Hello and welcome to planDisney, Debbie!
The
Disney Dining Plan is such a fan favorite! I know my family and I have enjoyed using the program on numerous Walt Disney World vacations in the past. It was so nice to have every aspect of a Walt Disney World vacation paid for ahead of time. It really took the sticker shock of mealtime away, which allowed for an even more relaxing vacation.
The number one question on people's minds right now is when it is going to return. Unfortunately, I don't have an updated timeframe to give you, Debbie. A few months ago, the
Disney Parks Blog did announce that the Disney Dining Plan will make a return eventually but they still weren't sure when. That is the latest update we have received. I've been checking the Disney Parks Blog often eagerly awaiting an announcement.
Until the Disney Dining Plan returns, I've been suggesting to people to start picking up
Disney gift cards to use on vacation for food, beverages and snacks. 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. I like to grab my Disney Gift Cards when I am grocery shopping as they can be found at most major retail stores. It doesn't add much to my grocery bill here and there and I am always surprised at how quickly they can add up. Since your trip isn't until next summer, you have plenty of time to slowly start collecting Disney Gift Cards for your trip. I even like to ask friends and family for them for birthday and holiday gifts! If you've started to collect Disney Gift Cards and the Disney Dining Plan comes back before your trip, you can always use them to pay off the remaining balance of your vacation so it really is a win-win!
I'm sorry I don't have more of an update for you at this time. However, be sure to stop back by for another update or to
ask me any of your other planning questions you might have. I'm happy to help. Have fun and happy planning!