Hi Jacquelyn!
Thanks for stopping by the Disney Parks Moms Panel. It sounds like you are planning a magical trip to Walt Disney World Resort and it's perfect that you will be able to stay with your family during your vacation!
To add a
dining plan to your vacation, you must book a vacation package that includes a Disney Resort hotel reservation. Your dining plan entitlements are then based on your hotel reservation, as you receive one set of dining entitlements per person on your reservation per night of your reservation. So unfortunately, you will not be able to add a dining package to your vacation if you will not be staying at one of the Disney Resort hotels.
Keep in mind that you will be able to begin making your
dining reservations 180 days in advance. So since you traveling in January 2019, your reservation window is opening soon! Keep in mind that reservations are limited, be sure to make them as soon as possible so you can enjoy the restaurants on your "must-do" list!
Please let us know if you have additional questions as you continue planning your vacation! T-T-F-N, ta ta for now!
~Crystal