's, Be Our Guest - although ADRs needed there - or Pecos Bill in MK, PizzeRizzo or ABC Commissary in HS, Liberty Inn, Electric Umbrella or Sunshine Seasons in Epcot, Restaurantosaurus in AK), and which don't, so you know where to head if it's hot, raining or crowded. Also, note that there is a huge difference in the noise/stress level and waits for food/tables if you adjust your dining by a few minutes, which can make all the difference to your meal enjoyment -- show up at 11:45am or 4:45pm and you'll have the place to yourself for awhile. Show up at 12:30 or 5:30 and the same restaurant will likely be a zoo!

 

[JillC LI]

If you have a big appetite, there are a few places where you can get a huge portion on a counter service meal including the fajita platter at Pecos Bill mentioned above as well as some of the meals at Cosmic Rays in the MK and the sampler platter at Flame Tree BBQ in AK.