2012 Disney Dining Plan Changes

Each year, Disney adjusts the wildly popular Disney Dining Plan to include different food options and restaurants, and 2012 is no exception. Even if you are familiar with the plan and have used it before, you should review the current offerings to be sure your favorite locations are included.

The Disney Dining Plan allows you to save money on one of the most expensive aspects of your vacation--your meals. By purchasing the plan, you can pay for your meals in advance, and most people ind they save money by paying up front. The plan is also occasionally offered for free, usually as part of the fall vacation season.

Changes for 2012 include:

• New restaurants have been added to the plan. For the first time, the Rainforest Cafe, TRex, the House of Blues and Bistro de Paris have been included. Dining locations at the newest Disney resort, the Art of Animation,  have also been included.
• The Quick Service Dining Plan has been altered--the plan originally included two snacks per person per day, for 2012, the allotment is one snack per person per day.
• The Wine and Dine Plan has been discontinued this year.
• The regular, or Plus Dining Plan now includes a free Disney resort mug per person; the mug entitles you to free beverage refills at your resort during your stay. Beverages include coffee, tea, hot chocolate, soft drinks, milk and juice.
• The Deluxe Dining Plan now has different prices, depending on the time of year, so expect to save money during the value season--and to pay more on holidays and during the busy season.
• Tips are no longer included, so when you dine at a table service location, expect to tip your server out of pocket. This is a 2011 change, but many guests were not aware of it; it is better to know you need to tip in advance than to find out once you get your dining check!