Disney Dining Disney Dining Tips, News, and Reviews
We can’t believe we actually get to say this: THE DINING PLAN IS COMING BACK! This is not a drill. This is the real deal! The Disney Dining Plan was suspended after the pandemic closures and hasn’t returned in more than three years since. This was a highly unpopular decision by Disney because the Dining Plan was incredibly popular with Guests. We truly expected news about the plans to return at D23 in September. When it didn’t happen, we started to worry.
Related: D23 Has Come and Gone So Where Is The Dining Plan?
One of the most common questions we get asked is, “When will the Dining Plan be back?” Believe it or not, but it actually broke our hearts to say, “We don’t know.” We missed it as much as you did. We promised you, though, that as soon as we knew, you’d know. Today is that day.
The Disney Dining Plan will return for stays beginning on January 9, 2024, and you’ll be able to book it starting May 31, 2023. While we had hoped it would return this year, this is still amazing news. You still must be a Disney Resort hotel Guest in order to book, and contrary to popular rumor, there is NOT a ticket type restriction. That means Disney Resort guests can book a dining plan whether they have Park Hopper or Base Tickets.
Related: Do’s and Dont’s of the Dining Plan 2019
When they return, there will only be two options available: the Quick Service Plan and the Regular Dining Plan. These were hands down the two most popular options among Disney Guests before the pandemic. Notably, though, the more expensive Deluxe Dining Plan is not available. Disney likely found demand wasn’t high enough to justify its return. Just before the closure, Disney introduced a brand new Dining Plan: the Dining Plan Plus, which is also not coming back at this time.
Wondering what you get with the Disney Dining Plan? It’s been so long that even seasoned pros probably need a refresher.
Quick Service Plan
Credit: Disney
The Quick Service Plan is perfect for those who have better things to do on vacation than eat. We get it. You’ve got rides to ride and shows to see!
The Quick Service Plan includes*:
- 2 Quick Service meals (including a beverage. Guests 21 and up may select an alcoholic beverage)
- 1 snack or nonalcoholic beverage
- Refillable mug (mugs can only be refilled at Resort hotels and cannot be refilled in the Parks)
*Total amount is based on the number of nights stayed in a Disney Resort
Regular Dining Plan
Credit: Disney
For those that know that food is part of the experience (or who want to take my advice and have a sit-down lunch to cool off midday), there is the Regular Dining Plan. This includes a bit more food and takes more time than the Quick Service Plan, but it is perfect for those who want to sample everything that Disney has to offer.
The Regular Dining Plan includes*:
- 1 Quick Service meal (including a beverage. Guests 21 and up may select an alcoholic beverage)
- 1 Table Service meal (including a beverage. Guests 21 and up may select an alcoholic beverage)
- 1 snack or nonalcoholic beverage
- 1 Refillable mug (mugs can only be refilled at Resort hotels and cannot be refilled in the Parks)
*Total amount is based on the number of nights stayed in a Disney Resort
Credit: Disney
Pricing for the Dining Plan has not been announced. Except for it being higher than it was in 2019/ early 2020, we couldn’t even begin to guess how much higher it will be. Disney’s website promises more information about the Dining Plans will be made available on May 31, 2023, when booking opens. We would venture to guess pricing will be released at the time.
We are so excited about this news. It was long-awaited. Fans have been clamoring for the Dining Plan’s return for three years. We can’t say we blame them. Regardless of whether it saves money or not, it’s nice to have our meals prepaid and not have to worry. We are also very glad Disney didn’t read our April Fools joke and get any bright ideas.
