Hi Deborah,
Thanks for stopping by the
Disney Parks Moms Panel with your question. I'll be glad to help you out with all your planning needs.
The
Disney Dining Plans are an awesome way to have a worry-free vacation with regards to meal budgets. The cost is simply part of your
Magic Your Way Vacation Package. And when Mickey gives us a
Special Offer like reduced or even free dining, that sure is swell!
Now, a vacation package only requires a $200 deposit, and its balance is due 30 days before Check-In. If a Special Offer becomes available, you would need to contact a vacation planning specialist at (407) 939-1936, or your travel agent, to apply the offer code. If you happen to pay in full before the deadline, you will receive a refund of the difference. Note that changes within 30 days of arrival may result in a change fee. Also, note that depending on the offer, you may need to adjust your dates, or even change Resort hotels. But if a specific plan is offered, you may upgrade it by paying the difference.
One last tip: remember to make advanced dining reservations up to 180 days in advance via the
Walt Disney World Restaurants and Reservations page, or even easier, via the
My Disney Experience mobile app. Happy planning!
Ricardo.