Disney Dining Plan: A review

As young kids, we never think twice about how much food costs when we go out to visit the mouse at his Magic Kingdom, however, when we are now earning our own dollars, they mean so much more.
As an avid Disney fanatic, I like to think I'm pretty savvy when it comes to anything Disney Parks related. Sure I don't know everything, but Disney is my passion, and I love to share the knowledge I have with others. Today I want to focus on the Disney Dining Plan.

The Disney Dining Plan (DDP) is available for individuals and families staying at any Walt Disney World owned resorts. Before I go into details about these plans, be sure to assess how much you are planning on eating out during your stay at Walt Disney World. It is not always worth the money you spend, if you only plan on eating one real meal a day, or if you are there for just a day or two.

Option 1

2012 Disney Quick Service Dining Plan

This plan includes (2) Quick-Service meals and (1) snack per person, per day. In addition, you will also receive a resort refillable mug, which basically gets you free refills throughout your resort, so you do not need to buy a new drink every time you are feeling a little thirsty.
Each Quick-Service meal for breakfast includes and entree and a non-alcoholic breakfast and for lunch/dinner it includes an entree, dessert, and non-alcoholic beverage. You do get two quick-service meals per day, so you can mix and match. You can skip breakfast and eat lunch and dinner, or skip lunch and only do breakfast and dinner or two lunches... You get the picture.
The snack included is anything from an apple to an ice-cream bar or soda to popcorn.

Cost: Adult $34.99 and Child $11.99 per day, per person

Option 2

2012 Basic Disney Dining Plan

This plan is one of the most popular plans. It comes with (1) Quick-Service meal, (1) table-service meal, and (1) snack per day of your stay. The quick-service and table-service meal can be whichever one you like, breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Your snack is still the same, giving you the option to choose from a drink, fruit, or something sweet. As this plan includes a table-service meal, that also gives you the option of attending a dinner show, but beware, these will cost you (2) table-service meals per person. This means that if you go to a dinner show today, you will have one day where you will not have another table-service meal. The same applied for private in-room dining or pizza delivery.
Also, as there is the table-service option, a table-service meal for breakfast includes an entree and non-alcoholic beverage and for lunch/dinner it includes an appetizer, entree, dessert, and non-alcoholic beverage or (1) full buffet.

Cost: Adult $51.00 - $53.00 and Child $15.00 - $16.00 per person, per day

Option 3

2012 Disney Deluxe Dining Plan

This plan is certainly "deluxe". This gem includes (3) meals and (2) snacks per person, per day of your stay and a resort refillable mug. This means you can choose from a table-service or quick-service spot. This one is a very popular option, but is a little more as far as the price is concerned.
A table-service meal for breakfast includes an entree and non-alcoholic beverage and for lunch/dinner it includes an appetizer, entree, dessert, and non-alcoholic beverage or (1) full buffet.
Quick-Service meal for breakfast includes and entree and a non-alcoholic breakfast and for lunch/dinner it includes an entree, dessert, and non-alcoholic beverage.

Cost: Adult $85.00 - $89.00 and Child $24.00 - $26.00 per person, per day

Option 4

2012 Disney Premium Plan

This plan is, essentially, the same as the deluxe dining plan, but includes Character dining and signature restaurants (those that you see with the following symbol: $$$ and $$$$). When eating at a Signature Restaurant, such as the California Grill, your meal will include and appetizer, entree, dessert, and non-alcoholic beverage. Also, on this plan, you will not be charged (2) meals for any in-room private dining or dinner shows, but you will be billed for (2) meals if you order pizza.
This is what makes the Premium Plan so special: certain activities are included in the price of the plan. These include, but are not limited to, private fishing excursions, water sports, horse-back riding, gold lessons, carriage rides, and an array of park and behind the scenes tours.

Cost: Adult $179.00 and Child $129.00

Option 5

2012 Disney Platinum Plan

This plan is a continuation of the Premium plan described above. You get the same number of meals and snacks and a resort refillable mug. It also includes the excursions, as explained in the Premium Plan.
What sets this plan apart is that it includes a Disney Photopass CD, including all pictures taken by a Disney photographer, a fireworks cruise, the Richard Petty Ride Along experience, reserved seating at Fantasmic, and an array of spa treatments. It really cannot get more luxurious than that.

Cost: Adult $239.00 and Child $170.00


Now that we have gone through the options, there are a few things to remember:
1. Gratuities are not included
2. Photo products offered at character dining experiences will need to be paid seperately
3. Think Ahead and make dining reservations, as soon as possible. Popular restaurants fill up quickly.

For more information you can all visit the Walt Disney World website.