How to Save Money on Food at Disney with the Disney Dining Plan

Walt Disney World continues to be one of the most visited places on Earth. Everyone already knows that the trip can be costly to say the least. However, Walt Disney World offers many ways to make your visit more affordable. One of those offerings is the Disney Dining Plan. The Disney Dining Plan will allow you to save a significant amount of money (up to 30%) by dining at a hand-picked group of over 100 restaurants within the expansive Walt Disney World property near Orlando, FL.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. First, you will need to book your trip to Walt Disney World by way of one of the Magic Your Way Vacation Packages. There is a link to this website for these packages at the end of this article.

2. Next you will choose your dining plan. There will be two options for the Disney Dining Plan: Package Plus and Plus Deluxe. Look over all of the offerings and make sure that the plan you chose will meet your dining needs. The links to those plans can be found on the Disney Dining Plan main website. The specific links for each dining plan will change annually, but the main website for the plan stays the same.

3. Now you need to know in advance how the Disney Dining Plan will be distributed. Your funds will be utilized via an electronically activated “Key to the World” card. It works much the same way as a debit card, the cost of your meals are deducted from the card as it is used.

4. Another key step is for you to know in advance how the “Key to the World” Card receipts will work. When dining at Walt Disney World, make sure to maintain all of your dining receipts because they work in the same manner that an ATM machine receipt works. With the Disney Dining Plan, you will be able to see the debits from the account on right on the receipt. *The cast member (Disney employee) will issue this receipt after you have purchased your meals.

5. Finally, you should remember that tips are not included in the Disney Dining Plan, and tables fill up amazingly fast at the sit down restaurants in the park. However, you do have the option of making reservations up to 6 months in advance by calling (407) WDW Dine. Utilize that option so that you will be better organized for your trip. Enjoy your trip at the Walt Disney World theme park.

Tips & Warnings

• The plan is great to have because it eliminates some of the need to bring cash into the park.

Resources

• Disney Dining Plan

[eyeopening]

on 2/10/2009 I love Disney World! Very helpful. :-)

[01Bri-Guy]

on 1/31/2009 Great info!! 5*