Hi Allison!
Welcome to planDisney! One of the best things about a Disney vacation is the FOOD! There is something for everyone from sweet treats like a
Dole Whip or a Mickey Premium Bar, to amazing sushi at
Kona Cafe, to fine dining at
California Grill. I love it all and I’ve been known to plan my day around a particular snack.
At this point, Disney has not given a date that the
Disney Dining Plan will be available. But we did hear through the
Disney Parks Blog recently that despite speculation to the opposite, that the Disney Dining Plan will indeed be returning at some point! You can book a trip now, and if the Disney Dining Plan becomes available in time for your trip, it can be added later.
I do have an alternate idea for you. Utilize the money you would spend on the Disney Dining Plan to purchase
Disney Gift Cards. You can purchase them online, or at many local retailers and warehouse-type stores. One of my best tricks is to purchase Disney Gift Cards at Target with my Target Red Card and get 5% off! You can also sometimes find discounts on gift cards around the holidays and especially on Black Friday. On the Disney Gift Card Website, you can transfer balances from one card to another, allowing you to move those smaller cards to one single card with a balance of up to $1,000. Then bring those cards with you to pay for your meals and snacks. This would give you that same, pre-paid aspect that many Guests like with the Disney Dining Plan.
I hope maybe the Disney Gift Card idea might work for you. If they do bring back the Disney Dining Plan in time for your trip, you can still use those Disney Gift Cards to pay for the Disney Dining Plan. I also recommend you stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for all the latest reopening information. When the Disney Dining Plan returns, this is where it will first be announced.
Have a Magical Day!
- Kate