Using the Disney Dining Plan for the First Time: Lessons Learned
For 2026, kids ages 3 to 9 can get the Disney Dining Plan for free when the adults on a resort reservation purchase the plan. This deal works for DVC stays, including rentals! Having recently tried the dining plan for the first time, I wanted to share a few tips for any fellow dining plan newbies.
Planning Ahead Is Key
Even with the latest free kids’ dining plan promo, you clearly still want to get the most bang for your buck with the dining plan. To do this, it really helps to map out how you may want to use your credits. That’s not to say that you have to decide months out exactly what you want to eat, but if you do your research, you can find menu items you like that get you the best value. For example, instead of my usual grilled chicken bowl for $13.49 at Satu’li Canteen, I realized I could use my quick service credit for the beef and chicken bowl for a value of $17.49.
Doing your research and scoping out menus will also make it easier when booking your advanced dining reservations. Go for character dining and the all-you-care-to-enjoy meals! Get the alcoholic or specialty drinks. It all adds up.
While some people scramble to use their final snack credits at the end of the trip, a little extra planning can also ensure that those credits go to good use. Remember, you can use your dining plan credits up until midnight on your checkout day.
There Are a Few Surprising Ways to Use Credits
You can really get a good value for your credits by going beyond the standard fare. If you are visiting Disney World during any EPCOT festival, the festival booths are a great place to use your snack credits. Many of the items count as snacks—just check the menus for the purple Disney Dining Plan logo.
While you’re at EPCOT, don’t forget about the World Showcase with places like Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie. Items such as the quiches and ham and cheese croissant not only count as snacks but are substantial enough to serve as breakfast or a light lunch. Plus, they’re more unique than a Mickey pretzel or ice cream bar.
If you find yourself with leftover kids’ quick service credits, consider using them at restaurants that don’t offer a separate kids’ menu, such as Yorkshire County Fish Shop or Casey’s Corner. For example, you can get the full-size fish and chips plus a drink at Yorkshire County Fish Shop for a kids’ quick service credit. At Casey’s Corner, you can order any of the hot dogs with a specialty drink for a kids’ quick service credit. It comes out to a much better value than your typical chicken strips and fries—not to mention a heartier portion than a kids’ meal!
The Refillable Mug May Have Been My Favorite Part
Apart from the Disney Dining Plan, I have never purchased the resort refillable mug. However, this may have been my favorite part of the plan. It was easy to fill up my mug before heading out to the parks, and with the hot Florida weather, it was nice to always have a cold drink. Midday, I was often able to refill my mug at nearby resorts. While I only purchased the dining plan for the first half of my split stay, the mug was still valid through the second half of my trip, which further added to the value of the plan.
It is worth noting that not all refill stations offer the same drinks. While most have your basic Coca-Cola products, Powerade, and Minute Maid, those with Coke Freestyle machines, such as the beverage station at Riviera, offer a much wider variety of soft drinks.
Adding the Disney Dining Plan to Your Reservation
If you would like to add the dining plan to your rental reservation, visit the DVC Rental Store Guest Center. Under the Upcoming Vacations tab, go to your resort reservation, submit a request for the dining plan, and provide payment. The DVC Rental Store will work with the DVC Member who booked your reservation to add the dining plan for you.
Start planning your next Disney vacation by booking a stay at a DVC Resort! Browse the confirmed reservations, or request a free quote to rent DVC points and save up to 65% compared to booking directly through Disney.
