Hi there, Kayla! I love seeing a fellow North Carolinian stop by planDisney with a question. I'm excited to know that you'll be visiting Walt Disney World later this year. My family and I always spend Christmas at Walt Disney World and it is such a fun and magical time. The parks are all dressed up for the holidays and it is just so festive.
Kayla, the
Disney Dining Plans have not yet returned to us from when the parks opened up again last year. There are still a number of restaurants that have not yet reopened which is why I think we are not seeing the Disney Dining Plan back yet. However, with each day it seems like Walt Disney World is returning to a world of Magic little by little and we are seeing a lot of things return to their pre-covid state. I've been keeping an eye over on the
Disney Parks Blog for updates about things reopening and returning. If and when an announcement is made regarding the Disney Dining Plan, we will be able to find all of the details over there. If the Disney Dining Plan returns before your trip later this year, I'm most certain you will be able to add it to your vacation package if you'd like. Previously, Guests were able to add the Disney Dining Plan to their trip up to 48 hours prior to their vacation, I'm sure if it returns it will likely be something similar to that.
Until the Disney Dining Plan returns, Kayla, I recommend picking up
Disney Gift Cards periodically between now and your vacation. I like to throw a small dollar amount gift card in my grocery cart each week. Using Disney Gift Cards is similar to the Disney Dining Plan in the sense that the money is already deducted from your bank account and you have to use it for something at Walt Disney World. It sure makes it a lot easier having that splurgy meal knowing I've already paid for it. Then, if the Disney Dining Plan does end up returning before your trip, you can always use the Disney Gift Cards that you've purchased throughout the year to pay for the balance of your vacation. It's a win-win situation and if not you've saved up all year and can go and enjoy your trip
I hope this helps, Kayla. If you have any other questions before your Walt Disney World vacation later this year, please feel free to come back and
ask me. I'm here to help.
Happy planning!