Why May 31st Is Such a BIG DEAL for Disney Fans This Year

It’s been a HUGE month for Disney World fans. Park passes are going away (eventually), hotel perks are being extended into next year, and…

Full spread from Columbia Harbour House

…the Disney Dining Plan is (finally!!!) coming back! The day we have all been waiting for is finally coming, and if you ask us, that’s reason enough to celebrate. While it may not be returning until next year, an important Disney Dining Plan date is quickly approaching, and we’re sharing everything you need to know.

The Disney Dining Plan will return to Disney World on January 9th, 2024! Disney shared that the Dining Plan is coming back for those with hotel stays with a start date of January 9th and we could NOT be more excited. And, while that may seem like it’s a long way away, that doesn’t mean you can’t already start planning. Disney shared that Dining Plan bookings will begin on May 31st!

Did you miss the Disney Dining Plan?

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The Quick Service and Standard Disney Dining Plans will be the only options to return for now, and they must be booked as part of a hotel package.

Disney Dining Plans are pre-purchased and added onto a Disney Vacation Package (i.e. you must be staying on a Vacation Package at a Disney owned-and-operated hotel, and have purchased at least one ticket per person), so that all you have to do when you get to Disney World is head to a restaurant on the list, eat, and scan your card.

The Disney Dining Plan comes in handy!

Here’s a look at what Disney says you can expect from the Standard Dining Plan:

Everyone in the travel party will receive 1 Table-Service meal per night, 1 Quick-Service meal per night and a snack/nonalcoholic drink per night of their package stay—along with 1 Resort-refillable drink mug. Meals and snacks can be redeemed at any time during the stay.
For example, if you book a 4-night package with a Disney Dining Plan, each Guest in your party would receive 4 Table-Service meals, 4 Quick-Service meals and 4 snacks or nonalcoholic beverages—which can be used at any time during your 4-night stay.

Full spread at Narcoossee’s upon reopening

And as for the Quick Service Dining Plan:

Everyone in the travel party (ages 3 and up) will receive 2 Quick-Service meals per night, a snack/nonalcoholic drink per night of their package stay – along with 1 Resort-refillable drink mug. Meals and snacks can be redeemed at any time during the stay.
For example, if you book a 4-night package with a Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan, each Guest in your party would receive 8 Quick-Service meals and 4 Snacks or Nonalcoholic Beverages—which can be used at any time during your 4-night stay.

Would you try it?

Not only that, but Annual Passholders will be able to book rooms only and add the Dining Plan, instead of needing to buy the full package with tickets. For DVC Members, Dining Plans can be booked on a points reservation — but Members will need to call the DVC line to do so, as online booking will not be available just yet.

Check out our whole FAQ on the Disney Dining Plan here!

You Could Use the Dining Plan to Essentially Pre-Pay for Your Meals

We’ll be covering the return of the Disney Dining Plan and all of its intricacies! If you’re considering purchasing the Dining Plan on your next vacation, then you may want to check our DFB Guide. Our guide has full chapters on whether the Dining Plan is worth the cost, how to get the most out of the Dining Plan, and recommendations for those using the Dining Plan. It will really help you get the most bang for your buck!