“It’s the most, wonderful time of the year…” FREE DINING!!! Yes, for every Disney expert and authorized planner like yours truly at Believe Vacations, these two words brings smiles to faces across the world. We are all looking for ways to save at Disney and if we can do that via America’s national pastime in eating, even better.
Welcome to Believe Vacation’s Top Ten where today, we’ll look at the Top 10 Do’s and Don’ts for Free Dining. Taking a normal break for our light-hearted look at Disney, this list will actually provide you with key advice to get the most out of this special offer from the Mouse House. Of course, let’s start with a Don’t:
Don’t overthink the value
There are plenty of articles online that will crunch incredible numbers telling you which restaurants and resorts have the best value for the Free Dining Package and it is so much than it may turn you off to the package altogether. You’re getting a rare discount to the Happiest Place on Earth; that alone should be good enough!
Do Modify Existing Reservations
If you already have reservations for a Disney vacation, do not panic. You can modify your reservations to reflect the Free Dining Plan discount. If you are using an authorized vacation planner from Believe Vacations, we will take all the trouble off your hands. However, if you are doing it on your own, you may want to call a Disney representative and work it out on the phone.
Don’t Expect To Get Free Appetizers nor Alcohol
There, that band-aid is now ripped off. The meal plan of your choice contains entrees or combo meals and a non-alcoholic drink. Your meal plan will also contain either 1 or 2 snacks per day. Alcoholic beverages and additional food items will be extra so if you are a heavy eater or drinker, you may want to bump up your budget.
Do Research the Restaurants
You’ve been given the gift to eat for free. It would do you good to find places you’ll actually enjoy. With so many choices in both quick-service and table-service categories, you will find your favorite dishes and some dishes you may never have a chance to try again. Find a website that provides you the menu and the full slate of plates and start narrowing your choices down as you begin planning.
Don’t Forget You Can Share
While the details are specific per person, it does not say per day or per setting. That means sharing is possible and sharing is caring! You can order the larger-than-normal meal portions at one restaurant, everyone get their fill and then eat somewhere else with other credits. So try a little of everything that you can.
Do Eat Every Meal Time
The Disney Dining Plan works like a budget: you use it or lose it. And you can use it all in one day if you want or space and budget it out nicely so that you’re not left with meals and snack credits when you set off for home. Know the daily per person allotment and then plan to eat accordingly. Extra Magic Tip – Eat during off hours to avoid large wait times.
Don’t Think You Need Table Service
When you go on your vacation, I assume eating out at restaurants is a big part of the memories you’ll take home with you. Disney is no different and the table service restaurants are some of the best themed dining experiences you’ll come across. But do not go outside your budget and book a deluxe or deluxe villas resort just to have access to table service restaurants. There are plenty of wonderful choices and memories awaiting you at the quick-service level. However…
Do Consider An Upgrade to Table Service
Disney does provide the option of staying at a Value or Moderate resort and upgrading your quick-service dining plan for a small increase. You will have to do the math yourself or through your agent to see if the savings are worth it to simply upgrade but it never hurts to try.
Don’t Have Leftover Credits
One of the worst feelings about vacation is not getting your money’s worth. Free Dining is no exception. But, if it’s free, does that make sense? Yes it does because you are still paying in some way for you to receive the discount. There is a value to each unused credit be it an actual meal or a snack. And if you decided to research the amount when you got home, you’ll kick yourself for not getting 2 or 3 more desserts when you were at Disney.
Do Use Believe Vacations To Take The Reservations For You
Don’t be stressed. Free Dining is fun and one of the best ways to do Disney. And whether you decide to do Disney with meals included or without any specials, our team of Authorized Disney Vacation Planners at Believe Vacations are here to make your dreams come true. Get i touch with us today for a Free, No Hassle quote and remember, there’s a great, big beautiful tomorrow!
