Hello and Welcome, Susan. I always love seeing a fellow North Carolinian here at planDisney.
The
Disney Dining Plan is a fan favorite and the million-dollar question right now is when will it be returning. Unfortunately, we don't yet know the set date that it will be available for purchase again. The good news is that last week, the
Disney Parks Blog did announce that it is indeed going to return. I know my family and I have enjoyed using the program on many of our past vacations. It's so nice to have everything paid for ahead of time. It makes it a little bit easier to get that splurgy meal knowing it's been budgeted for in advance. If it does come back before your vacation next year, I am certain you'll be able to add it on to your existing vacation package. If it looks similar to what it did before the shutdown, you'd be able to add it on up to 48 hours prior to your check-in date.
Until the Disney Dining Plan returns, Susan, I suggest picking up
Disney Gift Card between now and your vacation. I like to pick up a small one each time I am at the grocery store and I am always amazed at how quickly they add up. Disney Gift Cards can be used at almost every dining location throughout Walt Disney World. Using Disney Gift Cards is sort of like having the Disney Dining Plan because it is budgeted and paid for ahead of time and has to be used for something at Walt Disney World. Having that money put aside makes it a lot easier to say yes to a fun snack!
Susan, I have a feeling more information will be coming out before the end of the year. Be sure to keep an eye over on the Disney Parks Blog for updated information. If you have any other questions before your trip, please feel free to come back and
ask me. I'm happy to help.
Have a great day!