Couple enjoying pretzel at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park; AA; mickey ears
  • On Oct 6, 2025
    Lisa from WI Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    When does the dining plan start? We are arriving on Wednesday at 7:00 and would like to know if we can start to use it that night.

    Boo to you, Lisa! I'm so glad you stopped by planDisney with your question today! It looks like you're just a few days away from your magical visit, so let's jump right into your question so you'll be ready for feasting and fun when you arrive!

    Lisa, when you include a Disney dining plan in your Disney vacation package, all of your meals and snacks will load to your My Disney Experience account for use once you're checked in for your resort stay! This includes if you choose to complete Online Check-In; as long as you're checked in, you're ready to eat!

    One thing to keep in mind, Lisa, about your dining plan meals and snacks is that they will all become available for use at once; you can choose how to redeem them throughout your visit, meaning if you want to use a few extra snacks or meals in a single day, you're more than welcome to do so! As you feast your way through the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival and try out some Halloween snacks, you can track your remaining meals and snacks on the My Disney Experience mobile app or check the bottom of your receipt to see how many are left! Just remember that all of your meals and snacks will expire at midnight on the day you check out, so be sure to use them all before the clock strikes midnight!

    Lisa, as soon as you arrive at your Disney Resort hotel, I also recommend picking up your resort-refillable mug that's included as part of your Disney dining plan! You can refill this mug at any Disney Resort hotel for the length of your stay (up to 14 days!) with soda products, coffee, tea, and any other available beverages in your resort's food court!

    I hope this helps, Lisa! If you have any other questions before your trip, we'd love to see you again real soon here at planDisney! Stop by any time!

    Magic Awaits,
    Alison
thumbnail image for Alison

Meet the Panelist: Alison, Louisiana

I'm Alison - a wife, mom, and teacher from New Orleans, LA. My first childhood visit to the Walt Disney World Resort sparked a lifelong love of this magical place, and I still find magic in both the new and nostalgic on each visit! I understand the changing dynamics of planning a practically perfect vacation; no matter how large your group is or what your interests are, I look forward to helping you create magical memories and discover unique experiences to make them even more enchanting! Learn More About Alison

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