Disney just released the 2018 Disney Dining Plans available. If you are unfamiliar with the Disney Dining Plan, it’s their prepaid tiered dining option where you can purchase according to budget, restaurant style or need. The 2018 Disney Dining Plans will include alcoholic beverages and specialty beverages at a higher cost than last year’s plans.
©Matt Stroshane
Some guests, who favor an alcoholic or specialty beverage, will definitely enjoy these new plans. The Disney Dining Plan has increased it’s cost by almost 12% to accommodate the drink addition. This includes 1 alcoholic beverage. Beyond 1 drink is paid out of pocket (Magic Band, Cash and Credit Card).
Guests who do not plan to consume and alcoholic beverage or specialty drink may be better off paying for dining out of pocket.
With many restaurants opening in the Disney Springs area, guests were requesting this update to the Disney Dining plans. At one point, about 5 years ago, Disney did option a wine package add on. However, the 2018 Disney Dining plans are completely new with the drink option added.
©David Roark
2018 Disney Dining Plans Cost
Here is the cost breakdown, in an infographic from Kenny the Pirate, comparing the 2017 Disney Dining Plan cost vs 2018. Our family always picks the Deluxe Dining Plan because we prefer sit down meals and indoor dining. It’s great to relax with the young kids.
I always recommend that you decide your park touring type. If you’d rather ride more rides and have less down time, then the Quick Service Dining Plan is a great option.
2018 Disney Dining Plan Changes
Guests have several new drink options available:
-Non-alcoholic specialty beverages
-Beer, Wine and Cocktails For Guests Over 21
Each Quick-Service:
-Meal includes (for breakfast, lunch or dinner): 1 Entrée, 1 Non-alcoholic Beverage or Alcoholic Beverage.
Snacks:
At Quick-Service restaurants, most Outdoor Carts and select merchandise locations, snacks may include a single serving of items such as:
Frozen ice cream novelty, popsicle or fruit bar
Popcorn scoop
12 oz. coffee, hot chocolate or hot tea
Prepackaged milk or juice
Piece of whole fruit
Bag of snacks
20 oz. bottle of Coca-Cola®, Sprite® or Dasani® water
20 oz. fountain soft drink
Beverages:
Guests under 21 years of age can choose one non-alcoholic beverage (including specialty beverages where offered). Guests 21 and older can choose either one non-alcoholic beverage (including specialty beverages where offered) or one single-serving mixed cocktail, beer, or wine (where offered) within their meal entitlement. Guests 21 and older must present valid ID to be served alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic beverages may only be redeemed with a Quick-Service or Table-Service meal entitlement.
Non-alcoholic beverage includes:
Artisanal Milkshakes
Fresh Smoothies
Premium Hot Chocolate
Soda, Coffee or Tea
Alcoholic beverage includes:
Beer or Cider
Wine or Sangria
Mixed Drinks and Specialty Cocktails
For special dietary requests, Guests can speak with a chef or manager upon arrival at the dining location.
Guests ages 3-9 must order from the children’s menu, where available. My Husband and I don’t purchase a dining plan for my preschooler and purchase food out of pocket. He doesn’t eat that much.
You can add the Disney Dining Plan to your room package up to 3 days prior to your vacation. You can call guest services or log into your My Disney Experience account.
Do you have 2018 Disney Vacation Plans? I want to hear your thoughts on the changes – comment below!
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Danita
Monday 10th of July 2017
Do,you have any info about how to get free dining plan with your hotel ?
Kimberly Stroh
Monday 10th of July 2017
That hasn't been released yet. Check in August. I'd be happy to refer you to a travel agent who can notify you when the information is released!