Hi Patricia!
Thanks so much for reaching out to planDisney with your question. I’m thrilled to help you plan your magical visit to
Walt Disney World Resort!
It’s definitely better to purchase your tickets online ahead of time rather than at the gate, especially since you're planning to visit next week. Buying tickets online ensures a smoother start to your day, as you can head straight into
Magic Kingdom and
Disney’s Animal Kingdom without needing to wait in line for tickets at the entrance.
As for dining, you do not need to get a dining plan, and you’re welcome to buy food at your leisure while in the parks.
Dining plans are only available when staying at a
Disney Resort hotel, but if you’re not staying on property, there are plenty of delicious options at both quick-service and table-service restaurants. A great tip is to use the mobile ordering feature on the
My Disney Experience app, which allows you to save time and pick up meals from select quick-service locations.
A useful tip for your visit: Arrive early to make the most of your day! At Magic Kingdom, you can enjoy some of the most popular attractions with shorter wait times, and at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, early mornings are perfect for experiencing Kilimanjaro Safaris when many of the animals are most active.
If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to planDisney again. I hope you and your family have an absolutely magical time during your visit!
~Yael