This listing ranks the most effective desk service eating places at Walt Disney World for maximizing the worth of your credit on the 2024-2025 Disney Eating Plans. Even in case you’re visiting throughout Free Eating, you need to get as a lot bang in your buck as doable and this covers the highest makes use of of probably the most precious credit. (Up to date August 24, 2024.)
In a nutshell, the Walt Disney World desk service eating places that provide the most effective ‘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 listing is a horrible useful resource in case you’re paying out of pocket. It’s principally the precise reverse of our common listing of the Prime 10 Greatest Worth Desk Service Eating places at Walt Disney World.
Primarily, this listing is an goal useful resource rating the most effective 1-credit desk service eating places at Walt Disney World. If a restaurant ranked higher due to its pricier choices, it’s on the listing, no matter whether or not we predict 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 advocate weighing these “worth maximization” lists now we have together with our subjective Walt Disney World Restaurant Evaluations when making your Advance Eating Reservations.
The entries on this listing are calculated by taking the best entree, dessert, and beverage and including them collectively (tax and tip aren’t included). We did this versus taking the median or imply since, in case you’re really involved with saving as a lot cash as doable, 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 influence 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 case you’re chasing the most effective worth, these few eating places must be prevented.
As a common precept, there are a number of pointers about what you need to and mustn’t eat to maximise your desk service credit on the Disney Eating Plan. Three simple 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 in order for you the most effective 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 consists of 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 have been in our prime 5 on this listing–and you continue to may discover them on different, outdated sources. Sadly, these have been elevated to 2-credit standing for the 2024-2025 Disney Eating Plan and are not an important–and even good–worth because of this.
Regardless of their increased menu costs, two-credit “Signature” Eating aren’t pretty much as good of a worth because of its value of two credit, so you’ll not discover any two-credit eating places on this listing. Let me reiterate this, as some readers have requested about them: the entire value of meal at a Signature Restaurant is $100 per particular person, it’s nonetheless not a greater worth than a 1-credit restaurant with a complete value of $60 per particular person. (It’s basic math: $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 sorts of entrees on any Walt Disney World restaurant menus–makes this listing? If something, the large shock must be that Toledo doesn’t rank increased.
For these unfamiliar with it, Toledo is the rooftop restaurant at Gran Destino Tower. Not solely is it an important use of Disney Eating Plan credit by way of bang for buck, it’s an important restaurant, interval. Toledo is likely 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 have been in a position to accomplish. We love this restaurant, and extremely advocate considered one of Toledo’s a number of spectacular steaks.
9. Through Napoli – It is a tough one. Through Napoli has constructed a sterling popularity on its wonderful pizza pies, however in case you order considered one of these, the worth is below-average on the Disney Eating Plan. As an alternative, you must look to the standard Italian menu decisions, 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 Through Napoli an important worth on the Eating Plan. The excellent news, although, is that Through 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 also be an important entree selection for maximizing worth (and it tastes nice).
We expect Cooks de France is sweet, however doesn’t fairly dwell as much as the hype. It’s a extremely popular restaurant amongst Walt Disney World visitors, which generally is a double-edged sword. The restaurant tries to show tables over as shortly as doable to seat everybody, making effectivity the secret right here, which may result in inconsistent meals and streamlined meals prep. Cooks de France remains to be value giving a strive, simply don’t go in anticipating tremendous French eating.
7. Tutto Italia – One other World Showcase possibility within the Italy pavilion, Tutto Italia might or might not make the listing for the Disney Eating Plan relying upon if you dine right here. The menu right here adjustments rather a lot, and we strongly suspect that has been dictated by the DDP previously (particularly Free Eating). It looks like when that’s being provided, a number of of the $40+ objects aren’t on the menu.
If the Manzo Brasato, Bistecca, or swordfish are on the menu, this can be a very excessive rating restaurant due to these and glorious Italian decadent desserts and overpriced alcohol. If these objects aren’t on the menu, Tutto Italia may fall proper off the listing, 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 few years, however regardless of that, it has inched its means up this listing 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 want Backyard Grill to Chef Mickey’s, each of which rank increased right here.
5. ‘Ohana (Dinner) – We expect ‘Ohana is one of the crucial 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 purpose. That purpose shouldn’t be the meals. It’s additionally not the costs. (Though the meals does style rather a lot higher in case 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 hold coming again to ‘Ohana as a result of it’s an emotional expertise evoking all kinds of nostalgia and fond reminiscences. There’s additionally one thing to be stated for the precise ambiance, with the fireworks, views of Cinderella Fort, and Electrical Water Pageant. Then there’s the communal power and vibe that sure, in reality, ‘Ohana does imply household, within the immortal knowledge of Lilo & Sew. For all of those causes, we advocate ‘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 listing 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, at the very least you possibly can “take pleasure in” plenty of it? Past that, the ambiance is loud and the decor is dated.
Nevertheless, fantastic character interactions right here will probably redeem Chef Mickey’s within the eyes of many households, and in case your youngsters are choosy eaters, they may identical to the meals. Actually, despite the fact that it’s not pretty much as good of a use of DDP credit (objectively talking), we’re extra inclined to advocate 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 solid of characters. Whereas we agree with them on that, every part 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 lower right here. Dinner can also be subjectively superior–and considerably so. Our overview of breakfast concluded with such a tepid endorsement. The delicacies caliber is the distinction maker–every part else is similar 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 realize 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 now we have when eating right here), we’re reasonably spend the additional cash for the higher dinner. That’s doubly true in case you’re on the Disney Eating Plan, as each meals are 1-credit, making dinner the plain and simple decide–and one that provides distinctive worth for cash.
3. San Angel Inn Restaurante – That is considered one of 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 experience. Principally, it’s the Walt Disney World equal of the enduring 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 popularity amongst many Walt Disney World followers, criticized for its bland and primary delicacies. We expect that’s excessively harsh–however should admit that the ambiance has all the time been distinctive and the meals has been far lower than distinctive. In any case, you actually can’t go improper 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 important 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 package deal isn’t one thing some folks need (with out the package deal, this wouldn’t be on the highest half of the listing), however it does present worth–and we extremely advocate the reimagined Fantasmic.
Not solely that, however Minnie’s Seasonal Dine is a good use of a Disney Eating Plan credit score, regardless, it’s simply the Fantasmic package deal that places it excessive (with out that add-on, it nonetheless makes the listing–however not this excessive). That’s a distinction with the EPCOT live performance or Candlelight Processional eating package deal, all of which require 2-credits and thus are poor values because of this.
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 among the Fantasmic packages and Candlelight Processional packages at EPCOT. However for now, these sill supply nice bang-for-buck.
Then there’s the large one: Minnie’s Seasonal Dine at Hollywood & Vine is definitely fairly underrated. Regardless of being a “primary” buffet with underwhelming theming, the meals is kind of good and the character interactions are top-tier. We’re large followers of the seasonal buffets right here, notably Minnie’s Vacation Dine and Minnie’s Halloween Dine. You can also’t go improper 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 positioned on the second ground of the the Mitsukoshi Division Retailer adjoining to Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya (previously Tokyo Eating).
Teppan Edo has been probably the greatest goal values on the Disney Eating Plan for years, and it claims the #1 spot because 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.
In fact, entrees are the star of the present at Teppan Edo. The varied steaks, combos, and the Hotate have all been menu staples for at the very least the final decade. Accordingly, we doubt these will likely be eliminated, however the portion sizes may lower or sure objects may very well be excluded from the 2025 Disney Eating Plan. Regardless, Teppan Edo is a robust decide that lands a spot within the prime 10 even with out the Hotate!
So there you’ve got it–the highest Desk Service eating places on the Disney Eating Plan in case you’re trying to maximize the worth of your credit. As you possibly can see from the numerous caveats on this listing, we aren’t massive followers of some spots on this listing. Goal value and subjective worth undoubtedly 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 right down to (actually) a few menu objects. All it takes is one high-priced steak or seafood dish; in case you received’t order these, an important 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 primary beers or normal alcoholic drinks. After that, the worth of desserts is the largest issue right here (starting from excessive costs of $7 all the way in which to $14) and whether or not or not the restaurant serves smoothies, shakes, or another form of specialty non-alcoholic drink that’s included on the Eating Plan.
Keep in mind to all the time contemplate whether or not a specific restaurant or dish appeals to you earlier than making your Advance Eating Reservations. Whereas worth maximization could be enjoyable, it shouldn’t be the ‘end-all, be-all’ of your Disney trip planning. Consuming stuff you like is much extra vital!
Hopefully this listing helps you get extra bang in your buck on the Disney Eating Plan. Try 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 Suggestions. In case you are planning a Walt Disney World journey, ensure that to additionally learn our complete Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information to profit from your expertise!
Your Ideas
What ideas do you’ve got for getting probably the most out of the Disney Eating Plan? Any favourite eating places or menu suggestions for benefiting from the Disney Eating Plan? Do you make a degree of maximizing your worth even when benefiting from the Free Eating promotion? When you’ve got 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!
