Imagine having the time of your life at a Disney theme park and getting hungry, only to realize that you didn’t bring as much cash as you need – this is the reason why the Disney Dining Plan has always been a favorite of many families visiting Disney World.
Disney’s Dining Plan is a great way to enjoy all of Disney’s delicious food and save money on your vacation on top of the available Disney World Vacation packages. But, it was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. So what happens if you’re planning to use the Dining Plan during your trip this year? Will it come back soon?
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about Disney’s Dining Plan.
What Is the Disney Dining Plan?
Disney’s Dining Plan is a great way to save money and enjoy some of the best food that Walt Disney World has to offer. This plan offers guests a certain number of meals per day, which can be used at virtually any restaurant in the park–these most popular of these meal plans includes one quick-service meal, one table-service meal, one snack or nonalcoholic drink, per night of stay (and one resort refillable drink mug per person). It differs from the cost of a Disney FastPass, now known as the Disney Genie+ and Lightning service.
So, if you’re looking to save money while enjoying some great food, Disney’s Dining Plan is a great option.
When Did the Dining Plan Begin?
Disney’s Dining Plan was introduced in 2005, and was created to meet the growing popularity of vacation packages that included dining options. The plan was designed to offer guests a convenient and affordable way to enjoy meals at Disney World.
The plan offers various breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, as well as snacks and nonalcoholic beverages. Guests can choose from a variety of restaurants, including character dining experiences. The plan is flexible and can be customized to fit each family’s needs–plus, it’s a great way to save money on your Disney vacation.
Why Did It End?
When the parks closed down during the pandemic, Disney suspended the Dining Plan to comply with social distancing guidelines. Dining situations tend to get crowded, so closing this program was one of the actions taken by Disney thanks to decreased restaurant capacity to curb the spread of COVID-19.
The Return of the Disney Dining Plan in 2024
The Disney Dining Plan was always popular for guests staying at select Disney World Resorts – and we finally have official word on the return of the popular offering.
We now know that the Disney Dining Plan will once again be offered for stays that check in on January 9, 2024 or later; you can make those reservations starting May 31, 2023. Both the Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan and the standard Disney Dining Plan will be available. The former Deluxe Dining Plan does not appear to be returning at this time.
Traveling in 2023? You can still enjoy some great food at Disney World even though the dining plan won’t yet be available for your stay. There are plenty of quick-service and table-service restaurants that are still open – Disney Springs offers a variety of dining options, and there are many other favorite Disney restaurants. So, although the Dining Plan won’t return until 2024, you can still enjoy a great meal on your next Disney vacation.
Conclusion
Many visitors have been wondering about the Disney Dining Plan’s availability, as its convenience is top-notch and saves a lot of headaches for families. With so many visitors missing this service, it’s no surprise that Disney decided to bring it back in 2024.
Get free help from a Disney Travel Agent who will do all the hard work for you! The expert Disney travel planners at The Vacationeer can make your Disney vacation reservations now, and then add the Disney Dining Plan for you if it becomes available before you travel. And of course they can help you with any other Disney questions, such as which rides are closed during your trip or how to get the best price on hotels. Get a free, no-obligation quote on your vacation today… their services are provided at no additional cost to you!
