Hi, Suzanne. Thanks for stopping by planDisney with your question.
You are absolutely going to love staying at
Disney's Contemporary Resort, it is such a fun location plus some of my very favorite spots to get food and drinks can be found there. If you haven't dined at
California Grill before make sure you add it to your must-do list. The restaurant boasts the most stunning views of Seven Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom Park. Plus, the food is out of this world delicious. If you aren't able to snag an advanced dining reservation here, no worries. They actually have a bar and lounge area that serves the same food and beverages but is walk-up only. This has come in handy many times for me since California Grill can be a pretty popular spot. Don't overlook the quick service dining location here either. The Contempo Cafe actually serves up one of my favorite sandwiches (the hot turkey sandwich with roasted turkey, bacon, arugula, white cheddar with a cranberry aioli) in all of Walt Disney World. It's so nice to stop over there and grab a bite to eat after a long day at Magic Kingdom Park. You are in for a treat staying there!
Suzanne, I have not received any word as to when or if the
Disney Dining Plan may return. My guess is that it still won't be for quite some time as several dining locations at Walt Disney World still remain closed. However, if the Disney Dining Plan returns before your Walt Disney World vacation next year, I am certain you will be able to call and add it on to your reservation. When the Disney Dining Plan was still around, before the shutdown, Guests could call up to 48 hours prior to their vacation to add it on. I'm sure if it does return, the policy will be similar to that. I've been keeping a close eye over on the
Disney Parks Blog for more details and updates about things returning to Walt Disney World. When an announcement about the Disney Dining Plan is made, that's where we will be able to find all of the information.
If the Disney Dining Plan does not make a return before your trip, I actually suggest picking up some Disney Gift Cards when you are out and about between now and your trip. I like to add one to my shopping cart each week that I get groceries. Disney Gift Cards are similar to the Disney Dining Plan in the sense that the money is already taken out of your bank account and has to be used for something at Walt Disney World. Saving up Disney Gift Cards makes it easier to purchase splurgy snacks, beverages and meals because it is essentially prepaid just like the Disney Dining Plan.
I hope this helps, Suzanne. If you have any other questions while you are planning your vacation, come back and
ask me. I'm happy to help. Enjoy!