Hi Teress! Welcome to planDisney!
I'm happy to hear about your upcoming plans to visit the
Walt Disney World Resort next year! With new experiences coming to the theme parks, you'll have plenty to plan for on this stay.
Teress, it seems as though you have done your homework on finding the best deal for your upcoming trip. Typically, the cost is similar regardless of whether you combine your
park tickets and
hotel stay or purchase them separately. However, with special discounts and promotions, there are times when you can save a bit by booking your stay a certain way. There are benefits to purchasing your stay as a package, including not having to pay for your tickets in full at the time of purchase. Typically, a deposit is required upon booking, with the remaining balance due 30 days prior to your arrival. You'll have the opportunity to modify or cancel your stay, while park tickets purchased separately are non-refundable.
To add the
Disney Dining Plan, you'll need to book your stay as a vacation package, with your park tickets and resort stay combined. If you have any additional questions or need clarification, you can always
call the Disney Resort Hotel Reservations line and speak to a Cast Member. They will be able to look at your reservations and let you know what your specific options are.
Even if you cannot add the Disney Dining Plan to this stay, there are still great ways to budget for your food purchases. On previous trips, I have purchased Disney Gift Cards for the amount I expected to spend on dining throughout my stay. I have researched the cost of meals at places I planned to eat at, which would give me an approximate amount to budget for. Then, I would use the gift cards for payments and have this cost accounted for in advance.
Teress, I hope this information helps you plan for your stay!
Stop back and see us again at planDisney!
Greg