This checklist ranks the perfect desk service eating places at Walt Disney World for maximizing the worth of your credit on the 2024-2025 Disney Eating Plans. Even in the event you’re visiting throughout Free Eating, you need to get as a lot bang on your buck as potential and this covers the highest makes use of of probably the most invaluable credit. (Up to date August 24, 2024.)
In a nutshell, the Walt Disney World desk service eating places that provide the perfect ‘worth maximization’ of Disney Eating Plan credit are those serving the costliest meals. The pricier the menus, the better financial savings on the DDP. That additionally implies that this checklist is a horrible useful resource in the event you’re paying out of pocket. It’s principally the precise reverse of our common checklist of the High 10 Greatest Worth Desk Service Eating places at Walt Disney World.
Primarily, this checklist is an goal useful resource rating the perfect 1-credit desk service eating places at Walt Disney World. If a restaurant ranked higher because of its pricier choices, it’s on the checklist, no matter whether or not we expect its meals stinks. When truly planning the place YOU need to dine in your journey, it’s essential to contemplate high quality of meals, not simply costs, when figuring out the place you need to eat. We thus suggest weighing these “worth maximization” lists we have now together with our subjective Walt Disney World Restaurant Evaluations when making your Advance Eating Reservations.
The entries on this checklist are calculated by taking the best entree, dessert, and beverage and including them collectively (tax and tip will not be included). We did this versus taking the median or imply since, in the event you’re really involved with saving as a lot cash as potential, you’re going to be ordering dearer menu objects.
Alcoholic drinks are included on the 2024 and 2025 Disney Eating Plans, which was a change made a number of years in the past. This has had a minor impression on the rankings, albeit to a lesser diploma than our Greatest Counter Service Values on the Disney Eating Plan. One factor to remember is that there are a handful of Magic Kingdom eating places that don’t serve alcohol, so in the event you’re chasing the perfect worth, these few eating places must be prevented.
As a normal precept, there are a couple of tips about what it’s best to and mustn’t eat to maximise your desk service credit on the Disney Eating Plan. Three straightforward guidelines of thumb are that character eating, steaks, and seafood will work out in your favor. On the different finish of the spectrum, vegetarian or plant-based dishes are a poor use of credit.
You must also keep away from Signature Eating places if you need the perfect worth. This implies you’ll need to skip Citricos, Narcoossee’s, Tiffins, Brown Derby, Be Our Visitor Restaurant, and each different 2-credit Signature Restaurant. This contains Cinderella’s Royal Desk, the flagship princess meal at Magic Kingdom.
Sadly, it additionally means skipping Akershus Royal Banquet Corridor at EPCOT and Story E book Eating at Artist Level with Snow White. Beforehand, each of those eating places had been in our prime 5 on this checklist–and you continue to may discover them on different, outdated assets. Sadly, these have been elevated to 2-credit standing for the 2024-2025 Disney Eating Plan and are not an incredible–and even good–worth consequently.
Regardless of their larger menu costs, two-credit “Signature” Eating will not be nearly as good of a price on account of its value of two credit, so you’ll not discover any two-credit eating places on this checklist. Let me reiterate this, as some readers have requested about them: the full value of meal at a Signature Restaurant is $100 per individual, it’s nonetheless not a greater worth than a 1-credit restaurant with a complete value of $60 per individual. (It’s simple arithmetic: $60 x 2 = $120 > $100.)
10. Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood – Is there any shock {that a} restaurant with each steak and seafood–the 2 most costly forms of entrees on any Walt Disney World restaurant menus–makes this checklist? If something, the massive shock must be that Toledo doesn’t rank larger.
For these unfamiliar with it, Toledo is the rooftop restaurant at Gran Destino Tower. Not solely is it an incredible use of Disney Eating Plan credit when it comes to bang for buck, it’s an incredible restaurant, interval. Toledo is without doubt one of the few locations at Walt Disney World that obtained Michelin Information recognition, which not even Victoria & Albert’s, Monsieur Paul, or Takumi-Tei had been capable of accomplish. We love this restaurant, and extremely suggest one among Toledo’s a number of spectacular steaks.
9. By way of Napoli – It is a tough one. By way of Napoli has constructed a sterling repute on its wonderful pizza pies, however in the event you order one among these, the worth is below-average on the Disney Eating Plan. As an alternative, you must look to the normal Italian menu selections, and select one of many $40+ choices.
Then, it’s worthwhile to pair that with a pleasant glass of wine and one of many dearer desserts. Then–and solely then–is By way of Napoli an incredible worth on the Eating Plan. The excellent news, although, is that By way of Napoli is a nice restaurant selection it doesn’t matter what you order!
8. Cooks De France – Cooks de France has a number of costly entrees, however the costliest is the Filet de boeuf grille, sauce au poivre vert Gratin Dauphinois et haricots verts. The marginally cheaper Duck can be an incredible entree selection for maximizing worth (and it tastes nice).
We expect Cooks de France is sweet, however doesn’t fairly stay as much as the hype. It’s a very talked-about restaurant amongst Walt Disney World company, which could be a double-edged sword. The restaurant tries to show tables over as rapidly as potential to seat everybody, making effectivity the secret right here, which might result in inconsistent meals and streamlined meals prep. Cooks de France remains to be value giving a attempt, simply don’t go in anticipating high quality French eating.
7. Tutto Italia – One other World Showcase possibility within the Italy pavilion, Tutto Italia might or might not make the checklist for the Disney Eating Plan relying upon whenever you dine right here. The menu right here adjustments rather a lot, and we strongly suspect that has been dictated by the DDP prior to now (particularly Free Eating). It looks like when that’s being provided, a couple of of the $40+ objects will not be on the menu.
If the Manzo Brasato, Bistecca, or swordfish are on the menu, this can be a very excessive rating restaurant because of these and wonderful Italian decadent desserts and overpriced alcohol. If these objects will not be on the menu, Tutto Italia may fall proper off the checklist, relying upon what’s on the menu.
6. Backyard Grill (Lunch or Dinner) – Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Harvest Feast hasn’t modified a lot in the previous couple of years, however regardless of that, it has inched its means up this checklist thanks to cost will increase.
The meals right here doesn’t fairly compete with newer character meals at Walt Disney World, however the all-you-can-eat fare is each approachable and crowd-pleasing, and we desire Backyard Grill to Chef Mickey’s, each of which rank larger right here.
5. ‘Ohana (Dinner) – We expect ‘Ohana is without doubt one of the most overrated eating places at Walt Disney World. We additionally assume it’s a must-do for first-timers. That may appear tough to reconcile, however ‘Ohana is a Walt Disney World establishment for good motive. That motive will not be the meals. It’s additionally not the costs. (Though the meals does style rather a lot higher in the event you’re circuitously paying for it out of pocket!)
Moderately, as a result of dinner at ‘Ohana is the muse for a “core reminiscence,” to borrow a line from Inside Out. Longtime followers preserve coming again to ‘Ohana as a result of it’s an emotional expertise evoking all kinds of nostalgia and fond recollections. There’s additionally one thing to be mentioned for the precise ambiance, with the fireworks, views of Cinderella Fortress, and Electrical Water Pageant. Then there’s the communal vitality and vibe that sure, in reality, ‘Ohana does imply household, within the immortal knowledge of Lilo & Sew. For all of those causes, we suggest ‘Ohana to these on the Disney Eating Plan.
T4. Chef Mickey’s (Dinner) – Certainly one of our absolute least favourite meals at Walt Disney World, Chef Mickey’s makes the checklist as a result of it’s an goal one, not as a result of we need to see it right here. The meals is terrible, however hey, a minimum of you possibly can “get pleasure from” quite a lot of it? Past that, the ambiance is loud and the decor is dated.
Nevertheless, great character interactions right here will doubtless redeem Chef Mickey’s within the eyes of many households, and in case your youngsters are choosy eaters, they could similar to the meals. Actually, regardless that it’s not nearly as good of a use of DDP credit (objectively talking), we’re extra inclined to suggest breakfast at Chef Mickey’s as a result of it’s subjectively superior.
T4. 1900 Park Fare (Dinner) – The Grand Floridian Resort is Walt Disney World’s flagship lodge, and it lastly has a befitting character eating expertise with the reimagined 1900 Park Fare. That’s a controversial assertion amongst Disney followers, a lot of whom are nostalgic for the earlier forged of characters. Whereas we agree with them on that, the whole lot else–meals, ambiance, and general expertise–is healthier on the Want Makers Enchanted Dinner at 1900 Park Fare.
Objectively talking, dinner prices greater than breakfast, therefore solely dinner making the minimize right here. Dinner can be subjectively superior–and considerably so. Our evaluation of breakfast concluded with such a tepid endorsement. The delicacies caliber is the distinction maker–the whole lot else is identical between the 2 meals.
Carried by delicacies high quality, the Want Makers Enchanted Dinner at 1900 Park Fare reaches the identical excessive bar as character eating experiences at Topolino’s Terrace and Artist Level, managing to attain each top quality and excessive amount (of meals). So far as the meals goes, dinner at 1900 Park Fare is the #1 character buffet at Walt Disney World. Even when paying out of pocket (as we have now when eating right here), we’re quite spend the additional cash for the higher dinner. That’s doubly true in the event you’re on the Disney Eating Plan, as each meals are 1-credit, making dinner the apparent and straightforward choose–and one that gives distinctive worth for cash.
3. San Angel Inn Restaurante – That is one among two desk service eating places on the Mexico pavilion in World Showcase at EPCOT. San Angel Inn Restaurante is the one inside the pavilion, overlooking the Gran Fiesta Tour boat journey. Mainly, it’s the Walt Disney World equal of the long-lasting Blue Bayou Restaurant Blue Bayou (for these unfamiliar, Blue Bayou overlooks Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean).
Regardless of this, San Angel Inn has a poor repute amongst many Walt Disney World followers, criticized for its bland and fundamental delicacies. We expect that’s excessively harsh–however must admit that the ambiance has at all times been distinctive and the meals has been far lower than distinctive. In any case, you actually can’t go incorrect with the Carne Asada at San Angel, which is a Mexican twist on the New York Strip. As long as you order that–and solely that–it’s an incredible use of Disney Eating Plan credit. (It’s additionally a surprisingly scrumptious steak!)
2. Minnie’s Seasonal Dine at Hollywood & Vine (Fantasmic Dinner Package deal) – That is one I’m hesitant to incorporate as a result of the Fantasmic eating bundle isn’t one thing some folks need (with out the bundle, this wouldn’t be on the highest half of the checklist), nevertheless it does present worth–and we extremely suggest the reimagined Fantasmic.
Not solely that, however Minnie’s Seasonal Dine is a superb use of a Disney Eating Plan credit score, regardless, it’s simply the Fantasmic bundle that places it excessive (with out that add-on, it nonetheless makes the checklist–however not this excessive). That’s a distinction with the EPCOT live performance or Candlelight Processional eating bundle, all of which require 2-credits and thus are poor values consequently.
It looks like solely a matter of time earlier than this adjustments and Fantasmic eating packages additionally require two credit. In August 2024, costs elevated pretty considerably on these, to the purpose that there’s not a ton of daylight between pricing on a few of the Fantasmic packages and Candlelight Processional packages at EPCOT. However for now, these sill provide nice bang-for-buck.
Then there’s the massive one: Minnie’s Seasonal Dine at Hollywood & Vine is definitely fairly underrated. Regardless of being a “fundamental” buffet with underwhelming theming, the meals is sort of good and the character interactions are top-tier. We’re enormous followers of the seasonal buffets right here, notably Minnie’s Vacation Dine and Minnie’s Halloween Dine. You can also’t go incorrect with Minnie’s Springtime Dine.
1. Teppan Edo – That is the teppanyaki-style steakhouse within the Japan pavilion of World Showcase at EPCOT. Teppan Edo is situated on the second flooring of the the Mitsukoshi Division Retailer adjoining to Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya (previously Tokyo Eating).
Teppan Edo has been top-of-the-line goal values on the Disney Eating Plan for years, and it claims the #1 spot on account of large menu value will increase, and a wide range of steak and seafood entrees which can be expensive. One other change that has helped push Teppan Edo excessive is the addition of the expensive Yuzu Mousse Cake; beforehand, the dessert menu solely had cheap choices.
After all, entrees are the star of the present at Teppan Edo. The varied steaks, combos, and the Hotate have all been menu staples for a minimum of the final decade. Accordingly, we doubt these shall be eliminated, however the portion sizes might lower or sure objects might be excluded from the 2025 Disney Eating Plan. Regardless, Teppan Edo is a robust choose that lands a spot within the prime 10 even with out the Hotate!
So there you’ve gotten it–the highest Desk Service eating places on the Disney Eating Plan in the event you’re seeking to maximize the worth of your credit. As you possibly can see from the numerous caveats on this checklist, we aren’t large followers of some spots on this checklist. Goal value and subjective worth positively aren’t the identical. We occur to care extra in regards to the latter, but when the previous is extra vital, that’s your name!
Lastly, it’s value noting that the distinction between a “nice” worth restaurant and an “solely okay” one can come all the way down to (actually) a few menu objects. All it takes is one high-priced steak or seafood dish; in the event you received’t order these, an incredible restaurant can fall to the nice or center tier.
Furthermore, eating places which have costly cocktails or glasses of wine additionally carry out higher than spots with fundamental beers or customary alcoholic drinks. After that, the worth of desserts is the most important issue right here (starting from excessive costs of $7 all the best way to $14) and whether or not or not the restaurant serves smoothies, shakes, or another kind of specialty non-alcoholic drink that’s included on the Eating Plan.
Bear in mind to at all times think about whether or not a specific restaurant or dish appeals to you earlier than making your Advance Eating Reservations. Whereas worth maximization will be enjoyable, it shouldn’t be the ‘end-all, be-all’ of your Disney trip planning. Consuming belongings you like is way extra vital!
Hopefully this checklist helps you get extra bang on your buck on the Disney Eating Plan. Take a look at our Greatest Counter Service Credit score Makes use of on the Disney Eating Plan and Most Value-Efficient Disney Snacks weblog posts to get much more worth out of the Disney Eating Plan! Planning a Disney journey? Learn our different Walt Disney World Restaurant Evaluations and our 101 Scrumptious Walt Disney World Eating Ideas. In case you are planning a Walt Disney World journey, be certain that to additionally learn our complete Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information to profit from your expertise!
Your Ideas
What suggestions do you’ve gotten for getting probably the most out of the Disney Eating Plan? Any favourite eating places or menu suggestions for profiting from the Disney Eating Plan? Do you make some extent of maximizing your worth even when profiting from the Free Eating promotion? When you have any tricks to maximize your worth at different Desk Service eating places or any questions in regards to the Disney Eating Plan, please share them within the feedback!
