Hi there, Stephanie! Welcome to planDisney!
Your trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth happens to be during my favorite time of year, spooky season! I absolutely love the Walt Disney World Resort in the fall, but especially in the month leading up to Halloween. Walt Disney World is always full of magic, but it is fun to see the magic with a bit of a villainous twist, creating Halloween excitement for all! I can never miss the
Disney After Hours Boo Bash, a special, late-night event at Magic Kingdom Park. You'll see some unusual characters, eat some delectable treats, experience shorter wait times for rides and even get to see my favorite character, Maleficent, in dragon form on one of the Halloween Cavalcades!
Stephanie, you've hit on a hot topic here in asking about the
Disney Dining Plans. The Dining Plans seem to be a Guest favorite and a highly missed experience at Walt Disney World. We're all patiently waiting to hear more information on the Disney Dining Plans, but we do not yet have a date for their return. Keep your eyes on
Disney Parks Blog leading up to your stay to see if there are any changes! We have recently seen the return of a few more restaurants, experiences and even character meet and greets, so I'll keep my ears crossed that the Dining Plans return next!
My fellow panelist, Greg, taught me a great way to help budget for food in the absence of the Disney Dining Plans. Greg shared a tip to purchase a
Disney Gift Card in the amount you'd prefer to spend on food during your trip and use that to pay at restaurants, snack stands and
Mobile Order Dining. You can purchase a gift card ahead of time and choose from a physical gift card or e-gift card. I personally love the keychain gift cards available at
EPCOT during the festivals, as they allow for a convenient way to access the gift card during each purchase!
I know that this may not be the answer you were looking for today, Stephanie, but I'll keep wishing on a star that all your Dining Plan dreams come true before you arrive this fall!
Hakuna Matata,
Ashley