Hey there, Christina! Thanks for stopping by
planDisney with your question.
The
Disney Dining Plan is such a fan favorite and the million-dollar question right now is when will it return to us. Unfortunately, Christina, I'm not privy to behind-the-scenes information like this and I don't have a timeline to give you of when the Disney Dining Plan may become available again. The good news is that it is for sure coming back. A few months ago the Disney Parks Blog did put out an article stating that they know the program is well-loved and it will for sure return.
My personal opinion is that we will see the Disney Dining Plan return around the first of the year. We are returning to a world of magic more and more each day and we've seen several of the Walt Disney World restaurants open back up over the last few months. If the Disney Dining Plan does return before your vacation next year, I am certain you'll be able to add it on to your existing vacation package. If it looks similar to what it did before, you'll probably be able to add it on to your vacation package up to 48 hours prior to your check-in date.
In the meantime, I've been using
Disney Gift Cards to pay for dining during my Walt Disney World vacations. It's similar to the Disney Dining Plan in the sense that it is already paid for ahead of time and has to be used for something at Walt Disney World. You can find Disney Gift Cards at most major retail locations. I like to pick them up while I am grocery shopping. It doesn't add a lot to my bill each week but I am always so amazed at how quickly they add up.
I am sorry I don't have more information for you at this time, Christina. If you have any other questions as you plan your Walt Disney World vacation, please feel free to stop back by and
ask me. I'm here to help.
Have fun and happy planning!