Food tips
If you’re on the dining plan, be sure to eat at the most expensive restaurants.
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, Ohana, Garden Grill, 1900 Park Fare Diner, and Cape May Dinner are some of the most expensive 1 table service credit restaurants.
If you don’t eat too many meals a day, skip the dining plan.
If you only eat one big meal a day, then the dining plan isn’t for you.
Kid’s under 3 don’t need a dining plan.
At buffets, they’ll get their own plate, while at other locations, they’ll have to eat off yours.
Don’t forget to get your free refillable mug.
Most dining plans will give you a free refillable resort mug which can be used on unlimited soda, tea, coffee, and water, but only at your resort.
Know that gratuity is not included in the dining plan.
Don’t forget to tip when at a table service restaurant. And don’t worry, you’ll get a receipt telling you how much your bill would’ve been without the plan, that way you can calculate an appropriate tip.
Come during “free dining” promotional season.
There are times when you can get a free quick service dining plan when you book a stay for a certain amount a days during the offseason. These promotions come and go but if it fits your time frame, you should definitely consider it.
Room service can be your best friend.
If you don’t want to eat out and maybe you just want to hang out in your room and chill instead, one of the best things to do is order room service, or better, order Disney pizza!
Don’t buy desserts at Table Service restaurants during dinner.
So I’m going to be honest here. Table service restaurant desserts are pretty pricey and frankly, some aren’t as unique as what you’ll find elsewhere. That’s why I recommend you just skip the dessert and get an appetizer with that money instead. Or better, you can go out and grab a dessert from one of many delicious eateries across Disney property.
Consider a refillable resort mug if you’re an avid coffee, tea, or soda drinker.
Refillable mugs are perfect if you’re staying at a Disney resort and want to fill up often. Just remember, these mugs can’t be used at the theme parks and water parks.
Florida water smells, so bring or buy bottled water.
Living in Florida, I’ve gotten used to it, but the water here smells like eggs (they say it’s because of the high sulfur count). So if you can’t stand the smell and taste of smelly water, be sure to bring your own. Or you can also use a Mio or any other flavored packet like Liquid IV.