CB and I both decided to get the basic Disney Dining Plan (1 snack, 1 quick service, 1 table service credit per day, for about $40 per person, per day) for our stay at Disney World this Christmas. Apparently, some restaurants at Disney World fill up so quickly that reservations are needed 90 to 180 days in advance. *blink* I didn’t even know I was going to Disney World three months ago!
Fortunately, I was able to quickly book a few dinners for two through our Disney Dining Plan. Our times are either a bit early (4pm) or a bit late (9pm), but I was pleasantly surprised that not everyone was as gung-ho as I’d thought and so there are still spots open for us latecomers! So far, I’ve made reservations at Les Chefs de France in Epcot, Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater at Hollywood Studios, and Crystal Place at Magic Kingdom. Still have to make a reservation for Animal Kingdom and our second night at Epcot.
We decided that we will be using our table service credit for dinner to get the most bang for our buck. We also decided to forgo signature dining experiences or character dining (two types of dining / restaurants that would require 2 table service credits per dinner per person). If we want to do character dining, i.e. having dinner with Mickey, we’d have to spend 2 table service credits per dinner, per person. I love Mickey, but I love food more. So, no thanks!
I am really glad we decided to get the Disney Dining Plan. The plan takes a lot of the pressure off for trying to figure out where to eat and what our dining budget is. For breakfast and lunch we’ll be relying on the quick service and snack credits – I also plan on bringing crackers and some non-perishables (canned tuna, anyone?) to make quick and easy snacks in the hotel room.
P.S. Learning how to plan a vacation at Disney World is like learning another language. Disney World must be special – instead of calling reservations plain ol’ “reservations”, it must be called “Advanced Dining Reservations” (ADRs).
P.P.S. My post on Disney World is up at the 230th Carnival of Personal Finance. Thank you to host Canadian Finance Blog for including it.
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Huh? You’re going to Disney World with someone else’s kid? I must have missed something.
I just got back from a Disney trip with friends. We did the Disney dining plan. It was well worth it. The French restaurant is awesome. I would also recommend the restaurant at the Polynesian Resort. It is a Hawaiian Barbeque. Amazing!
@ dog – I’m going with my boyfriend… and he is someone else’s kid.
@ betsy – so glad to hear! I’m excited about the restaurants.
Every time I read your posts on Disney World, I start getting excited as if I’m going. It is awesome living vicariously through you. Really, it is. LOL!
It sounds like you’re gonna have a lot of fun.
You are SO right about it being another language there. I went to college in Orlando and swung an annual pass with some friends… I soon knew where all the good beer in Epcot was!
Enjoy!
the Dad
ClimbingOut.net
Love your blog! We are big Disney fans and the Crystal Palace at MK is one of our favourites. Buffet style with a good selection. Bring Camera because at this restaurant, Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet and Eyeore comes to each table so you can take a photo. Have fun!!
Oooh I just found your blog, I HAD to post!! I love love LOVE Disney World!!
Not all character experiences are 2 table services, check out allears.net its a great resource on all things Disney! Also if you like Mexican food, San Angel Inn in mexico is sooooo delicious! And the atmosphere inside there is pretty romantic too! Most of the food in the restaurants are very good anyway! The Teppan Edo (hibachi) in Japan is awesome too!!
Ok, sorry I get excited about disney
Have an awesome time! I don’t doubt you won’t!!