One of the best parts of using the Disney Dining Plan is the snack credit.  For some people the snack credits are throw-aways that aren't given a 2nd thought, but for my family the snack credit may be our favorite part.

The snack credits can be used for so many different tasty treats at Disney World, that my family considers it a challenge each trip to find the tastiest treat that can be redeemed with a snack credit.  In the early days of the Disney Dining Plan it was pretty straight forward that any food item under $4.00 could be had for a snack credit.  Now the $4.00 barrier is not the upper limit, but there are many items under $4.00 that cannnot be obtained with a snack credit.  That is where the treasure hunting comes it.

In a previous post called : Best Disney Dining Plan Snacks, we listed quite a few snacks that could be obtained with the Disney Dining Plan Snack Credits.  Since that time some new snacks have become available and others have been discovered.  Regardless it was time to present more snacks for you to consider prior to your next Disney World trip.  This is especially timely if you are taking advantage of the FREE Dining Promotion that is going on now at the Walt Disney World Resort.

I have just returned from a week at Disney World.  Just prior to my trip I had heard that my favorite Disney World Dining Plan Snack: the Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich at Dino-Bite Snacks in Disney's Animal Kingdom was no longer available for a snack credit.

This was crushing news.  For a person that really looks forward to their Disney World Vacations and the food that they are going to enjoy, it was disheartening to know that my favorite snack could not be obtained with a Dining Plan Snack Credit.

When choosing to add one of the Disney Dining Plans to your Disney World Vacation you want to make sure that you get a good deal.  In order to get a good deal, you need to understand how to maximize the value of all of the credits that you are entitled to.

Disney Dining Plan Snack Credits
Today I will give some helpful hints in maximizing the use of the snack credits. Often the snack credits are overlooked in the list of Disney Dining Plan features, but successful use of the snack credits can make the difference between a getting a “good” deal with the Dining Plan to getting a “great” deal.

When you purchase the Disney Dining Plan each person is entitled to one "snack" per night of your stay.  With the Quick Service Dining Plan each person is entitled to two snacks per night of your stay.
Here are two strategies that can be used to make the most of your snack credits:

Strategy 1 – Minimize Food Expenses
Strategy 1 is pretty straight forward. Any time that you were going to purchase a food item OOP (out of pocket) you would see if you could use a Snack Credit for it (like a bottle of water or Diet Coke). This method allows you to avoid over eating and keep your expenses down by using the prepaid credits instead of spending additional money. With this method you are maximizing the value by reducing the total amount of expenditures for food on your trip.

This strategy also prevents piling up unused snack credits.  By using the snack credits throughout your trip you avoid having to buy unwanted items at the end of your trip just to use up the credits.
This strategy also suggests that you look for breakfast items that you can use snack credits towards instead of paying OOP. All in all this can be a very effective use of the snack credits and reduce your total food expense.

Strategy 2 – Maximize Snack Value
While the first strategy is pretty strait forward and just takes the discipline to buy what you would normally buy, but pay with snack credits where ever possible. The second strategy takes some research and planning to accomplish successfully. Here the idea is to absolutely get the maximum value out of each and every snack credit.

To seek out the maximum value look for items on the menu boards at Quick Service Dining Locations, Snack Carts, Bakeries, General Stores in Resorts, and other places that offer food.  Most single serving food items that cost $4.00 and under can be obtained for one snack credit.  Look for the snack symbol on the menu or ask a Disney World Cast Member if the item can be obtained for a snack credit.
Here are some of my favorite “maximum snack” uses for each of the parks:

Animal Kingdom: Dino Bite Snacks in Dinoland: Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich – these are 6” + diameter fresh baked cookies with 3 scoops of ice cream smashed in between. This is my ultimate snack credit item!

Magic Kingdom: Aloha Isle – Adventureland: The Famous Dole Whip or the Dole Whip Float. These are both excellent snacks for a hot day and a favorite use of the snack credit. Auntie Gravity’s – Tomorrowland: Fruit Smoothies with non-fat yogurt. Main Street Bakery – Main Street: Numerous desserts and bakery items.

Epcot: Boulangerie Patisserie – France Pavilion: There are a number of Pastry Items in this French bakery that make wonderful dessert and or breakfast items. You can’t go wrong, just make sure that the item you choose has the snack symbol. Also in France you will find the Crepes des Chefs de France where you can get Chocolate or Strawberry Crepes with your snack credit. On the other side of the World Showcase is the Norwegian Bakery: Kringla Bakeri og café- which also has many great fresh baked items that can be obtained with your snack credits.


Hollywood Studios: KRNR – Near Rock-n-Roller Coaster: A variety of smoothies made with non-fat yogurt can be had here. Starring Rolls Cafe - Amazing baked goods including Cupcakes that are out of this world.

Disney Resorts: you will also find that in the General Store section of each resort gift shop there are a number of items price at $4.00 and under that can be obtained with your snack credits.

Summary:
So whether you choose Strategy 1 or 2 or a combination of both, have fun using your snack credits. By getting the most out of your snack credits, you help guarantee that you will get good value out of your Disney Dining Plan purchase. There is no excuse to have a bunch of them left over at the end of your trip. Go out, use them, and enjoy!

Tucked away amongst the shops in the France Pavilion of Epcot is one of Disney World's best places to get a tasty snack.

The Boulangerie Patisserie is not easy to find, but you will be rewarded for your persistance once you weave your way through the back streets of the France Pavilion to find this Hidden Treasure.

This French bakery has a wonderful selection of treats that will satify any sweet tooth in your family.  Most of the snacks are under $4.00 and can be had for only 1 Disney Dining Plan Snack Credit.
Worth Looking For
The Boulangerie Patisserie is off the main path in Epcot's World Showcase, but it is well worth the effort to find.  This may be one of the best places to spend your Disney Dining Plan Snack Credits.  Even if you are not on the Disney Dining Plan, it is a still a great place to grab a snack or satify that desire for something sweet.  For the true Disney Fan, you can work your way towards the ultimate goal of trying all of the items on their menu (probably not in one sitting), so that you can officially report which one is the best.

For the uninitiated, a Dole Whip is a non-dairy, soft serve, frozen creation that is enjoyed served in a cup or with Pineapple juice as a float (as pictured here).

If you are craving a Dole Whip at Disney World you need to know where to go, because there are no signs or large billboards proclaiming that “Dole Whips are sold here” or “This way to the Dole Whips.”

There are two locations on the Disney World property where you can purchase a Dole Whip.

The Aloha Isle is a small unassuming place nestled near the entrance to Adventureland. The Dole Whip doesn’t even get top billing on the menu board, but it is certainly what people come for.

You can even purchase this snack above all snacks for only 1 Disney Dining Plan Snack credit.

The most dangerous part of the Dole Whip is the effect it has on you when you are home, hundreds or perhaps even thousands of miles from Disney World. This is when the craving hits and you find yourself longing for its pineapple goodness.

For the true fans there is some relief. You are able to now purchase the same dry mix that Disney World (and Disneyland) uses to make your own Dole Whips if you have a home ice cream machine. The company is Unified Enterprises Corp. and they are based in Hawaii. If you visit their website you can order the dry mix and have it shipped to your home. The shipping is not cheap, but some cravings will just not be tamed.

The World Famous Dole Whip
The Dole Whip is arguably the most famous food item sold at the Walt Disney World Resort.  Some may have their personal favorites, but none can argue the fame and renowned status that the Dole Whip garners.  If you don't believe it, try searching on Google for any of your Disney World favorites followed by a search for the Dole Whip.  You will be amazed at the dedication that this non-dairy treat has acquired.
 
At the end of the day, if you haven't tried this famous treat you must!  It is certainly refreshing and tasty, and then you too will know what everyone is raving about.

Anyone who has tried the Disney Dining Plan becomes obsessed with snacks.







The absolute best Disney Dining Plan Snack Credit Item, according to Only WDWorld, comes from this unassuming little retro diner styled building in the Dinoland Section of the Animal Kingdom. It is called Dino-Bite Snacks.

Dino-Bite is home to the most incredible Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich that you have ever tasted. They start with your choice of fresh baked cookie type. Chocolate Chip and Sugar cookies are among our favorites. These are large (check out the picture), 6" or so diameter cookies. Then they add the 3 scoops of ice cream and complete the sandwich with another cookie.

















The result is one wonderful snack that can certainly spoil your dinner.

Even if you are not on the Disney Dining plan this is a wonderful treat to try.

The next time you are in Disney World's Animal Kingdom and find yourself in Dinoland. Make your way over to the metal lined building with the Dino-Bite Snack sign and order one of these treats for yourself.

Enjoy!