Raise a glass! The Disney Dining Plan is finally BACK. We’ve been counting down the days for MONTHS, researching the pros and cons, and answering your biggest questions. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. First, you need some context.

The Disney Dining Plan is an optional vacation add-on that essentially allows Disney World hotel guests to pre-pay for their meals in exchange for Dining Plan credits. Then, once you’re in Disney World, all you have to do is enjoy your meal and apply those Dining Plan credits to your meal (as long as the restaurant accepts the Disney Dining Plan, that is). This option was unavailable for several years, but as of January 9th, 2024, it’s finally BACK, with a few changes. 

Upon its return, there are two Dining Plan options available — the Standard Disney Dining Plan and the Quick Service Disney Dining Plan. If the Disney Dining Plan is new to you, or you aren’t sure which (if any) option is best for you, we’re here to help!

According to Disney, under the Standard Disney Dining Plan, everyone in the travel party will receive:

• 1 Table-Service meal per night
• 1 Quick-Service meal per night
• 1 snack/nonalcoholic drink per night of their package stay
• 1 Resort-refillable drink mug
• Beverages are included with each meal
  • Guests under 21 years of age may choose from a variety of nonalcoholic beverages. Guests 21 and older with valid identification may substitute for beer, wine, and cocktails

Meals and snacks can be redeemed at any time during the stay, and the Standard Disney Dining Plan is $94.28 per adult per night (ages 10 and up) and $29.69 per child per night (ages 3 to 9).

According to the Disney World website, under the Quick Service Disney Dining Plan, everyone in the travel party will receive:

• 2 Quick-Service meals per night
• 1 snack/nonalcoholic drink per night
• 1 Resort-refillable drink mug
• Beverages are included with each meal
  • Guests under 21 years of age may choose from a variety of nonalcoholic beverages. Guests 21 and older with valid identification may substitute for beer, wine, and cocktails

Meals and snacks can be redeemed at any time during the stay, and the cost for the Quick Service Disney Dining Plan is $57.01 per adult per day and $23.83 per child (ages 3 to 9) per day. 

Now, remember how we told you the Dining Plan is returning with some changes? You can now use Dining Plan credits at Disney World bars and lounges. Note that you will have to use table service credits at bars and lounges. Considering most bars and lounges offer small plates and appetizers, it might be a little confusing trying to determine how those credits can be used. But we’re here to clear things up!

Not EVERY Disney World restaurant and lounge accepts the dining plan. For example, neither the Space 220 Restaurant nor the Space 220 Lounge in EPCOT participates in the Disney Dining Plan, so you can’t use dining plan credits there. View our list of participating restaurants to see which ones accept Dining Plan credits.

Meanwhile, the Enchanted Rose at the Grand Floridian has “Snacks” like House-made Beef Jerky and Warm Marinated Olives, but also “Appetizers,” like Seasonal Flatbread, House-made Truffle Fries, or Charcuterie.

If you want to use your dining plan credits here, you must use a Table Service credit. With that credit, you could get an appetizer and a drink, but since this lounge doesn’t offer any desserts, you may not be using those table service credits to their full potential.

We spoke with a Cast Member who told us basically the same thing. You can get an appetizer as an entree with an alcoholic beverage (for guests ages 21+), but you cannot get the specialty beverages on the dining plan. You’ll only be able to order generic beer, wine, or a simple cocktail like a vodka soda. We asked if this were the case for all lounges, and the Cast Member told us that it was assumed so.

So while you can use your Dining Plan credits at lounges, it seems like that’s not the best plan, since you’re not getting the best bang for your buck. The small plates and appetizers require a table service credit, so you could be getting a much bigger meal for the same “price” (one credit) at a regular table service restaurant.

If you really want to make the most of your Dining Plan, we recommend visiting a regular restaurant and then paying for any lounge bites or drinks out of pocket instead!

In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more.

Answering 8 BIG Questions about the Disney World Dining Plan

Have you ever used the Disney Dining Plan? Let us know in the comments!

The post Disney World Lounges Now Accept the Disney Dining Plan – Here’s How That Works first appeared on the disney food blog.