Woman in wheelchair shopping with friends; Disney Springs
  • On Jun 28, 2025
    Kala from MN 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 we buy a meal plan if we’re not staying in a Disney resort? If we buy tickets now and they go on sale later will Disney price adjust?

    Welcome to planDisney, Kala! I'm so glad to be able to answer your question today. It's such a good idea to start thinking about how exactly you want to plan your Disney vacation for next spring, so let's break it all down together!

    First things first: the Disney Dining Plan is a magical way to add ease and convenience to your visit, but it's only available as part of a vacation package for guests staying at a Disney Resort Hotel. That means if you're staying off-property and purchasing park tickets separately, the Dining Plan unfortunately won't be an option. It's one of the perks that's exclusively tied to staying in the magic at a Disney Resort!

    Now, about those tickets, once theme park tickets are purchased separately, they are non-refundable and non-transferable, so price adjustments will not be offered. If a special offer or discount comes along after you've already bought your tickets on your own, you won't be able to apply it to previously purchased tickets.

    But here's the good news: if you book a vacation package that includes your hotel and theme park tickets (and even the Dining Plan if you want), you'll have a lot more flexibility. When new promotions or discounts are announced, you can usually modify your existing vacation package to take advantage of those deals, as long as your trip is eligible and there's availability. It's a great way to lock in your plans now, but still keep an eye out for savings later.

    So if you're still deciding where to stay, it might be worth exploring some of the Disney Resort Hotel options! Not only does it give you access to the Dining Plan, but you also get early theme park entry, complimentary resort transportation, and that full immersive Disney magic 24/7. Let me know if you need help picking a resort or building your dream vacation package. Planning can be almost as fun as the trip itself!

    Have a magical day, Kala!

    Jessica
thumbnail image for Jessica

Meet the Panelist: Jessica, Texas

I'm a data scientist and lifelong Disney enthusiast who’s been visiting Walt Disney World Resort since I was a baby. My Disney travel style combines stunning lounges and world-class dining with the joy of hidden entertainment gems and my all-time favorite attractions. Whether it’s a foodie-focused couples' getaway or a fabulous girls' trip, I believe the magic starts with planning, and I'm passionate about crafting unforgettable adventures. Learn More About Jessica

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