The Disney Dining Plan continues to increase in popularity for people who are vacationing at the Walt Disney World Resort. Whether you are paying full price for the Dining Plan or you are taking advantage of the current Free Dining Package promotion, you want to maximize the value of what you get. This article will tell you how to do just that.

For those of you not as familiar with the Disney Dining Plan ( DDP ) let’s start with a brief explanation. The basic DDP includes one table service meal ( entrée, dessert, and non-alcoholic beverage), one counter service meal ( one entrée or combo meal, dessert, and non-alcoholic beverage), and one snack ( wide variety of food items available all over Disney World that cost $4.00 or less). The adult (ages 10+ ) cost of the Dining Plan is $39.99 per day. The child (ages 3-9) cost of the plan is $10.99. During the meals you may order anything you want off of the normal menus at the Table Service and Counter Service restaurants, with very few exceptions.

The key to getting your money’s worth is to maximize the value of the restaurants that you visit and the items that you choose to eat. Your choices will determine whether the Dining Plan is a good deal or not.

By choosing the right Table Service Restaurants on your trips, you can pretty much guarantee that you will get a great deal. ( Note: we will only list restaurants that require just 1 dining credit per meal for this ranking.)

Without further ado:

Only WDWorld’s Top 7 Disney Dining Plan Table Service Restaurants (in reverse order)

7. Tony’s Town Square – This full menu sit down restaurant that is located within the Magic Kingdom is patterned after the Italian restaurant that you see in the classic animated film Lady and the Tramp. If you are lucky, you may be able to watch part of the Spectromagic Parade while you eat. It made the list due to its menu choices and location within the Magic Kingdom.

6. Chef Mickey’s – Only 2 buffets make the Top 7 and both include Disney Characters. This family favorite located at the Contemporary Resort ranks especially high on the must do list if you have young children, as Mickey Mouse himself is present along with several of his friends. Not only do you get an above average buffet meal, but you get personal interaction with each of the characters as they make their rounds to each table. Excellent photo opportunities and character meeting time.

5. 1900 Park Fare – This buffet meal includes a visit from Cinderella and Prince Charming. Although this isn’t quite the same as eating in Cinderella’s Castle, the Grand Floridian is a gorgeous resort and eating here gives you an excuse to check it out. The buffet is better than average, but the real reason to come here is to see and meet Cinderella.

4. Tutto Italia – This Italian restaurant located within the World Showcase of Epcot has wonderful homemade pastas and entrée selections. It is very pricey if you are not on the Dining Plan. While on the Dining Plan you are able to ignore the menu prices and eat whatever you wish to try. This allows you to relax and truly enjoy the meal.

3. Coral Reef – A unique restaurant situated in the Living Seas Pavilion in Epcot. An entire wall of the restaurant is glass and allows you to see into the main tank of the Living Seas. The feeling is upscale and the menu includes steak and seafood choices. Again forget the prices and eat whatever you are in the mood to try. Excellent dessert choices top off this must do dining experience.

2. Les Chefs de France – You feel like you are transported to Paris to enjoy this dining experience within the France portion of Epcot. A varied menu gives you many choices including: Beef, Seafood, Chicken, Lamb, Duck, and Vegetarian dishes. This restaurant suits families or romantic meals for two. Another wonderful meal will be had if you choose to eat here.

1. Le Cellier – Within the Canada section of Epcot you will find the crown jewel of theme park restaurants. This cozy restaurant will not disappoint. Its specialties include steaks, but you could also get plank grilled salmon or one of several other entrees. The desserts are also something to look forward to. Unfortunately the secret is out and reservations are hard to come by. You definitely need to make reservations well ahead of time if you want to eat here. This is my family’s favorite and I highly recommend it.

Get the most out of the Dining Plan
Utilize these Only WDWorld Top 7 restaurants to help you get the most out of your Dining Plan Experience.

If you need tips on choosing counter service restaurants: Disney Dining Plan – Maximizing Counter Service Credits

For Dining Plan Snack tips: Disney Dining Dilemma – Maximizing the Snack Credits

Get the most out of the Dining Plan, but also use it to take some of the stress out of dining at Disney World by allowing you to ignore the menu prices and let your family eat whatever they want!