Trying to truly maximize every dollar on the Disney Dining Plan can be a challenge, especially when it comes to snack credits.
Unlike table service and quick service DDP credits which can be easily maximized, snack credits require a little more work and research.
When you look at the average value of one Table Service credit, which values at $60, you can easily find a restaurant that’s a lot more expensive than your credit value.
Snack credits, however, are a little more tricky.
Most Disney Dining Plan snack credits are valued at around $7.
Unfortunately, many of the snacks you can find at Disney World are in the $5 to $6 range. So it may sometimes feel like you’re losing money on that part.
Thankfully there are a few ways to truly maximize every dollar.
But before we go there, let me warn you of a few things you should never spend your credits on.
Never Spend Snack Credits On These…
Although sometimes it may be tempting, there are a few things I recommend you never spend your DDP snack credits on. Here they are:
1. Water
You should NEVER spend your snack credits on water. Maybe it’s just me but it seems like a waste of money to be honest. You’re better off bringing a refillable water bottle and filling up at a nearby water fountain. Or better, you can request a cup of free iced water, among other things, at all quick service restaurant locations. One thing that I like about this option is that they’ll give you a straw and lid for your iced water cup which makes it a lot more portable.
The only exception for using a snack credit would be if you’re buying a Smart Water ($4). Other than that, you should pass.
Now the only downside to this alternative is just the taste of Florida water, but it’s really not that bad.
2. Sodas
Soda and bottled iced teas will cost you between $2.99-$3.29 which I don’t believe is quite expensive enough to use a snack credit on. I wouldn’t spend any credits on it.
If you really want soda while at the park, especially if you’re at Epcot, you should definitely check out Club Cool which is where you can sample (all you can drink) Coca Cola products form all over the world for free. Yes, FREE.
3. Hot Tea, Nestle Hot Cocoa or Coffee
These drinks are around $4 to $6 which is definitely not worth a snack credit. You’re essentially leaving $2-$3 on the table. It’s better to just pay out of pocket. You’ll actually save money this way.
4. Apple or Orange Juice
Just like the coffee, hot teas, water and soda, apple juice and orange juice are a little too cheap for a snack credit. But to extend an olive branch, orange juice is $3.79 so it might be justifiable to be used as a snack credit. I’m still more about getting something to eat when it comes to spending snack credits, but that’s just me.
5. Any snacks or treats under $5
There are a few snacks out there that are pretty good but they are also really cheap. The Norwegian School Bread from Kringla Bakeri, although it’s not my favorite (I actually hate it), is really cheap. Many people seem to like it so it’s still a pretty popular option.
But this is only one example of snacks that are under $5. There are a few more out there but in all honesty, you’re better off paying out of pocket.
Always Remember To…
Make sure that you try to get as close to $7 as possible. Or at least make sure your snack is at least over $5 at the minimum. This way you are truly maximizing every dollar and credit spent on the Disney Dining Plan.
Yeah saving $2-$3 by paying out of pocket may seem ridiculous, but you may be surprised how much that adds up, especially if you have a large group or family.
A group of 5 with 5 snack credits each and which should equate to $35 each or $175, but if you are only spending $5 everyday, you’re losing out on around $10 per person. That’s like every person in your group throwing 2 Dole Whips in the trash.
Think about it!
How to Maximize DDP Snack Credits
Here are the 10 best food types and options you should truly aim to use your DDP credits on. These are typically the more pricey of items but are equally as delicious.
1. Specialty Cupcakes
One of the best uses for your snack credits are the specialty cupcakes. You’ll generally find these at most bakeries or sweet shops as well as some quick service restaurants.
2. Dole Whip Floats or Other Floats
If you ever read any other Disney food blogs or Trip Advisor/Yelp review about the best foods to eat, chances are Dole Whips are at least one of the most popular, most recommended things to get (probably behind ‘Ohana Bread Pudding). Dole Whips are extremely delicious and addicting.
Pineapple vanilla swirl ice cream with pineapple juice. It’s pure perfection.
You can also get these with citrus flavored ice cream as well as candy corn flavored ice cream, which is seasonal (October for Halloween usually.)
You can find Dole Whips at Aloha Isle and Sunshine Tree Terrace at Magic Kingdom and at Pineapple Lanai outside the Polynesian Resort.
And if pineapple isn’t your thing you can also get yourself a root beer or coca cola float at many of the locations throughout Disney Parks.
3. Pastries from Les Halles Boulangerie
Have you ever had something so amazing that you literally can’t stop thinking about it? Like seriously, you feel like an addict because you want that thing to grace your tastebuds yet again? This is something I experience on a daily basis thanks to the pastries from Les Halles Boulangerie.
This is quite possible the best bakery in Disney World (well it’s a tie between this and Karamell Kuche, see number 4). The “French Bakery, properly known as Les Halles Boulangerie offers some of the tastiest most unique french pastries and desserts that you will not find anywhere else at Disney World. There’s almost never a bad choice, so feel free to follow your gut and your eyes and try one of their tasty treats.
My personal favorites include the Napoleon and the incredible delicious Fraises.
4. Treats from Karamell Kuche
Caramel lovers rejoice, this German bakery at Epcot’s World Showcase, has your name written all over it. From chewy salted caramel brownies and caramel apples to caramel pecan bars and salted caramel apple oatmeal cookies, you’ll never go wrong with spending your DDP snack credits here.
5. Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches
The main difference between these ice cream sandwiches and the ones you’ll find at all the ice cream carts throughout the parks is that these are made right in front of you. This basically means they’ll take two soft, fresh baked cookies and then fill it with the ice cream of your choice.
Or if you’re feeling a little more French, you can get yourself a strawberries and cream macaroon ice cream sandwich which consists of a strawberry macaroon filled with vanilla creme ice cream. You can find this delight at L’Artisan de Glaces at Epcot. And as an added bonus, it’s also gluten free!
6. Cake, Cookie, or Brownie Sundaes
If you are ever at Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom, then you should definitely consider spending one of your snack credits at Storybook Treats. You can get yourself a tasty fudge brownie sundae, chocolate chip cookie sundae, or my personal favorite, strawberry shortcake sundae. But in all honesty, you won’t go wrong with either.
7. LeFou’s Brew or Other Specialty Frozen Drinks
Ever had the butterbeer from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios? If so, then this probably looks quite similar. But don’t let looks fool you, because the taste is 100% different. LeFou’s Brew is a frozen apple drink with marshmallow syrup and a mango passion fruit foam. It’s a nice treat on one of those hot and humid Orlando summer days.
8. Sundaes from Main Street Ice Cream Parlor
Whenever you walk down Main Street U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom, chances are you will smell something sweet and cinnamon-y. That’s all coming from the freshly pressed waffle bowls at the Main Street Ice Cream Parlor.
These are some of the better tasting sundaes that you can find at the parks. It’s not going to be some delicious sundae from Beaches and Cream but it’s a close second.
If you love warm peanut butter, then the All American has your name on it.
9. Pretzels
Pretzels especially if they are cream cheese filled pretzels, Mickey Pretzels, or Norwegian-Style, or Jalapeño Cheese Filled, are some of the best ways to maximize your Disney Dining Plan snack credits. This is mainly because they are around $4.50 and up and they’re quite filling it. They’re great!
10. Food Items During the Food and Wine Festival
And last but certainly not least, one of the best, if not the best way (when it comes to finances and costs) to spend your snack credits is using them at Epcot during the International Food and Wine Festival. Most of of the country stands/kiosk range anywhere from $4 all the way to $9 and they’re all considered snacks on the DDP.
So if you really want to maximize every single dollar, than using snack credits at the Food and Wine Festival is the best option.
I even recommend planning your trip during this time period especially if you’re a big foodie. Plus, crowds are pretty light and the weather is a lot better, especially if you come during the first 2 week of November.
Okay now that we figured out the best types of foods and drinks you should use your DDP snack credits on, let’s move on to some of the best things you should be using your credits on.
Most Expensive and Delicious Disney Snacks
Here are some of the better, more expensive options that are great Disney Dining Plan snack credit uses.
It’s not every single expensive snack credit dessert or drink at Disney World but instead the better tasting, must-eat options.
- Carrots Cake Cookie from Trolley Car Cafe
- Mickey Pretzel from all the parks
- Strawberries and Creme Macaroon Ice Cream Sandwich from L’Artisan de Glaces at Epcot
- Framboise from Les Halles Boulangerie at Epcot
- Napoleon from Les Halles Boulangerie at Epcot
- Tarte Aux Fraises from Les Halles Boulangerie at Epcot
- Caramel Pecan Bar from Karamell Kuche at Epcot ($3.99)
- Seasonal Milkshake from Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner
- Salted Caramel Fudge Brownie from Karamell Kuche at Epcot
- Caramel Filled Chocolate Cookie from Karamell Kuche at Epcot
- Caramel Apple Oatmeal Cookie from Karamell Kuche at Epcot
- Sweet Pretzel with Chocolate from Kringla Bakeri og Kafe
- Berry Cream Puff from Kringla Bakeri og Kafe
- Churritos from La Cantina de San Angel Inn at Epcot
- Beaches and Cream Double Ice Cream Cup or Cone from Beaches and Cream
- Fudge Brownie Sundae from Storybook Treats
- Hot Fudge Cookie Sundae from Storybook Treats
- Strawberry Shortcake from Storybook Treats
- The Plaza Ice Cream Sundae from the Main Street Ice Cream Parlor
- All American Sundae from the Main Street Ice Cream Parlor
- Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich from Sleepy Hollows or the Electric Umbrella at Magic Kingdom
- LeFou’s Brew from Gaston’s Tavern
- Cheshire Cat Tail from Cheshire Cafe
- Dole Whip Float from Aloha Isle or Pineapple Lanai
- Cinnamon Roll from Gaston’s Tavern
- Churros from Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios
- Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar from all the Ice Cream Carts
- Glazed Almonds or Pecans from Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and Magic Kingdom
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That’s It!
Thanks for reading our guide on how to maximize Disney Dining Plan Snack Credits and be sure to check out our listing of the best Disney World Restaurants for more Disney food and restaurant tips and recommendations.
Cheers.