Magic Your Way Dining Package

Save on your Disney dining with the Magic Your Way dining package. With updates for 2008, it's not the deal it was in the past, but it still can save you money on your Disney dining. Like with anything else, you need to do a little research to make the plan work for you.

Magic Your Way Plus Dining Details:

In 2008, the price has been reduced by $1 per person per night to $37.99 per night for adults and $9.99 for children (see below for why the price decreases).

Choose from over 100 participating Disney restaurants. This restaurant list is subject to change.

For each night of your stay you will receive:

One table service meal– meal includes appetizer (guest ages 3-9 only), entrée, dessert, non-alcoholic beverage. For buffets or pre-plated all-you-care-to-eat restaurants, a drink is included.

One quick service meal– lunch and dinner includes entrée, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage, or full combo meal: usually entrée, side dish, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage. Quick service breakfasts include a juice, entrée and a nonalcoholic beverage.

One snack– such as a snack-cart ice cream, box of popcorn, medium soft drink or a bottle of water at select counter-service and snack-cart locations. Disney is very flexible about what guests choose as snacks, and many items under $4 are fair game. Look for the purple DDP snack symbol to identify restaurants, food carts and merchandise locations that accept the DDP.

Using Table Service Credits

Table service credits may be used in many different combinations, at over 100 participating restaurants on Walt Disney World Property. Here are some of the ways guests may use credits:

Character Dining: Character dining is included as table credit options, and one table service credit is redeemed for each person dining. (Cinderella's Royal Table is the exception; meals at CRT are two-credits per person).

Signature Dining: A number of restaurants on property are categorized as Signature Dining and two credits must be redeemed for meals at these locations. These venues include: Jiko – The Cooking Place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Flying Fish Café at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort, California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Cítricos at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Artist Point at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, and Hollywood Brown Derby at the Disney Hollywood Studios. There is a dress code at all but the Hollywood Brown Derby; tank tops, swimsuits or swimsuit cover-ups, caps, cut-offs or torn clothing of any kind are not permitted.

Dinner Shows: DDP credits may be used for Category 2 and 3 seating at the following shows: Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, Mickey’s Backyard BBQ (seasonal), both located at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, or Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Show at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. Credits may be used for Category 1 seating at Hoop-Dee-Doo for the 9:30 pm show. Dinner Shows offer family-style dining with live entertainment show performances throughout the meal, themed to the Resort setting.

Show tickets can be acquired through Concierge. All Dinner Shows require Advance Reservations. Gratuities are included.

Grand Gathering Experiences: Disney World on-site guests with parties of eight or more who are signed up as a Grand Gathering may use table service credits for any of three experiences: the International Dinner and IllumiNations Dessert Reception at Epcot (two credits), the Safari Celebration Dinner at the Animal Kingdom (two credits), and the Good Morning Gathering at the Magic Kingdom (one credit).

Gratuities are included. Experiences are subject to change and cancellation. Experience may be cancelled by Guests up to 6 days prior to experience date without charge for the experience. Reservations required and may be made up to 180 days in advance but no later than 3 days prior to the experience date. Valid theme park ticket required.

For more information on Grand Gatherings, see A Grand Gathering: Disney's Gift to the Large Group Vacation.

Private Dining/Pizza Delivery: Private in-room dining meals includes an appetizer (guest ages 3-9 only), entrée, nonalcoholic drink, and dessert (lunch & dinner). Breakfast also includes juice. Pizza delivery includes one pizza, two non-alcoholic beverages and two desserts. Gratuities are included. Both are two-credit dining options.

Additional Dining Packages offered by Walt Disney World

Deluxe Dining Plan: Walt Disney World is offering a new Deluxe Dining Plan option beginning in 2008. This plan offers guests three meals per day (table service or quick service) at any participating Disney restaurant, plus two snacks and a refillable resort mug for $69.99 for guests 10 and above, and $19.99 for guests 3-9. Table service meals include an appetizer. Gratuity is not included. Click here for the official brochure from the Walt Disney World website.

Wine and Dine Plan: Disney World is also offering a Wine and Dine Plan, new in 2008. This add-on package costs $39.99 per night, which entitles the party to one bottle of wine per package night, redeemable for designated wines at numerous restaurants and other participating locations. Wine ordered at Signature locations and through in-room private dining will cost two credits. Click here for the official details on the Walt Disney World website.

Premium and Platinum Packages: Walt Disney World offers packages with inclusive dining and recreational experiences. For complete details, visit the information pages on the Walt Disney World website:
2008 Premium Package
2008 Platinum Package

Gratuity: When It's Included

In 2007 gratuity was included with all table service meals purchased with credits. For 2008, gratuity is only included for: Cinderella's Royal Table meal, in-room private dining and pizza delivery, dinner shows, and Grand Gathering experiences.

Other Things You Should Know

• To book your Advance Dining Reservations, call 1-407-WDW-DINE.
• Advance Dining Reservations are highly recommended and in many instances essential for dining at many restaurants participating on the DDP.
• To purchase the DDP, guests must either be booked at a Disney resort on a package (a reservation including tickets) or they must be staying on points in Disney Vacation Club accommodations.
• Any credits that are not used by midnight on the day of check-out are lost. You may not use your dining credits to redeem meals or snacks for people who are not on your DDP.
• An 18% gratuity will be added automatically for parties of six or more. A gratuity may also be added automatically on items you order that are not included in the DDP (e.g. alcoholic beverages).
• The DDP is not available for children under three, but they may share from an adult plate, at no charge, or purchase a meal from the menu.
• You can use your meals and snacks in any combination you choose. Two table service meals one day, three counter service meals the next, only snacks and a meal paid "out of pocket" on the third. You decide!
• The plan is also very convenient, as your MYW dining plan credits will tracked on your Key to the World card. Guests simply present their card to the cast member to "pay" for the meals using the dining plan. Meal usage will be tracked electronically and each time you use the dining plan your receipt will indicate your remaining meal balance.
• This plan is that is allows you to pre-pay your meals. When you arrive at Disney World, most of your vacation is already paid for.

Will the Disney Dining Plan Save Money?

That depends, of course, on how you use your credits. Here are just a few scenarios showing how you can save using the 2008 DDP. We are sure you can find your own ways to save, too.

====

Example #1: Day in the Magic Kingdom

Breakfast- in room or quick bite at the resort or Theme Park

Lunch- quick service meals at Pecos Bills
Adult Guest #1- Chicken wrap ($7.59) dessert ($3.59) drink ($2.09) tax (.86) Total $14.13
Adult Guest #2- Pork sandwich ($7.59) dessert ($3.59) drink ($2.09) tax (.86) Total $14.13
Child Guest #3- Kid's meal (3.99) tax (.26) Total $4.25
Child Guest #4- Kid's meal (3.99) tax (.26) Total $4.25

Dinner- table service at Tony's Town Square
Adult Guest #1– Grilled salmon ($23.49) dessert ($5.69) drink ($2.19) tax (2.04) Total $33.41
Adult Guest #2– NY strip (25.49) dessert ($5.69) drink (2.19) tax (2.17) Total $35.54
Child Guest #3– Kid's meal (7.49) tax (.49) Total $7.98
Child Guest #4– Kid's meal (7.49) tax (.49) Total $7.98

Snack- Aloha Isle
Adult Guest #1– Pineapple Float (3.99) tax (.26) Total $4.25
Adult Guest #2- Pineapple Float (3.99) tax (.26) Total $4.25
Child Guest #3– Coke Float (3.69) tax (.24) Total $3.93
Child Guest #4– Root beer Float (3.69) tax (.24) Total $3.93

TOTAL for Day: $138.03
Total paid for MYW Dining Plan: $95.96
Amount saved using MYW+Dining: $42.07

====

Example #2: Day in Epcot

Breakfast– Using Snack Credits at Fountainview Café
Adult Guest #1– Chocolate croissant (2.79) tax (.18) Total $2.97
Adult Guest #2– Pecan croissant (2.79) tax (.18) Total $2.97
Child Guest #3– Bagel w/ cream cheese (2.29) tax (.15) Total $2.44
Child Guest #4– Strawberry Smoothie (3.79) tax (.25) Total $ 4.04

Lunch– quick service meal at Sunshine Season Food Fair
Adult Guest #1- Rotisserie Chicken Flatbread (9.09) drink (2.19) dessert (2.69) tax (.91) Total $14.88
Adult Guest #2– Seared Tuna Salad (8.39) dessert (2.69) drink (2.19) tax (.86) Total $14.13
Child Guest #3– Kid's meal (3.99) tax (.26) Total $4.25
Child Guest #4– Kid's meal (3.99) tax (.26) Total $4.25

Dinner– table service meal at Le Cellier
Adult Guest #1- Mushroom Fillet (27.99) Drink (2.00) dessert (5.99) Tax (2.34) Total $38.32
Adult Guest #2– Mushroom Fillet (27.99) Drink (2.00) dessert (5.99) Tax (2.34) Total $38.32
Child Guest #3– Kid's meal (7.49) tax (.49) Total $7.98
Child Guest #4– Kid's meal (7.49) tax (.49) Total $7.98

Total: $142.53
Total paid for MYW+Dining: $95.96
Amount saved using MYW+Dining: $46.57

====

Example #3- half day at Animal Kingdom half day at resort

Breakfast- in room or quick bite at the resort or Theme Park

Lunch– Quick service meal at Flame Tree Barbeque
Adult Guest #1– Ribs (8.99) drink (2.09) dessert (3.59) tax (.95) Total $15.62
Adult Guest #2– Chicken (7.99) drink (2.09) dessert (3.59) tax (.89) Total $14.56
Child Guest #3– kid's meal (3.99) tax (.26) Total $4.25
Child Guest #4- kid's meal (3.99) tax (.26) Total $4.25

Snack - Tamu Tamu
Adult Guest #1 - Waffle Cone (3.79) tax (.25) Total $4.04
Adult Guest #2 - Float (3.59) tax (.23) Total $3.82
Child Guest #3 - Hot Fudge Sunday (3.79) tax (.25) Total $4.04
Child Guest #4 - Strawberry Sunday (3.79) tax (.25) Total $4.04

Dinner- Table service at Kona
Adult Guest #1– Shrimp and Scallops (20.99) Dessert (5.99) Drink (2.00) Tax (1.82) Total $30.80
Adult Guest #2– Fillet (25.49) dessert (5.99) drink (2.00) tax (2.17) Total $35.65
Child Guest #3– Kid's meal (7.49) tax (.49) Total $7.98
Child Guest #4- Kid's meal (7.49) tax (.49) Total $7.98

Total for day $137.03
Total paid for MYW+Dining: $95.96
Amount saved using MYW+Dining: $40.08

====

Example #4- half day at MGM and a half day at Epcot

Breakfast– in room or grab a quick bite at resort or park

Lunch– Quick service meal at ABC Commissary
Adult Guest #1– Tabbouleh wrap (6.69) drink (2.09) dessert (3.59) tax (.80) Total $13.17
Adult Guest #2– Cuban sandwich (6.69) drink (2.09) dessert (3.59) tax (.80) Total $13.17
Child Guest #3– Kid's meal (3.99) tax (.26) Total $4.25
Child Guest #4– Kid's meal (3.99) tax (.26) Total $4.25

Snack- Min and Bills
Adult Guest #1– Stuffed Cheese Pretzel (3.79) tax (.25) total $4.04
Adult Guest #2– Frozen lemonade (3.29) tax (.21) Total $3.50
Child Guest #3– Stuffed Cheese Pretzel (3.79) tax (.25) total $4.04
Child Guest #4– Frozen lemonade (3.29) tax (.21) Total $3.50

Dinner– Table service meal at Restaurant Akershus
Adult Guest #1– Buffet (28.99) tax (1.89) Total $30.88
Adult Guest #2– Buffet (28.99) tax (1.89) Total $30.88
Child Guest #3– Buffet (13.99) tax (.91) Total $14.90
Child Guest #4– Buffet (13.99) tax (.91) Total $14.90

Total: $141.48
Total paid for MYW+Dining: $95.96
Amount saved using MYW+Dining: $45.52

====

Example #5- Day at resort and then DTD

Lunch– Quick service meal at Pepper Market
Adult Guest #1- Chicken quesadilla (11.95) Drink (1.99) dessert (3.00) tax (1.10) Total $18.04
Adult Guest #2- Stir fry (11.75) drink (1.99) dessert (3.00) tax (1.09) Total $17.83
Child Guest #3- pizza (4.25) drink (1.29) tax (.28) Total $5.82
Child Guest #4- pizza (4.25) drink (1.29) tax (.28) Total $5.82

Snack– items from World of Disney
Adult Guest #1– Shortbread cookies (4.00) tax (.26) Total $4.26
Adult Guest #2– Shortbread cookies (4.00) tax (.26) Total $4.26
Child Guest #3– Large lollipop (4.00) tax (.26) Total $4.26
Child Guest #4- Large lollipop (4.00) tax (.26) Total $4.26

Dinner- table service meal at Raglan Road
Adult Guest #1– Salmon (22.95) dessert (7.99) drink (2.09) tax (2.15) Total $35.18
Adult Guest #2- Fish and Chips (16.95) dessert (7.99) drink (2.09) tax ($1.76) Total $28.79
Child Guest #3- Shrimp (8.95) drink (2.09) tax (.72) Total $11.76
Child Guest #4- Shepherds pie (7.95) drink (2.09) tax (.65) Total $10.69

Total: $150.97
Total paid for MYW+Dining: $95.96
Amount saved using MYW+Dining: $55.01

As you can see, there is a clear advantage to using the Magic Your Way dining plan. These are just five examples of the ways you can save with the dining plan. Have some fun and play around with the available restaurants so you can find ways to save as well.

Here is a Disney Dining Plan Tracker in Excel format, to help you with your meal planning (thanks to Carys for sharing this useful tool).

If you have questions about the Magic Your Way package, please contact The Magic for Less Travel, the official travel agency of The MouseForLess. The Magic for Less Travel has been named by Disney an Authorized Disney Planner. Their exclusive concierge "Service Plus with Pixie Dust" if provided free of charge to every guest, and they would be happy to help you find the vacation of your dreams.

For the official details from the Walt Disney World website, visit:
2008 Disney Dining Plan