Giraffes at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
  • On Mar 4, 2025
    Christi from MO Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Can I book a dining plan later? Or do I need to decide before I book my hotel stay?

    Hello Christi,

    Welcome to planDisney! We're happy you reached out with your Disney World planning question... we love to help with the magical details. How exciting that you've got a summer visit planned, it will be here before you know it! I hope you'll get to take advantage of the splashtastic offer this year, where all Disney Resort guests receive free admission to a Disney Water Park on their check-in day. Woo hoo!

    I adore using the Disney Dining Plan on my family's Disney World vacations. Of course, I'm also the kind of traveler who returns home with numerous food photos on my phone. So this tracks! Let's talk about your booking options, if you decide to go this route.

    You don't need to decide ahead of time, and can absolutely add on a Disney Dining Plan later to your vacation package reservation! I checked with a Cast Member, and this can be added as late as the day before arrival. Note that to purchase a dining plan, you'll need to have a vacation package - which includes both a Disney Resort hotel and theme park tickets.

    In preparation for possibly having table service entitlements from a dining plan you'll want to use during your vacation, I'd recommend making some advance dining reservations. As a guest staying at a Disney Resort, you'll be eligible to make reservations for your entire length of stay (for up to a 10-night stay) starting 60 days in advance of your arrival date. Do so early, to get the best selection! Some of our absolute favorite "dining must-do's" include 'Ohana, an easy monorail ride away from Magic Kingdom at the lovely Polynesian Resort; and Boma - Flavors of Africa, which offers both delicious food as well as the chance to stroll out and view the live animals on the savannah! Both serve amazing food, and are always one of the highlights from our trips.

    I hope this helps, Christi! Have a magical vacation, and please don't hesitate to reach back out to me at planDisney if I can help with any other answers or pixie-dusted tips.

    Adventure is out there!
    Tami


thumbnail image for Tami

Meet the Panelist: Tami, Colorado

Oh boy, I'm so happy you're here! I'm Tami from the beautiful Rocky Mountain state of Colorado, an Information Technology consultant, wife, and mom to two teenagers. My greatest passions include outdoor adventures and planning family vacations at Walt Disney World Resort. I understand how adding some key planning details (we call it pixie-dust!) can contribute to the best possible Disney vacation for your family. I'd love to help you make some magical memories! Learn More About Tami

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