For many Disney fans, the Disney Dining Plan (DDP) used to be one of the best ways to make a Walt Disney World vacation feel all-inclusive. But as the plan returned in 2024 after a long hiatus, some guests have noticed it feels… different.
Fewer restaurants, higher prices, and missing fan favorites like Space 220 and California Grill have left people asking: Is the Disney Dining Plan getting worse?
Let’s break down what’s changed — and why.
Fewer Dining Plan options
In the past, Disney offered multiple tiers of dining plans: Quick-Service, Standard, Plus, and Deluxe.
As of 2024–2025, only two options remain:
- Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan
- Disney Dining Plan (Standard)
The “Plus” and “Deluxe” tiers have been retired, which means less flexibility for guests who enjoyed higher-end dining or multiple table-service meals per day.
Popular restaurants are missing
One of the biggest disappointments for returning guests is that some of Disney’s most in-demand restaurants are no longer part of the plan.
- Space 220 (Epcot) – This immersive space-themed restaurant has never joined the Dining Plan roster… and according to our review, it’s an experience you shouldn’t miss.
- California Grill (Disney’s Contemporary Resort) – Once a signature two-credit favorite, it’s currently not included in the Dining Plan. Read our California Grill review to get our take on this expensive but unique restaurant.
- Some popular Disney Springs destinations, such as Summer House on the Lake are NOT included on the plan. Read our review of this California-themed eatery, including its delectable cookie bar.
- Other high-end or prix-fixe restaurants have also been excluded, likely due to cost and menu structure.
In short: many of the “special occasion” meals that used to make the plan feel luxurious are no longer accessible through credits.
💡 Tip: Planning is key to maximising your Disney Dining Plan value. Check Disney’s website to see if your favourite dining destinations are still included in the plan. If not, decide whether the Standard plan is worth it, or go with the Quick Service plan and pay out-of-pocket for your table-service meals. For more, see our guide on whether the Disney Dining Plan is worth it, including our take on Quick Service (which we would still recommend) versus Standard.
Signature Dining costs more credits (or isn’t included)
Even for restaurants still on the plan, signature dining experiences often cost two credits per meal, where they once required only one. Character dining and prix-fixe meals, in particular, now demand a bigger slice of your total plan allocation.
That means the “value” of each credit has gone down — especially if you’re trying to maximise savings.
Less flexibility in using credits
Before 2020, guests could sometimes swap credits — for example, trading a Quick Service credit for extra snacks. That flexibility is now mostly gone.
Credits are more rigidly tied to meal types, which makes the plan easier to manage for Disney but less customisable for guests.
Price increases and simplification
Unsurprisingly, prices have risen since the plan’s 2020 suspension. Between higher food costs, staffing challenges, and inflation, Disney has streamlined the system to be more predictable (and more profitable). Simplifying the tiers and limiting included restaurants likely helps Disney manage costs and demand.
Why did Disney make these changes?
Several factors seem to explain the new structure:
- High demand: Popular spots like Space 220 don’t need help filling seats — guests are willing to pay out-of-pocket.
- Prix-fixe menus: Set-price dining doesn’t fit neatly into the credit model.
- Operational costs: Food, labour and supply chain expenses have climbed.
- Optimising revenue: Guests who pay cash for premium meals generate higher margins than those using pre-paid credits.
So… is it worse?
That depends on what you value.
- If you love signature dining and special experiences, then yes — the standard Disney Dining Plan feels like a downgrade.
- If you mostly eat casual table service or quick-service meals, we would still very much recommend the Quick Service Dining Plan. If it is free to book with your holiday (as it is at the moment) then this is an offer you should definitely go for – it can save you thousands on your trip.
Our advice? Don’t pay more for the standard plan, especially if the restaurants you love are no longer covered. Stick with the Quick Service plan and set aside some cash to enjoy those extra table-service treats. For more on the Disney Dining Plan, read our honest experience of using it.
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