The Disney Dining Plan is a great way to save money on your next Walt Disney World vacation. However, in order to get the most value out of your Disney Dining Plan, you have to ensure you use your snack credits on items that are at least $5 in value (or as close to this as possible). There are many items at the parks that are considered a snack credit that are in the $2-$3 range and if you choose to use your credits on these items, you’ll be leaving money on the table. Let’s take a look at 5 items you should never use a snack credit on.
Worst Value Disney Dining Plan Snack Credits
1. Bottled Water
If you take anything away from this blog and my 7 Tips to a Magical Disney Trip series, let it be this: DO NOT waste money (or snack credits) on bottled water at the parks! A bottle of water is $3, a large cup of ice water is FREE! Buy a fun reusable water bottle to bring with you to the park and refill it throughout the day with free ice water. You can ask for free cups of water at any restaurant or cart location with fountain soda machines. Save that snack credit for a fun cupcake or pretzel and enjoy your free water, too!
2. Individual Fresh Fruit
Bananas, apples, and oranges. These pieces of fruit are $2.25 at the parks and count as an entire snack credit. You most definitely will not be getting the most value from your Disney Dining Plan if you choose to use your snack credits here. If you really would like to have some fresh fruit for the parks or your resort, think about ordering grocery delivery!
3. Tea or Coffee
A coffee or tea from a park restaurant or cart would not be a good use of a snack credit. These drinks are typically $2-3 and your credit could definitely be used on a more expensive (and filling!) item. There is one exception though! You are allowed to break this rule if you’re purchasing a specialty drink at Starbucks. Order your favorite drink in the largest size and that most definitely is a great use of your snack credit!
4. Popcorn Bucket Refill
Popcorn bucket refills are $1.50, and while popcorn is a fantastic snack at the parks you’re much better off paying out of pocket for this one and saving the snack credit for something else. Don’t forget to buy your refillable popcorn bucket on the first day of your trip so that you can maximize your refills!
5. Bagged Chips
While bagged chips are $3.25 (kind of pricey for chips, am I right?), they definitely should be avoided as snack credits. You can have chips anywhere! But you can’t have a Mickey Premium Bar at home. If you really want to snack on some chips at the parks, definitely consider grocery delivery to your Disney World resort!
Looking for recommendations for the BEST VALUE snack credits at Disney World? Check out my 10 Favorite Snack Credits at the Magic Kingdom!
Happy Snacking!!
