Okay so let’s be clear, the dining plan is truly meant for big eaters who have expensive taste. Unfortunately most vegetarian options are always the cheapest things on the menu. Investing in the dining plan would honestly lead to you losing out on a significant amount of money. So if I were you, I recommend skipping the meal plan and paying out of pocket instead.
Just because you have 5 days at the parks and 5 table service, quick service, and snack credits, doesn’t mean you have to use it everyday. You can honestly go to a character breakfast in the morning and use 1 credit and then go to a signature dining restaurant for dinner and use 2 credits, all on arrival day. The system is meant to be as flexible as you are.
Unless if you’re at a buffet or family style restaurant, you will have to pay for a drink for your young child (3 years old or younger and not on the dining plan).
If you or someone in your party aren’t big eaters, you can easily get one meal to share, and save that dining credit for another time. Some good quick service restaurants that offer big portions include Cosmic Ray’s (Magic Kingdom) and Flame Tree Barbecue (Animal Kingdom).
You can easily buy a meal from one place, and move on to the next eatery. This is perfect for picky eaters, especially at a place like the World Showcase at Epcot.
You might find yourself on your last day with 3 snack credits, yet no space in your stomach to eat any more. That’s why I recommend you buy some prepackaged goodies like Goofy gummy bears, caramel corn, rice crispy treats, and fudge, just to name a few. These make perfect companions for plane or car ride back home.
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 only eat one big meal a day, then the dining plan isn’t for you.
At buffets, they’ll get their own plate, while at other locations, they’ll have to eat off yours.
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.