{"id":26608,"date":"2025-09-04T02:00:28","date_gmt":"2025-09-04T06:00:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.themagicforless.com\/tmflblog\/?p=26608"},"modified":"2026-11-02T13:01:59","modified_gmt":"2026-11-02T18:01:59","slug":"how-the-disney-dining-plan-can-save-you-money-on-character-dining","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.themagicforless.com\/tmflblog\/how-the-disney-dining-plan-can-save-you-money-on-character-dining\/","title":{"rendered":"How the Disney Dining Plan Can Save You Money on Character Dining"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you like to dine with characters, you will want to consider adding the Disney Dining Plan to your vacation package!\u00a0 We are going to show you how the Disney Dining Plan can save you money on character dining so keep reading.<\/p>\n

Set Prices for Character Dining<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Did you know that almost all character dining locations<\/a> have a set price per guest?\u00a0 That\u2019s right!\u00a0 Character dining locations have a preset price for buffets, family-style dining, or a prix fixe menu.\u00a0 These meals are set at a premium price so you\u2019re already getting back the majority of what you paid for your dining plan at this one meal.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s worth noting that guests are charged this price regardless of how much they eat, if even at all.\u00a0 So even the pickiest eaters will pay the same amount.\u00a0 Small children who take two bites?\u00a0 Yes, set price.\u00a0 Adults who only want coffee and a single Mickey waffle?\u00a0 Yes, set price.<\/p>\n

Download our Character Dining Guide!\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Best Character Dining Values with the Dining Plan<\/strong><\/h2>\n

So let\u2019s look at the cost of character dining at the most popular locations.\u00a0 The locations below are all 1 table service dining credit. Some locations require 2 table service credits and you can find that list here<\/a>. We recommend paying cash for the 2 credit locations so you can save those 2 credits for two other meals!<\/p>\n

Adult Pricing<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Children\u2019s (ages 3-9) Pricing<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Comparing the Check to the Dining Plan<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Now let\u2019s look at the cost of the dining plans as compared to the cost of your character dining.\u00a0 If you were to use your table service credit for character dining at Chef Mickey\u2019s, you\u2019re almost already breaking even with the \u201cnightly cost\u201d of the dining plan.\u00a0 Chef Mickey\u2019s will cost guests ages 10+ $82 plus tax for their meal.\u00a0 The cost of the dining plan is $89 plus tax and you will have a quick-service meal, a snack credit, and your resort refillable mug.\u00a0 You would easily come out ahead in this situation!<\/p>\n

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Chef Mickey\u2019s<\/a> will cost guests ages 3-9 $40 plus tax for their meal.\u00a0 The cost of the dining plan is $28 plus tax.\u00a0 Have you noticed we haven\u2019t even added in the quick-service meal, a snack credit, or resort refillable mug value and you are already ahead?\u00a0 You are paying $28 plus tax for a child\u2019s dining plan when the cost for one character meal is $49 plus tax! That\u2019s a no-brainer.<\/p>\n

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Other Reasons to Include the Disney Dining Plan<\/strong><\/h2>\n

We know that dining with characters everyday may not be in the plans, but we promise you that the cost of dining at Disney adds up quick.\u00a0 Here<\/a> are some other reasons to add the Disney Dining Plan to your vacation package!<\/p>\n

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Still Have Questions?<\/strong><\/p>\n

If Disney math isn\u2019t your thing or you\u2019re still not sure how a dining plan would work or if it\u2019s a good value for you, reach out to one of our agents who will guide you through the information and figure out what works best for you!\u00a0 Get your no-obligation quote here<\/a>.\u00a0 Already booked?\u00a0 You may be eligible to transfer your reservation so our team can still help!\u00a0 Contact\u00a0transfers@themagicforless.com<\/strong>\u00a0for transfer information.<\/p>\n

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Please note: We currently provide travel planning and booking services only to clients who are U.S. citizens. All communications and travel documentation are provided in English, and all quotes and prices are stated in U.S. dollars (USD).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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