One of the best deals ever to come from the House of Mouse is the Disney Dining Plan. With this plan, you can save a substantial amount of money while enjoying some of the best table service restaurants Disney has on property. This plan will allow many people to enjoy these restaurants at a savings of 40 percent off instead of paying on the go. Over 100 restaurants subscribe to the plan and it gives peace of mind knowing that your meals are paid for in advance.
However, they have been some major changes and additions for the year 2008. The following are the new plans and changes for the upcoming year...
Plan one... Magic your way "PLUS DINING" This plan entitles one table service meal, one counter-service meal and one snack per person per day. Very similar to the plan before except the appetizer is no longer offered nor is the Gratuity included. This plan is $39.99 per person 10 years old an up and $9.99 per child 3 years old to 9 years old.
Dessert is included.
Plan two... Magic your way "PLUS DELUXE DINING" This plan entitles three-table service OR counter service meals, (Any combination of the two) TWO snacks per person, a refillable resort mug (Non-Alcoholic) and this plan allows an appetizer with the meal plus dessert The cost is $69.99 per person 10 years and up and $19.99 per person 3 years old to 9 years.
Here are the two major additions to the plans, which you can see are the new all-inclusive "PACKAGE DEALS" Both packages will have the same food entitlements per room night as the "PLUS DELUXE DINING" but differ in the extra Magical add-ons that come with your chosen plan.
With the Disney Magic your way "PREMIUM PACKAGE," you receive your park tickets, your accommodations and these extra goodies… Unlimited use of the recreational facilities, i.e. you could rent a boat, golf, (Free gold lessons), etc. Unlimited access to the park tours; you can take the Keys to the Kingdom tour, behind the seeds Tour in EPCOT and so on. Tickets to Circus de Soulie, preferred fireworks viewing at EPCOT. Also available is In-room private dining and for the parents, unlimited admission to the children's activity centers, giving you a chance to do some things on your own. In addition, a meal voucher for $15.00 for Planet Hollywood is included.
Disney's Magic your way "PLATINUM PACKAGE" is considered a VIP package. You received all the Premium Package add-ons and personalized itinerary planning; a Disney planner will call and help you plan all the little details so you can get the most out of your vacation, suggest schedules and so forth. A Spa Treatment is included in the Platinum and children 10 years and older can also enjoy this. All arrangements are made when you book and speak to your planner. A photo CD is also included with a Photo pass photographer and you can make a photo CD on line. There is a special fireworks cruise and reserved seating at Fantasmic, nightly turn-down service and the best for last, Victoria and Albert's, Disney elegant and romantic restaurant in the Grand Floridian also takes the Platinum Package, but for Dinner only and does not include the Wine and Dine plan. (More on that in a bit).
Disney's magic your way plus "WINE AND DINE" is an add-on feature that can be applied to any of the above plans. For a flat fee per person per day, you can enjoy a bottle from a select list of wines for dinner or brought to your room. One wine per room per night per package stay is for all plans. In the Family table service restaurants, one entitlement may be used for select bottles of wine that retail for $53.00 or less. In Signature Dining locations, one entitlement for select bottles of wine that retail for $53.00 or less, or two entitlements for select bottles of wine that retail for $53.01 to $100.00. For private dining, it requires two entitlements. Wines by the glass and half bottles are not included.
Signature restaurants, Dinner shows, Cinderella's Royal Table and Private Dining require two Table service meals for each person dining. Children must order from the child's menu where available. TAXES AND GRATUITIES ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THESES PLANS. Desserts are not included for breakfast. You may order a specialty beverage such as espresso, in place of dessert. All of this will be on your Keys to the World card or Disney Vacation Club card.
The best value appears to be the Premium or Platinum package deals; they are all inclusive with nothing else to buy. No prices for the Premium or Platinum packages are given, nor for the Wine and Dine because according to Disney they are figured out when you book. It all depends how many in your party, where you are planning to stay, etc. You must call the Walt Disney World Dine at 1-407-939-3463 for particulars and prices for your individual vacation. My wife and I are both DVC members and every time we decide to stay for a couple of days, we always get the dining plan; it is indeed the best and economical way to enjoy the best restaurants on property.
