Does Disney World Have a Dining Plan in 2025?

If you're planning a trip to Walt Disney World in 2025, you’ve probably wondered: Does Disney have a dining plan? The short answer is no-Disney discontinued its official dining plans in 2020. But that doesn’t mean you can’t save money or simplify your meals. Many guests still find ways to eat well without paying full price at every table service restaurant. Here’s what you need to know now.

What Happened to the Disney Dining Plan?

Disney stopped offering the Disney Dining Plan in 2020, right after the pandemic shut down parks. At the time, they said they were pausing it temporarily. But by 2023, it became clear: the plan wasn’t coming back. The company shifted focus to flexible, à la carte pricing and mobile ordering through the My Disney Experience app. There’s been no official announcement about bringing it back, and as of 2025, it’s still not available.

Why? The dining plan was expensive to run. It tied guests to fixed meal credits, which often led to wasted credits or rushed meals. Disney found that most guests preferred choosing their own restaurants, eating when they wanted, and paying only for what they ate. The rise of mobile ordering also made pre-paid meal bundles feel outdated.

How Do You Pay for Food at Disney World Now?

Without a dining plan, you pay for meals directly. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck paying full price. Here’s how most savvy guests handle food costs:

• Use mobile ordering through the My Disney Experience app. Skip lines at quick-service spots like Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe or Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café. You can even pay ahead and pick up your food without waiting.
• Book table service in advance. Popular spots like Be Our Guest or Cinderella’s Royal Table fill up fast. Reservations open 60 days ahead, and you pay when you arrive.
• Buy a Disney gift card. Many families load up on $500 or $1,000 gift cards before their trip. It’s easier to track spending, and you can use them for food, souvenirs, and even spa services.
• Bring snacks. Disney allows you to bring in non-alcoholic drinks and snacks. Granola bars, fruit, and bottled water can save you $5-$10 per snack per person.

Can You Still Get a Deal on Food?

Yes-if you know where to look. Disney doesn’t offer a dining plan, but they do offer other discounts:

• Disney Resort hotel guests get 10% off at select table service restaurants. This applies to all on-property hotels, not just deluxe ones.
• Annual Passholders get discounts on meals and merchandise. Even the lowest-tier pass gives you 10-20% off at many locations.
• Disney Vacation Club members often get exclusive dining promotions, like free appetizers or dessert credits.
• Special event packages like the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival offer small plates at fixed prices. You can sample 10+ global dishes for under $50.

For families, one of the smartest moves is to pick one or two table service meals per day and eat quick service the rest of the time. A character breakfast at Hollywood & Vine might cost $45 per adult, but you can get a sandwich and fries at Columbia Harbour House for $15. That’s a $30 savings right there.

What About the Disney Dining Plan Alternatives?

Some third-party companies claim they can sell you a “Disney dining plan.” These are scams. Disney does not license or endorse any outside dining packages. If someone tells you they can give you “Disney meal credits,” don’t buy it.

Instead, look at these real alternatives:

• Disney Gift Cards - Buy them at Target, Sam’s Club, or Costco for 5-10% off. Use them like cash at any Disney food location.
• Travel agent perks - Some agents bundle dining discounts into vacation packages. Ask if they offer any food credits or promo codes.
• Meal delivery - Services like Instacart or Amazon Fresh can deliver groceries to your Disney resort. You can stock your room with breakfast items, snacks, and drinks.

One family we talked to saved over $200 on a 5-day trip by buying a $500 Disney gift card at Costco ($475) and using it for breakfasts and snacks. They only paid for two sit-down meals out of pocket.

What Should You Do If You’re Planning a Trip in 2025?

Here’s a simple plan to eat well without a dining plan:

1. Book your resort stay and park tickets first.
2. Buy a Disney gift card (or two) from a warehouse club for a discount.
3. Use the My Disney Experience app to reserve meals for character breakfasts or special dinners.
4. Use mobile ordering for lunch and dinner at quick-service spots.
5. Bring your own snacks and refillable water bottles-Disney has free water stations everywhere.
6. Check for current discounts: Passholder deals, resort guest perks, or seasonal promotions.

You’ll spend less time worrying about meal credits and more time enjoying the parks. And if you’re lucky, you might even get a free dessert from a cast member after a long day.

Will Disney Bring Back the Dining Plan?

There’s no sign it’s coming back. Disney’s current system-pay as you go, use mobile ordering, and take advantage of discounts-is working better for them. Guests have more control, and Disney avoids the overhead of managing prepaid credits.

That said, Disney listens to guests. If enough people ask for a simplified, affordable meal plan, they might create something new. But for now, don’t wait for it. Plan your meals using the tools they’ve already given you.

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