Ricc,
Thanks for asking your question to planDisney!
Unfortunately, the
Disney Dining Plans are not returning until early January 2024. So, you would not be able to purchase a plan for a trip in October 2023. I wish you could, as I am visiting in October 2023 as well, and would love to have the convenience and savings that these plans provide!
So your question has been answered. But what can you do to save some money in the meantime? Here are some suggestions.
Refillable Mugs: Guests at
Disney Resort hotels, like
Disney's Art of Animation Resort, can purchase a refillable mug that they can use during their stay. It is only good at Disney resort hotel food courts, but you can even use it if you are visiting neighboring hotels, like
Disney's Pop Century Resort. Just go to the
Landscape of Flavors, the restaurant at Art of Animation, and you can buy and use it there. Now with a 1-night stay, this may not save you money, but if you are hitting the pool, it just may. You can use it on both the day you check-in, and the day you check out.
Restaurant Trades: Sometimes we get one restaurant in our heads and assume that is the only place where we will be happy. But you can often get the same experience, cuisine, or character experience at a less expensive alternative. For instance, if you cannot get into
Chef Mickey's, you could go instead to the
Garden Grill Restaurant, meet some of your favorite friends, and save a little money along the way. If you opt to visit your princess friends at
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall instead of
Cinderella's Royal Table, you get all the royal splendor and a typical family of 3 could save almost $40. Please note that prices can vary, and this is just an estimate. Check with the restaurant for accurate prices at the time of your visit.
Please feel free to
write me back directly if you have any follow-up questions.
Have a Magical Vacation!
Doug