Welcome to planDisney, Sarai. Let's get your question answered!
At this time, to purchase a
dining plan, you must book a vacation package, which consists of a
Disney Resorts Collection Hotel room reservation
and theme park tickets booked together. If you have already contacted
a friendly Cast Member at the resort and they have told you that you can't add one, I suspect that you don't have an eligible vacation package. You may also want to reach out to the external company you booked with to see if they can guide you based on what type of product you purchased. Please note that if you
are able to add it on, it must be done at least 48 hours prior to your arrival date and cannot be done when you check in. But if it turns out that you aren't eligible for a dining plan, you'll still be able to enjoy
the restaurants at which you have reservations and the many
quick-service locations around the resort!
Sometimes, if I'm trying to keep myself on budget when I'm at the
Walt Disney World Resort, I'll purchase Disney Gift Cards, which you can typically buy at various
merchandise locations when you're there. This way, I have a set amount that I'm comfortable spending and since I can usually request a receipt with the balance at the bottom after each transaction, I can keep track of where I am with my spending. This is especially helpful to me when a festival is going on in
EPCOT as I could rack up a bill
real quick with all the delicious offerings at the festival booths. Speaking of which, the
EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival will begin on August 29, 2024, so you may have a chance to check it out when you're there! Be sure to review
all the offerings at the
Global Marketplaces at this year's festival to plan what you're going to prioritize! Trust me, there are so many wonderful options that you're going to want to make note of your priorities. And even if you don't want to do this ahead of time, look out for a Festival Passport when you arrive at EPCOT to check off (and locate) the items you want the most!
Sarai, enjoy your late summer vacation at the resort, and
reach out again if you have any other questions.
Go the distance,
Matt