Hello, Samantha. Welcome to planDisney. I see that you are visiting in October, it's one of my favorite times to go. You are going to have a great time!
Samantha, the
Disney Dining Plans are really great, aren't they? It's so nice to have everything paid for ahead of time. My family and I have enjoyed using it many times. Unfortunately, the Disney Dining Plans are not available to add on to your Walt Disney World vacation at this time. This is something that has not yet returned to us since the reopening of Walt Disney World last summer. The good news is that the
Disney Parks Blog did just release information last week saying the Disney Dining Plans will return they just aren't sure as to when it will be just yet. I would say that because of that statement, we won't see it come back this year - of course, this is just my speculation. If it does return before your trip, I am sure you will be able to add it on to your vacation package. If it looks similar to what it did before, you would probably have up to 48 hours prior to your vacation to purchase it.
If you want to budget for food and beverages on your vacation similar to the Disney Dining Plan, I suggest picking up some
Disney Gift Cards to use. I like doing this because it's paid for ahead of time just like if you were to use the Disney Dining Plan. Disney Gift Cards are accepted practically everywhere at Walt Disney World. You can pick up Disney Gift Cards at most retail locations. I like to add one to my grocery cart each week. It doesn't add a lot to my bill each week but I'm always surprised at how much I've saved up in a short amount of time.
Samantha, I have my fingers crossed that you'll be able to enjoy the Disney Dining Plan on your vacation. If you have any other questions, please feel free to stop back by and
ask me. I'm happy to help.
Happy planning!