Hello and welcome to planDisney, Jan. I'm so glad you've stopped by to chat about Disney dining.
The
Disney Dining Plan is such a fan favorite, Jan. I know my family and I have used it countless times in the past and have always enjoyed the program. It was so nice to have every aspect of a vacation paid for ahead of time, it really took the pressure off.
At this time, Jan, the Disney Dining Plan remains temporarily suspended. We do, in fact, know that the program will eventually return to us, we just don't have an updated timeframe yet. If the Disney Dining Plan is rereleased before your vacation in April, I am certain you'll be able to add it on to your existing vacation package. Previously, Guests had up to 48 hours prior to their check-in day to do this and I am fairly sure it will look similar in the future. Be sure to keep an eye over on the
Disney Parks Blog for any announcements made about the Disney Dining Plan. When something is announced, we will be able to find out all of the details over there.
Until then, I've actually been suggesting to people that they start collecting Disney Gift Cards to use for dining during their Walt Disney World vacations.
Disney Gift Cards are similar to the Disney Dining Plan in the sense that they are paid for ahead of time and have to be used for something at Disney. I like to pick up Disney Gift Cards when I grocery shop. It doesn't add a lot to my bill but I am always so amazed at how quickly they add up. If you start saving up now, you'll have quite a bit put back that you can use towards dining in the springs. If the Disney Dining Plan comes back before your trip, you can always use those Disney Gift Cards towards the balance of your vacation. It really is a win-win!
I hope this helps, Jan. If you have any other questions while you are planning your Walt Disney World vacation, please feel free to stop back by and
ask me. I'd really love to help. Have fun and enjoy!