Hi Scott, and welcome to planDisney!
When the
Disney Dining Plans were available, we invested in this service for many of our own
Walt Disney World Resort vacations. It was convenient and allowed us to plan our meals, knowing we did not have to leave the Disney property to grab a bite to eat. Unfortunately, at this time, Disney Dining Plans are currently unavailable and can not be added to Disney Resort reservations.
To prepare for our upcoming meals, I have researched the cost of the restaurant I would like to visit and put that amount onto a
Disney Gift Card. I do this monthly, depending on my scheduled dining reservations. For example, I want to enjoy a meal at
Boma - Flavors of Africa, located in Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. I look at the menu, and currently, dinner will cost around $60 per adult. I take that amount and multiply it by four and place that amount (plus any tax and gratuity) onto my gift card. I do the same thing each month as we find other restaurants we would like to visit. This is not in any way a "Dining Plan," but it can feel like it is based on your plans. In addition, you don't have to put a specific amount onto the gift card; you can add any desired amount and use just that amount for your meals. I think it is an excellent way to save and prepare for your meals. I hope this helps.
Please return should you have additional questions.
Have a magical time!
Raquel