The Disney Dining Plan is back at Walt Disney World for 2019. Do you ever get confused about where to best use your credits to make the most out of them? I have too in the past.
We have utilized the Disney Dining Plan since my husband and I vacationed to Walt Disney World in 2008. In 2009, we utilized the offer during our two-week honeymoon and it saved us a lot of money. However, if you don’t strategize your snack credits, you can waste complimentary food. Probably one of the biggest travesties at Disney Parks. Okay, that’s going overboard but who doesn’t love Disney food?
Where to Get the Most From Your Disney Dining Plan Snack Credits
Gifts to Take Home
I know many people do not recommend spending snack credits on Goofy’s Candy Co. or other candy from Walt Disney World but if you’re looking for a way to bring home gifts for others, this might be a good plan. Sure, most candy from Walt Disney World is really no different than other gummies or sweets that you can get at your local store. The packaging is just more magical.
If I have leftover snack credits at the end of my stay, and I often do, I like to spend them at my Walt Disney World Resort hotel to grab things like chocolate coins and Goofy Candy Co. packs. We go many times in September/October so I can easily put these away for stocking stuffers during the holidays. Plus, I admit, I’m a sucker for the packaging and I love to pull out a pack of Goofy Candy Co. gummies when we return home to relive the fun.
Plus, I admit, when I visit Florida I enjoy spending time with my best friend who lives in the area. We love to head to Goofy’s Candy Co. in Disney Springs and buy all the things with left-over snack credits. Rice treats, candy apples, you name it. We have way too much fun on a last night sugar rush in the room.
Epcot Festival Foods
If you happen to be visiting when Free Dining is happening, you’re more likely there during an Epcot Festival. Usually Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. This is the perfect place to spend snack credits.
You get to explore the new foods at the kiosks and I will mention that some of these samples tend to be pricey. You can easily drop a few hundred dollars on food during Epcot’s festivals. The foods are fantastic but are smaller portions from many snacks at Walt Disney World.
The foods are Instagram worthy at Epcot Festivals and fun to explore. With the Disney Dining Plan, you can easily enjoy these plates without worrying too much about overspending. This is probably one of the best ways to spend your snack credits.
Don’t Spend Them on Bottled Drinks
Don’t spend them on bottled water or sodas. It just isn’t worth it. Especially when you can ask for free water at Quick Service locations when you purchase meals or utilize the water bottle refilling stations. You can certainly grab something for a better price point than the bottled water or sodas at Walt Disney World.
Floats and Ice Cream
Did you know that you can spend snack credits on the mighty Dole Whip Float or other ice cream treats? Yes, yes you can. My husband would probably spend all of them on Mickey Premium bars if he could. With Dole Whips being around $6 now, this is a great buy with a snack credit!
The Bakeries
I like to use my snack credits for quick breakfast meals. The bakeries at Walt Disney World often offer pastries and goodies for snack credits. The Boardwalk Bakery is the perfect place to grab a decadent treat or Main Street Bakery while at the Magic Kingdom. There is nothing like having a coffee and pastry while watching the world go by on Main Street U.S.A.
Funnel Cakes
Take it from someone who would literally eat these as her dinner when I was an American Adventure Cast Member, Funnel Cakes are filling! Probably not the healthiest of dinner choices but that’s a story for a different day. Plus, they run around $7 which is another great snack credit purchase.
Novelty Drinks
While you can’t get souvenir mugs with snack credits, you can get the novelty drink in a basic cup! To be honest, do we really need another souvenir cup anyway? Well, I guess it depends but still.
On a hot day at Disney’ Animal Kingdom, the frozen drinks are the perfect treat to cool down with. The mango smoothies are my favorite and they run around $6 normally. They hit the spot on a hot day.
Party Treats
If you are attending Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, you’re in luck! Most of the specialty treats offered during the event can be used with Disney Dining Plan Snack Credits. This is perfect for things like the “Not So Poison Apple” cupcake that can be nearly a treat for two!
These are just some of the best things you can buy with your Disney Dining Plan snack credits. When on the Disney Dining Plan, I like to use snack credits for breakfast items first and then as treats and gifts for anything that I have leftover. You can cover a lot of great foods via the snack credits on the Disney Dining Plan. It is just all about how you use them.
More Walt Disney World Tips:
- What Not to Pack for Walt Disney World
- What NOT To Do On Walt Disney World Arrival Day
- Ultimate Guide to a Disney Solo Trip
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