Tips for expanding Disney dining options

For those not using the Disney Dining Plan, you may want to consider taking a collapsible cooler to the parks. Taking sandwiches for lunch can not only save money, but time as well. While others are standing in line getting fast food lunches, you can be enjoying those attractions that typically have longer lines.
But, even if you are using the Dining Plan this advice may come in handy. You may be able to use snack credits to purchase sandwich materials at your resort’s sundries store. Many guest rooms now have mini-refrigerators, but if yours does not you can rent one for a nominal fee. Using snack credits in this way frees up counter service credits, typically used for lunches in the parks, which can then be used for breakfast; many of the resorts have quick-service restaurants where you can have a light breakfast before heading out to the parks. Another option is to use your available counter service credits for dinner; World Showcase has some great walk-up service options. This is especially useful when you will be using more than one table-service credit for a meal as in the case of dinner shows like the Hoop-De-Doo Musical Revue, or more expensive restaurants like Cinderella’s Royal Table in the Magic Kingdom which will use 2 of your table-service credits per person.

By using snack credits to buy bring-your-own lunch material and counter-service credits for either breakfast or to fill the gap left by using 2 table-service credits for one meal, you can not only expand your options, but make better use of your Dining Plan credits.