7 Popular Restaurants Where You CAN’T Use the Disney World Dining Plan

Now that the Disney Dining Plan has returned, we’re in full-force dining mode!

Oh, who are we kidding? We’ve always kept up with the latest and greatest snacks, meals, and beverages in and around Disney World. Regardless, we are happy to see this dining option return as it can be quite useful for those who think Disney food is an attraction (it’s us, we think that). As great as the Disney Dining Plan can be, several popular locations in Disney World do not accept the credits. We want you to be aware of these dining spots before you get there!

The new Dining Plan has two options that you can choose from — the Quick-Service Dining Plan or the Standard Dining Plan. There are some differences in credits between the two such as getting either two quick-service credits per day or getting one quick-service credit and one table-service credit. The Standard Dining Plan costs a bit more than the Quick-Service Dining Plan, too. 

Regardless of which option you choose, the following eight restaurants will not let you use either of them. And be sure to check out our video below to help you decide if purchasing the Dining Plan is right for your trip!

California Grill

California Grill is located in Disney’s Contemporary Resort at the top level of the hotel. It includes an amazing view of Magic Kingdom and some delicious food. You can get California-style dishes and sushi on the 15th floor, and it makes for an awesome spot to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks.

We definitely recommend trying this restaurant out (even if just to see the nighttime show from this view), but you won’t be able to use a Dining Plan credit here. The price of this spot is, in Disney terms, $$$$ for dinner; it’s a prix fixe meal that costs $89 for adults and $39 for kids.

Space 220

Space 220 is an out-of-this-world experience in EPCOT! You can eat high above the Earth and enjoy delicious foods.

This is a fun, unique dining experience. We don’t know of too many other places that will take you in an elevator out of the Earth’s atmosphere to dine amongst the stars — but that’s (almost) exactly what you do here! Disney magic at its finest. However, just like the other places on this list, you’ll have to pay for the experience out of pocket.

Summer House on the Lake

Summer House on the Lake is the other new restaurant in Disney Springs. It’s a very open-airy restaurant that really makes you believe you are at a lakeside home enjoying some good cooking.

Being right on the lake at Disney Springs makes it easy to imagine you’re at a beautiful lake house. We have really enjoyed this new spot’s meals and the cookie bar they offer is pretty cool, too (if you love cookies as much as we do)! So you might love trying this new location out, but remember you won’t be able to use your Dining Plan.

Wine Bar George

Wine Bar George is an award-winning wine bar that also offers a fine dining experience. You’ll find a long wine list and small plate offerings here, along with a small dinner menu.

This location is also in Disney Springs and it’s fantastic. We have really enjoyed our visits to this wine bar. However, don’t forget to bring your wallet, because you’ll have to pay out of pocket for this experience.

STK

Another Disney Springs restaurant on this list is STK, a popular steakhouse. This restaurant is hard to miss as it is a very large restaurant at 14,000 square feet and two stories.

You’ll find a modern twist on a traditional American steakhouse here. If you’re looking for a delicious steak that you can sink your teeth into, this might be the place for you. However, you will not be able to use your Dining Plan here.

Wolfgang Puck

Wolfgang Puck offers a new, fresh take on California dining. You’ll find Mediterranean-inspired meals here and modern twists on traditional comfort food.

The restaurant is named for its creator Chef Wolfgang Puck, and you will generally need dining reservations to indulge here. They also offer a walk-up gelato bar window! But remember that none of the delicious food can be paid for with the Dining Plan.

La Cava del Tequila

Last on our list is La Cava del Tequila. We know this is not “technically” a restaurant. However, it is a very popular location and since you can purchase some alcoholic drinks with the Dining Plan, we thought it was good to mention here.

La Cava del Tequila is located inside the Mexico pavilion in EPCOT. You can try all kinds of tequila here (seriously, it’s a huge variety)! But if you want to stop in to try the latest tequila flavor or tequila cocktail, make sure you have your wallet on ya.

There are over 400 dining locations in Disney World. A LOT of them do accept the Dining Plan, but there are a few that do not. Before you make your dining reservations, be sure to double-check if the spot you’re looking at accepts it. You can check out Disney’s website, your Disney World app, or visit our Dining Plan page (because we keep track of all that info).

As you plan your next Disney World trip, check back to AllEars for more tips and tricks!

We Wasted $508 on the Disney World Dining Plan. Don’t Make the Same Mistakes.

What is your favorite Disney World restaurant? Let us know in the comments!

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