Will There Be Any Changes to the Disney Dining Plans in 2017?

June 20, 2016

With 2017 vacation packages slated to go on sale on June 21st, details on exciting changes to Walt Disney World’s Dining Plan system are slowly starting to be revealed. If you’re thinking about booking packages as soon as they go on-sale, here’s what we know about the dining plans so far to help you decide if you’ll be adding a plan on to your next Disney package.

2017 Dining Plans to include 2 Snack Credits

In the past, a Quick Service meal at Disney World with the dining plans would entitle the user to 1 non-alcoholic drink, 1 entrée and 1 dessert item. However, many guests felt that the dessert was just too much to have at every meal. Listening to this feedback Disney has since adapted the dining plans. In 2017, Quick Service meals will no longer come with a dessert, rather visitors will now be entitled to 1 extra snack credit per night of stay. This is a great move for guests that want to enjoy their Dole Whips and Churros on the same day.

Here’s an updated breakdown of dining plan entitlements for 2017.

2017 Quick Service Dining Plan

2 Quick Service Meals (entree and non-alcoholic-drink)
2 Snacks
1 Refillable Resort Mug per person

2017 Disney Dining Plan

1 Quick Service Meal (entrée & non-alcoholic drink)
1 Table Service Meal (entrée, dessert & non-alcoholic drink or full buffet meal)
2 Snacks
1 Refillable Resort Mug per person

2017 Disney Deluxe Dining Plan

3 Meals – Can be any combination of Quick Service or Table Service (A Table Service Meal on the Deluxe Dining Plan also includes an appetizer)
2 Snacks
1 Refillable Resort Mug per person

I’m visiting Disney World in 2016, do I get 2 snack credits? No. Those visiting the parks in 2016 will still only get 1 snack credit per day. The 2 snack credit changes to the dining plan will be in effect January 1 – December 31, 2017.

Table Service Credits and Character Dining

In the past all Character Dining experiences with the exception of Cinderella’s Royal Table would take up 1 Table Service credit on both the Dining Plan and the Disney Deluxe Dining Plan. However, several weeks ago Disney leaked information on My Disney Experience suggesting that popular character dining experiences such as Chef Mickey’s, Tusker House and Akershus Royal Banquet Hall would go up to 2 Table Service Credits (the same amount of credits used for Signature Dining Restaurants and Dinner Shows.) However, we are pleased to report that the information released by Disney this week for 2017 rates shows that the dining credits for character dining will remain the same. Tusker House, Chef Mickey’s and Akershus will continue to be only 1 Table Service credit.

Tiffin’s Restaurant at Animal Kingdom moved from Signature Restaurant to Table Service Restaurant

Animal Kingdom’s newest arrival on the culinary scene, Tiffins Restaurant was originally hailed as one of Disney’s new Signature Dining experiences specializing in gourmet options from exciting destinations around the globe. However, in the updated dining plan information that is being distributed Tiffins no longer appears with the list of other Signature Dining restaurants and instead is included in the list for standard Table Service dining locations. This shift also shows the restaurant as only taking up 1 table service dining credit. Insiders are still waiting for Disney to confirm that this switch is definitely going into effect. If the move is legitimate, it now means that Tiffins will join the ranks of other much-loved Animal Kingdom eateries such as Tusker House and Yak and Yeti that will only take up one Table Service credit.

Guests wanting to get a jump-start on their 2017 dining plan options can download the latest information released from Disney below. However, visitors should bear in mind that Dining Plan options may be subject to change.

2017 Disney Dining Plan

2017 Disney Deluxe Dining Plan

As of going to print, Disney has yet to release a pdf for the Quick Service Dining Plan but watch this space and we’ll add it in as soon as one becomes available.

I don’t see my favorite Disney restaurant on this list. Does that mean it’s no longer included in the Dining Plan? No. Often times when Disney first releases dining plan information for the year ahead several restaurants will be left out. These are usually privately owned restaurants at the theme parks or at Disney Springs. Notable exclusions on the list above are Rainforest Cafe, TRex, Raglan Road, Chefs de France just to name a few. This doesn’t necessarily mean these restaurants are no longer included. It’s more likely that they just didn’t make the first round of inclusions. Disney Addicts will update the PDF’s as the new restaurants are added and we’ll also inform you of any notable exclusions from next year’s line-up.

When it comes to whether or not to include the dining plan in your holiday package, costs is usually the deciding factor. Visitors keen to see how 2017 prices will stack up against this year’s rates will need to wait a bit longer as Disney has yet to release any pricing information. Again, watch this space and we’ll let you know as soon as costs are available.

Walt Disney World Vacation Packages for 2017 will be available to book starting June 21st. Fill out our form below to receive your FREE quote.

Heading to the parks in 2017? Why not consider working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I can help you find your perfect package, nab those hard-to-get dining and Fastpass reservations and watch for discounts so that you’re always getting the best rates out there. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE! Get in touch at mroden@mickeytravels.com, toll free at 1.800.801.4025 or follow along on Facebook.

Image copyright Disney