Many fans rejoiced when it was announced that the Disney Dining Plan would return in 2024. Specifically, the Disney Dining Plan will return to Disney World on January 9th, 2024. If you’re planning a trip to Disney World for next year, this may be IMPORTANT news to consider.
Crystal Palace
Keep in mind that when it returns, the Quick Service and Standard Disney Dining Plans will be the only two options to return (for now). Disney has previously stated that the Dining Plan must be booked as part of a hotel package. But now, an important change has just been announced regarding the Disney Dining Plan.
First, let’s go over a bit of background. The Disney Dining Plan was a pre-purchased service that was added onto a Disney Vacation Package (meaning you had to be staying on a Vacation Package at a Disney-owned-and-operated hotel). Then, once you get to Disney World, all your meals are already paid for, so you simply head to a restaurant on the approved list, enjoy your meal, and scan your card.
Recently, though, the rules seem to have changed. Now, ticketless packages with Dining Plans are available to book for stays at Disney World beginning January 9th, 2024.
As one example, Disney shared that this change will accommodate guests who have booked back-to-back reservations at different Disney Resort Hotels by allowing them to book a room and Dining Plan without having to add tickets to the package, according to information shared with travel agents.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
These special packages will need to be booked over the phone directly with Disney Central.
Port Orleans French Quarter
We will continue to share updates on this major change, so be sure to follow along as we cover the return of the Disney Dining Plan. 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!
Grab the DFB Guide!
We’ve got a comprehensive FAQ about the Disney Dining Plan, and you can check it out here! In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more.
Click here to learn more about the Disney Dining Plan
Need Disney Restaurant Advice? We’ve Got EVERYTHING You Need to Know
The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining!
See Our Complete Disney World Restaurants Guide
The Best Magic Kingdom Restaurants
The Best EPCOT Restaurant Restaurants
The Best Hollywood Studios Restaurants
The Best Animal Kingdom Restaurants
The Best Disney Springs Restaurants
Check Out Dozens of Disney Dining Tips and Tools
Learn All About Tipping at Disney Restaurants
How to Use Mobile Order in Disney World
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney food news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
Will this change help you plan your 2024 vacation? Let us know in the comments!
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
Wow. I wonder if WDW will let guests sailing DCL purchase ticketless dining plan packages for pre and/or post cruise resort stays. We typically do parks pre-cruise and enjoy resort only a couple nights post-cruise. We can dream.
How many nights do you have to stay at WDW to be eligible to purchase the dining plan? It used to be three nights.
How can you book a dining plan if you don’t have park tickets?
Ticketless pkgs have been around for years. Don’t know why your stating this is new. Been booking them for myself 2018
Nothing new, these were also available over the phone pre-covid. You just had to know to ask, once you booked your hotel. It actually gives you better savings because you can get the best hotel deals, best ticket deals, plus add on a dining package if you like.