My Pixie Dust Diary

Come inside for a look at my crazy Disney inspired life!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Home
  • Walt Disney World
    • Parks
      • Animal Kingdom
      • EPCOT
      • Hollywood Studios
      • Magic Kingdom
    • Resorts
      • Value
      • Moderate
      • Deluxe
      • Disney Vacation Club
    • Special Events
      • Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
      • Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
      • Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights
      • Star Wars Weekend
    • Tickets
      • Annual Pass
  • Disney Dining
    • Advanced Dining Reservations
    • Disney Dining Plan
    • Restaurant Reviews
  • Disney Tips and Tricks
    • Budget
    • Characters
    • Transportation
  • Other Walt Disney World Fun
    • Downtown Disney
    • ESPN Wide World of Sports
  • Disney Resources
  • Other Disney Parks and Adventures
    • Adventures by Disney
    • Disney Cruise Line
    • Disney Parks Moms Panel
    • Disney Vacation Club
    • Disneyland
    • runDisney
  • Other Family Fun
  • All About Lynn
  • Contact
Home » Disney Tips and Tricks » Is Free Dining the Best Choice for Me?




Is Free Dining the Best Choice for Me?

April 24, 2018 By: Lynn Wcomment

Is Free Dining the Best Choice for Me? | MyPixieDustDiary.com | Not sure if Disney's free dining is the best choice for you and your family? Here are some things to help you make your decision.

It’s that time of year again that Walt Disney World releases their annual “Free Dining” offer.  So if you’re on the fence about if this is the best option for you, I’m going to help you break it down and see if this is the best way for you to do your Disney vacation.  Here are some things to consider:

Know that It’s Hurricane Season

Disney’s offering these discounts because there’s a dip in attendance.  Keep this in mind while you’re booking your vacation.  Consider purchasing trip insurance just in case something happens and you’re not able to keep your reservations.

Is Free Dining the Best Choice for Me? | MyPixieDustDiary.com | Not sure if Disney's free dining is the best choice for you and your family? Here are some things to help you make your decision.

How Do You Book?

Use your favorite Disney travel agent to help book your vacation package!  You’re getting the same awesome deals while you’re supporting someone’s business.  They’ll help you out and make sure you’re getting the best deals possible and it doesn’t cost you any extra.  If you’re a member of AAA, they can also help you book your vacation.  You can always book your vacation on the Disney website or by calling the Disney reservation line if you’d rather book yourself.

What Do I Need to Know?

Of course you’ll need to know when you’ll be traveling and who’s traveling with you.  These are things you’ll need to put into the Disney website to see the offers available to you.  Also know that if you decide to book your vacation, you’ll be making some kind of deposit (or paying in full if you’re willing and able to do that).  Learn a bit about the dining plan too so you’re familiar with what you’ll be getting.

Is Free Dining the Best Choice for Me? | MyPixieDustDiary.com | Not sure if Disney's free dining is the best choice for you and your family? Here are some things to help you make your decision.

Comparing the Offers Available

Use the tool available on the Disney website.  It allows you to compare three different vacation options.  I suggest one option be your hotel room only.  The second option should be the “free dining” option (resort room, park tickets, and dining plan).

Cost of Dining

To be able to compare apples to apples, you’ll have to figure out how much your food will cost.  Snacks average about $5 each and you’ll get two per night with each dining plan.  The quick service dining plan allows for two quick service meals each night while the regular dining plan allows for a quick service and table service meal each night.

2 snacks/night = $10/person

Quick service meal/night = $15/meal

Table service meal/night = $35/meal

So with a family of four using the quick service dining plan, your daily meal total estimate would be $160 per day (10 for snacks + 30 for two meals = 40 x 4 people).  If you’re going with the regular dining plan option, your daily meal total estimate would be $240 (10 for snacks + 15 counter service + 35 table service = 60 x 4 people).  Multiply those daily totals by the total number of nights you’ll be staying.  That will give you an estimate of how much you’d spend out of pocket on food without the dining plans.

Is Free Dining the Best Choice for Me? | MyPixieDustDiary.com | Not sure if Disney's free dining is the best choice for you and your family? Here are some things to help you make your decision.

Comparing the Final Numbers

After you look at the different offers available to you, compare apples to apples.  Look at the room only deal and add in the cost of park tickets and dining (using the math above).  Compare that amount to the total of the free dining offer to see if it’s the better option for you.  That should help you decide what’s best for you and your family.

 

Is Free Dining the Best Choice for Me? | MyPixieDustDiary.com | Not sure if Disney's free dining is the best choice for you and your family? Here are some things to help you make your decision.

 




Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Search

Lynn is a mom of three amazing children who's just trying to juggle everything while having a good time. When she's not planning a Disney vacation, she's likely at work or volunteering. Read More…

Newsletter

Book your vacation today!

Undercover Tourist

On Instagram Now

    Did You See?

    Recent Posts

    • Avengers Infinity War Trailer
    • Mary Poppins Returns Trailer

    Copyright © 2023