Hello and welcome to
planDisney, Gretchen. Thanks for stopping by with your question.
Gretchen, the
Disney Dining Plan is such a fan favorite. The million-dollar question right now is when will it be returning. Unfortunately, I don't have an updated timeframe to give you. A few months back the
Disney Parks Blog released an article reassuring fans that they've heard the outcry of love and support and reassuring us it will eventually return. That's really the last update that we've had about it.
I do think the Disney Dining Plan will return soon. My best guess is that it will return after the start of the new year. I've noticed more and more Walt Disney World restaurants reopening and that's such a good sign. I've been keeping my eyes out over on the Disney Parks Blog because I feel like an announcement has to be right around the corner.
Until then, Gretchen, another way to budget for food and beverages before your Walt Disney World vacation is to purchase
Disney Gift Cards between now and your trip. I like to pick up one here and there when I am grocery shopping. It doesn't add a lot to my bill and I am always surprised at how quickly they can add up. Using a Disney Gift Card is similar because it's paid for ahead of time and has to be used for something at Walt Disney World. If the Disney Dining Plan does return before your trip, you can always use those Disney Gift Cards to pay off the balance of your trip. It's a win-win!
I hope this helps, Gretchen. If you have any other questions while you are planning your vacation to the Most Magical Place on Earth please feel free to stop back by and
ask me. I'm happy to help!
Have fun and happy planning!