Hi Courtney,
Welcome to planDisney and thank you for taking the time to send us your great question. It sounds like you have done a fantastic job in planning your visit to Walt Disney World Resort, I am sure you are going to have a magical time!
I am a huge fan of the
Disney Dining Dining Plan and much like you am anxiously waiting to hear that it will be returning. Currently there is no date set for the Disney Dining Plan to return, but after checking with a Cast Member, if the Disney Dining Plan returns guests will be able to add the plan to their existing Walt Disney World Resort Vacation Packages. In the meantime, I recommend checking the
Disney Parks Blog as well as the official
Walt Disney World Resort Website for updates regarding the phased reopening of Walt Disney World Resort.
Since the Disney Dining Plan is currently unavailable, another option would be to purchase
Disney Gift Cards to bring with you and use during your Walt Disney World Resort vacation. I like to use my gift cards for all of our dining, it feels like I have already pre-paid for my meals and carrying one card makes it easier than using cash. You could also use your MagicBand for your dining expenses and then use Disney Gift Cards to pay the balance at your Walt Disney World Resort Hotel.
I hope you have a wonderful time at Walt Disney World Resort this fall, Courtney. Please let us know if you have any other questions as you continue to plan, we are always happy to help.
~Stephanie