Most families roll up to the gates of Magic Kingdom dreaming of Mickey hugs and Space Mountain thrills.
My family blows right past Snow White on a quest for cheeseburger spring rolls and Dole Whips.
Its all the pixie dust we need.
The refillable resort mugs at Walt Disney World Resort can reap savings after the first drink. Rain Blanken/The Penny Hoarder
There are a few different dining plans: Quick Service, Standard and Deluxe.
Well be looking at the Standard Dining Plan, which includes both counter service and table service meals.
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This will come into play for our strategy later.
In the meantime, lets see how to get the most out of that refillable mug.
For a six-night stay, this mug averages out to a cost of $3.16 per day.
But dont just snag a pop with dinner.
(hey dont drink a sweet tea every two minutes.)
When my husband and I heard of this fantastic tomfoolery, our eyes met and it clicked.
If you pack in your own booze, the rum and Cokes at Disney resorts are close to free.
Thats about $7 per drink saved over visiting the bar, not including the tip.
But drink responsibly, Penny Hoarders.
No one likes a Disney lush.
All-You-Care-To-Eat Restaurants
A buffet sounds like a great way to use a table service credit, right?
But not all buffets at Walt Disney World provide the same value.
Here are a few that are your best bets and book up fast.
I recommend making reservations for these months in advance of your trip.
Dinner at Whispering Canyon Cafe, $51 value:Yee-haw!
Lil cowpokes could be led through a parade and even ride a wooden horse through the restaurant.
Let the princesses come to you.
The meal includes access to a traditional all-you-care-to-eat Norwegian cold bar (unlimited smoked salmon, anyone?
No protocol, parades or waiting here just hit the buffet until you cant.
Grab crab legs by the bucket and eat all the mussels, clams and salmon you might handle.
Since seafood typically comes at a premium, the value here is particularly delicious.
Dont Go Signature.
Unless…
Dinner shows, private dining and some upscale signature restaurants require two table service credits per meal.
One consideration for signature dining and meal credit splurging:Do you have extra credits?
Remember, the dining plan gives a credit for eachnightof your stay.
Allot those extra credits to meal experiences that cost two table service credits.
Be sure to check your receipt after every meal transaction to keep tabs on your credits.
Microwaveable breakfast options can be packed in your luggage or scored via a local delivery service.
you might even use the in-room coffee maker to pipe out hot water for instant oatmeal.
My only exception to this rule is the absolutely magical all-you-can-eat character buffet at the previously mentioned Ohana.
This is a good trade-off to maximize your park ticket price.
Snack category items are labeled as such on the menu and include everything from soup to fries to cheesecake.
This strategy can also increase the value of your credits every time you skip a sugary drink.
For example, its possible to swap a $3.99 soda at Pinocchios Village Haus for $4.99 breadsticks.
Some food and wine festival items have a higher ticket price but are still available as snack credits.
Shoot for anything over $5 to maximize your value.
Look for any snack marked with the Disney Dining Plan snack icon.
So How Much Can You Save?
But you dont have to spend your vacation tallying up the numbers.
I promise youll go home with far too many Mickey-shaped rice crispy treats.
Rain Blanken (@RainLovesDisney) is a senior editor at The Penny Hoarder.
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