Maximize the Disney Dining Plan at Walt Disney World

1. Figure out what Disney Dining Plan works for you. Currently there are three main Disney Dining Plans - Quick Service Dining Plan, Disney Dining Plan and Deluxe Disney Dining Plan. Each dining plan will have different pros and cons for different families, so do your research and don't simply do a plan because others have said it works for them.

2. Take a look at how you can maximize your counter service credits. With the Quick Service Dining Plan and the Disney Dining Plan, each guest will be entitled to at least one counter service meal per day. A great way to maximize the counter service meals is to know where you can get meals and what you can get. Most people consider a counter service meal to include hamburger and fries, but a person can easily go to Walt Disney World for two weeks and not purchase a single hamburger or fry. (Maximize your Counter Service Meals)

3. Like the counter service meals, take a look at how you can maximize your table service meals. With the Disney Dining Plan and the Deluxe Disney Dining Plan, each guest is entitled to at least one table service meal per day. Make sure that all the restaurants you are hoping to eat at will accept the Disney Dining Plan, as there are a number of restaurants that won't. (Maximize your Table Service Meals)

4. Take a look at what you can get with the Disney Snack credits. While many guests believe that they are only able to get soda, chips and ice cream, the realism is that you are able to get a huge amount of items with the credits. Some could serve as small meals for yourself or for a toddler, or you can have absolutely delicious treats. Make sure you print off a list of the snacks that will work for you and your family and where to find them. (List of snack credits available at Walt Disney World)

5. Even if you are using one of the Walt Disney World Dining Plans, make sure that you take a look at how to dine at Walt Disney World on a budget. While not all of the rules will apply to guests using the dining plans, several of the rules can help extend families meals, cutting down on any out of pocket expenses that there may be. (Dine at Walt Disney World on a budget)

2010 Disney Dining Plan Prices have been released

What is the Disney Dining Plan

What is the Quick Service Dining Plan?

If you are looking at planning a vacation to Walt Disney World, visit Magical Dream Tours, for a free no-obligation quote.

Click here for more Walt Disney World information and tips by Amanda M. Rose