Walt Disney World (WDW) resort guests interested in the 2011 Disney Dining Plan (DDP) can choose from two high-end options, the premium and platinum packages, in addition to Disney’s popular quick service, basic, and deluxe dining plans. Both packages provide full-service dining, Disney Signature restaurants, and preferred seating for special dining experiences.
Author's Note: This article was last updated June 17, 2011.
2011 Magic Your Way Premium Dining (Premium DDP)
For each night, a resort guest choosing the Premium Dining package receives:
- Magic Your Way vacation-package benefits (see below)
- Three meals of any combination of quick-service and full-service dining
- Two snacks
- Dining options includes guest's choice of special dining experiences – dinner shows, character dining, and Signature Restaurants, excluding Victoria & Albert’s
- Private in-room dining at Deluxe and Deluxe Villa resorts
- One resort refillable mug
Additional benefits include vouchers for one preferred seating at Magic Kingdom’s Wishes and Epcot’s Illuminations; admission to Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba; unlimited use of select recreation such as golf, boat rentals, horseback riding, and fishing excursions; admission to theme-park tours. A premium package also provides unlimited access to Disney’s Children’s Activities Centers at a select resort (ages 3 – 12).
Prices for this package are $169 (adults, ages 10 and up) and $119 (children, ages 3 – 9) per night. Children ages 3 and under eat free from an adult plate.
In 2012, the Premium DDP prices increase to $179 for adults and $129 for children.
2011 Magic Your Way Platinum Dining (Platinum DDP)
For each night, a Deluxe or Deluxe Villa resort guest choosing the Platinum Dining package receives a personalized itinerary designed by a planner, as well as:
- Magic Your Way vacation-package benefits (see below)
- Three meals of any combination of quick-service and full-service dining
- Two snacks
- Dining options includes guest's choice of special dining experiences – dinner shows, character dining, and Signature Restaurants, excluding Victoria & Albert’s
- Private in-room dining
- One resort refillable mug
A platinum dining package includes the premium-package benefits; reserved seating at Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, subject to availability; one fireworks cruise; one Richard Petty Ride-Along experience (for guests ages 16 and older); and one spa treatment (age restrictions apply). Also included is one PhotoPass CD per room; unlimited access to Children’s Activities Center at select centers (ages 3 – 12); and in-room babysitting.
Prices for this package are $229 (adults, ages 10 and up) and $160 (children, ages 3 – 9) per night. Children ages 3 and under eat free from an adult plate.
In 2012, the Platinum DDP prices increase to $239 for adults and $170 for children.
Disney’s Grand Gathering Substitutions
Guests who participate in a Grand Gathering, traveling with eight or more people, may exchange exchanging one meal in a premium or platinum package to attend one of the following, subject to availability and restrictions:
- Good Morning Character breakfast
- International Dinner and Illuminations Dessert Reception
- Safari Celebration Dinner
Gratuities are included with these experiences.
Magic Your Way Vacation-Package Benefits
Magic Your Way packages have many variables, including the type and length of admission passes and resorts, that affect price. But 2011 Magic Your Way packages include:
- Disney’s Magical Express Service bus transportation to resorts;
- Admission to Extra Magic Hours;
- One souvenir Disney luggage tag;
- One round of Disney’s miniature golf per person and one arcade game card worth 100 game play points per room;
- One Planet Hollywood $15 discount voucher and keepsake item per room;
- 10% discount on Sammy Duvall’s water sports at Contemporary Resort; and
- 15% discounts on the following: Bass fishing excursions; select boat rentals at participating marina locations; most Niki Bryan body and water services at Grand Floridian Resort & Spa or Saratoga Springs; and participating Children's Activity Centers (restrictions apply).
Disney Dining Plan Additions – 2011 Disney Wine and Dine Plan
Guests selecting Magic Your Way Plus Dining, Deluxe Premium or Platinum DDP packages may add the Wine and Dine Plan, which is purchased for the length of stay. This plan provides one or two entitlements (wine "credits") per night, depending on the selected location, from a designated wine list. Signature Restaurants may require the use of two entitlements. Private In-Room Dining uses two entitlements. Gratuities are not included, and guests must be 21 years or older to participate. Cost is $39.99 per night, per reservation for 2011; 2012 prices have not yet been published.
Guests for whom a Disney Dining Plan is an essential part of a Walt Disney World vacation might consider treating themselves to a premium or platinum-dining plan. Not only do these plans include special dining experiences at Disney Signature restaurants, but offer other benefits to make a Disney vacation truly memorable.
For more information or to make reservations for Disney's full-service and character dining, check Disney's dining website or call 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463).
Debra Peterson - A freelance writer and scholar, Debra Peterson specializes in Disney Studies, with particular interests in Walt Disney World and ...
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