Disney World Announces Long-Awaited Return Of Dining Plans

One of the biggest perks of visiting Walt Disney World for families was the Disney Dining Plan.

Disney Dining Plans were one of the most popular add-on perks to Walt Disney World Resort vacation packages; however, due to the ongoing pandemic, Disney paused the Dining Plan.

Luckily, the company just announced the return of the Disney Dining Plan, and Guests are ecstatic!

The Disney Dining Plan allows families to prepay for their sit-down meals, quick service meals, and snacks so they can enjoy their Disney World vacations with less financial stress. With the return, Disney has announced they will offer not one but two dining plan options.

"Disney dining plans will be coming back as an option for those staying at Disney Resort hotels who purchase a vacation package with us starting with stays beginning January 9, 2024, which will also open for bookings on May 31," Disney announced. "We know our guests – and families in particular – have missed dining plans, which offer guests the convenience and peace of mind of prepaying for their meals and snacks."

"Guests can choose from two popular options: Packages that include either the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan or the Disney Dining Plan. Both plans will be a great value for families with young children with access to many spectacular food and beverage offerings across Walt Disney World," their report explained.

Fans did not hesitate to show their excitement for the news. One Twitter user wrote, "So happy! Our family loves the convenience of the dining plan," while another Tweeted, "Thank goodness. The dining plan was a huge lifesaver for my family when we went. Glad it's back!"

A third replied to Disney's Tweet, writing, "Yes!! So glad the dining plans are coming back. Hopefully, the free-dining deal does as well 🖤."

Walt Disney World is home to four theme parks — Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom — as well as two water parks — Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon — and a shopping and dining district, Disney Springs.

If you plan a trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth next year, you can book a package as early as this month. Theme park tickets, Disney Resort hotel stays, and packages will be available beginning May 31.

To enter a theme park at Walt Disney World, Guests must need a valid ticket and a Park Pass reservation. However, as Disney previously announced, this will change for those booking date-based Park tickets: "Starting with park visits on January 9, 2024, theme park reservations will no longer be required for date-based tickets. When getting your ticket, you will select a start date for January 9, 2024, or later, complete your purchase, and then you will be all set!"

For unfamiliar people, date-based tickets are the standard option Disney World offers guests.

All other ticket holders still need a Park Pass reservation to enter a theme park — aside from Annual Passholders if visiting after 2 p.m. Last month, Disney changed its Park Pass system for Annual Passholders as they can now enter a theme park without a Park Pass reservation after 2 p.m. — except on Saturdays and Sundays at Magic Kingdom Park.