How to Maximize the Disney Dining Plan

Disney fans are divided on the topic of the Disney Dining Plan.

Many Disney guests agree that the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan is a good deal since it’s so much less expensive.

Disney Dining Plans

Then, there are those of us who swear by the regular Disney Dining Plan.

Yes, I’m in that camp.

Disney Dining Plan

That’s because I know how to squeeze the most value from this package.

Here’s how to maximize the Disney Dining Plan in 2025.

‘Ohana

I’m not doing these in terms of value ranking, but rather alphabetically.

Still, you’ll notice a pattern.

‘Ohana

All-You-Care-to-Enjoy (AYCE) restaurants, especially ones with character meals, provide the best value.

Now, there is a debate about how good the food is at some of these establishments.

‘Ohana

So, I’ll mention that each time when applicable.

I don’t have to tell you it’s not the case with ‘Ohana, though.

‘Ohana

This is one of the most popular meals on the Disney campus, which explains why it frequently sells out.

The price for a single adult is over $60, which means you’re already getting most of your daily budget here.

‘Ohana

By the way, ‘Ohana is both, because it also offers the Best Friends Breakfast with Lilo and Stitch, so it’s a character meal, too.

1900 Park Fare

Similarly, 1900 Park Fare offers a mouthwatering combination of Disney dishes, including the hotel’s legendary Strawberry Soup.

Disney recently revamped the character meal, adding some new faces like Aladdin and Tiana.

1900 Park Fare at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

In fact, you can argue that this is the Tiana meal now, so it’s the perfect way to set the tone before you head to Magic Kingdom, or as you finish a thrilling park day there.

The BOATHOUSE

You’ll find many of the best values at Disney Springs for a rather straightforward reason.

*ahem* The prices there aren’t the greatest.

The BOATHOUSE

Let’s be honest. It’s a tourist trap, albeit one I happen to adore

In terms of food quality, The BOATHOUSE is the best of the bunch, and you can really stretch your budget here.

The Boathouse spread

This restaurant offers one of the largest menus on the Disney campus, so you can pick the most expensive entree, appetizer, and beverage you want.

It’s one entitlement no matter what.

The BOATHOUSE

This one’s as valuable as any on the Dining Plan.

Boma – Flavors of Africa

Here’s another unique Disney buffet, one brimming with African flavors.

You’ll find many authentic dishes from the continent’s many lands.

Boma

The restaurant is in sharp contrast to the fries and cheeseburger you ordered the day before you went to Disney — or maybe even during your previous Disney meal.

This place is exotic, singular, and delectable… and don’t get me started on the Zebra Domes.

Cape May Cafe

I sometimes joke that this place smells fishier than the ocean, and if you’re smiling now, you know exactly what I mean.

You’ll know you’re in the area of Cape May Cafe long before you enter the restaurant.

Cape May Cafe

Then again, that’s a good thing.

The theme is that you’re eating at a seafood buffet by the beach, so it should smell like the Catch of the Day.

Photo: Disney

While Cape May Cafe offers a delightful Breakfast with Minnie each morning, the evening dinner doesn’t include a character meeting.

Despite this fact, it’s still on the expensive side, which makes it ideal for a Disney Dining Plan entitlement.

Chef Mickey’s

There is no quicker way to anger me than to tell me you don’t like Chef Mickey’s.

That’s like saying you’re against baseball, rainbows, and ice cream.

Chef Mickey’s

Chef Mickey’s is less a restaurant and more a joy delivery service, where the desserts are the uproarious laughter of children.

They sell plenty of unique cupcakes, too.

Chef Mickey’s

While tasty, I don’t find them quite as nourishing.

Chef Mickey’s is the place to go when you want to hang out with Mickey Mouse and his friends.

Photo: planDisney

Yes, the food here is rather conventional and decidedly buffet-flavored, but who cares?

You’re saving money because you’re using your Dining Plan entitlement, and Chef Mickey will come to your table to survey you about your meal.

Coral Reef

I’m not one to call out the official Disney website, but the site lists Coral Reef with prices you’ll struggle to match.

The entree alone here is going to cost $34-$38 on average.

Coral Reef

A meal for one person will wind up being at least $60, and I say that as someone who has eaten here many times.

Still, you’ll want to eat at Coral Reef because the view is inimitable.

Photo: Disney || Coral Reef Restaurant

You’re doing the underwater equivalent of stargazing. Your table faces the giant saltwater tank.

In other words, you’re dining in front of a fully inhabited aquarium, one of the largest in the south.

Photo: Disney Daily Dime

Your spectacular perspective changes minute by minute as the creatures swim around in their natural habitats while you eat.

I swear by this dining experience.

Photo: Disney Insider Tips

You’ve ever suffered through the sticker shock of being handed the bill at Coral Reef, you know why you want to use a Dining Plan entitlement.

Garden Grill

The revolving restaurant at The Land pavilion hosts what I describe as a heartland meal featuring Chip & Dale.

These characters, along with Mickey Mouse in an adorable farmer outfit, slowly roam the tables here.

Garden Grill

Meanwhile, your view changes, eventually providing you with the unique perspective of scenes from Living with the Land.

Also, the food is A+ terrific.

Garden Grill

You’ll definitely get your money’s worth when using the Dining Plan here.

San Angel Inn Restaurant

I could have included Hollywood & Vine in this spot, as its seasonal meal is eerily similar to Chef Mickey’s.

That would have been duplicative, so I excluded it.

San Angel Inn in EPCOT

Still, if you want a secret tenth selection, that’s the one.

Instead, I’m picking this restaurant inside the blissfully dark Mexico pavilion.

San Angel Inn in EPCOT

Disney has created a serene setting beside Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros.

Visually, this is one of the most interesting places to dine on the Disney campus.

Photo credit: Disney Wiki

For foodies, it’s a must-do, because the Mexican cuisine available here packs a wallop with its flavor profiles.

This place is in the conversation for best Mexican restaurant in Orlando, yet it’s also brimming with Disney style.

San Angel Inn Restaurante in EPCOT

Management knows this and prices the restaurant menu accordingly, so whip out your MagicBand, use your Dining Plan entitlement, and strut away knowing you just maximized your value.

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