Hi, Dawn!
If you want to add or upgrade your
Disney Dining Plan, you will need to do so at least 3 days prior to your
arrival. Remember that
the Dining Plan needs to be a part of a Magic Your Way package that includes your room and theme park tickets. If you purchased your tickets and added them to a "room only" reservation, you cannot add on dining.
To make any changes, have your reservation number handy and call a friendly cast member at (407)939-7639 and they can let you know if the upgrade can be done any additional cost to your vacation. Adding on or changing your dining selection will not have any effect on your dining reservations, so do not worry that those will be altered by your Magic Your Way package upgrades.
With or without the Disney Dining Plan, I suggest you make reservations for your desired table service restaurants. This can be easily done
online or by calling (407)WDW-DINE. Try a variety - maybe a character buffet for breakfast one day, and something international in Epcot for dinner another day. There are so many great options to choose from!
Enjoy your stay and all the wonderful dining in Walt Disney World!
Cathy