“Ultimate Dining Plan” Unearthed at Walt Disney World Resort–Here’s What To Know

For decades, Disney vacations have meant something unique to every family—whether it’s a first-time visit filled with character hugs or a return trip to a favorite Deluxe resort. As 2025 unfolds, the conversation around how Disney is shaping the guest experience is as lively as ever.

Disney’s Big Picture: Spending, Earnings, and Strategy

At the start of August, The Walt Disney Company released its fiscal Q3 results, with CEO Bob Iger noting $9 billion in revenue for the Disney Experiences division. This branch of the company includes the theme parks, resorts, cruises, and consumer products.

CNBC reported, “Revenue for Disney’s experiences segment, which includes theme parks, resorts, and cruises as well as consumer products, increased 8% to $9.09 billion. Domestic theme parks revenue was up 10% to $6.4 billion, in particular as there was an increase in spending at theme parks and higher volumes in passenger cruise days and resort stays.”

Chief Financial Officer Hugh Johnston added during the call, “I know there’s a lot of concern about the consumer in the U.S. right now. We don’t see it. Our consumer is doing very, very well.” Disney emphasized that even with fluctuating attendance patterns at Walt Disney World, guest spending has kept profits strong.

Dining Plans: Then, Now, and Possibly Next

One way Disney has influenced vacation habits is through its dining plans. After pausing for several years, Walt Disney World reintroduced dining plans in 2024, bringing back two choices:

• Quick-Service Dining Plan: Two Quick-Service meals, one snack or non-alcoholic drink, one alcoholic/non-alcoholic drink per meal, plus a refillable resort mug.
• Disney Dining Plan: One Quick-Service meal, one Table-Service meal, one snack or non-alcoholic drink, one alcoholic/non-alcoholic drink per meal, plus a refillable resort mug.

Prior to 2020, there were four versions of the dining plan, including the Deluxe Dining Plan. That option allowed three daily meals—Table-Service or Quick-Service—two snacks, and a refillable mug, making it the priciest of the offerings.

Fans have wondered whether the Deluxe Dining Plan could return. In early 2025, Disney’s planDisney forum responded to a guest inquiry by writing, “While I would love to tell you that the Disney Deluxe Dining Plan is returning in 2025, the truth is that we simply don’t know! We were excited when the Disney Dining Plan and the Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan returned in January 2024, and I know many guests would welcome the option of another dining plan.”

Now, a new survey highlighted by WDW Magic shows that Disney may be exploring a revamped dining plan similar to the Deluxe option. The proposed names include the On-the-Go Dining Plan, Essentials Dining Plan, and Ultimate Dining Plan. The last option mirrors much of what the Deluxe once offered: two Table-Service meals, one Quick-Service meal, one snack or drink, and a refillable resort mug.

Deluxe Resorts: Perks and Refurbishments

Deluxe Resort stays in 2025 continue to see new developments. Minnie Van airport transfers have returned, exclusively for Deluxe Resort and Villa guests. These six-passenger rides can be booked through Disney Signature Services up to 60 days in advance at $199 each way before gratuity, offering car seats and accessible options.

Guests at these resorts also enjoy Extended Evening Hours, where select parks—including EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios—stay open late for smaller crowds and shorter waits.

But Deluxe resort stays also come with visible construction. At Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club, the popular Stormalong Bay pool is under renovation through summer 2025, with room and roof updates continuing into 2026–2027. The Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower are in the midst of a project expected to last into 2026, including pool closures in early 2026.

The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is undergoing a lobby transformation featuring stained glass, murals, and a new bar, though this has led to the cancellation of the resort’s famous life-size gingerbread house for the 2025 holidays. Over at Animal Kingdom Lodge, refurbishments will continue through 2026 at Kidani Village and Jambo House, while Wilderness Lodge’s Copper Creek Villas are being updated into late 2027.

Balancing Luxury With Access for All

While many of these offerings highlight premium experiences, Disney has also stressed inclusivity. Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, said in February 2025, “The number-one thing we hear from the millions of guests who visit our parks each year is how much a Disney vacation means to them, and we intentionally offer a wide variety of ticket, hotel, and dining options to welcome as many families as possible, whatever their budget.”

He continued, “We also know that, in inflationary times, it’s especially important to give families ways to save on their visits. We haven’t increased the lowest-priced ticket to Disneyland since 2019, and we recently introduced a kids’ ticket for as little as $50, just to name a couple of examples.”

Still, the debate continues. Guests often spend thousands of dollars on their Disney vacation and may feel pressure to add features like Lightning Lane Multi and Single Passes to maximize their time in the parks. The balance between affordability and luxury remains a key point in Disney’s evolving approach to guest experiences.

What do you think—would a return of the Deluxe Dining Plan make your Disney trip more magical?