There have been so many changes in Disney World over the past few years and it can be a LOT to keep up with!

That’s why we’re here — to keep you up-to-date on all of the latest changes for your next Disney World vacation and give you tips and tricks to handle the changes. Although many things have returned to “normal” like character dining, entertainment in the parks, removing mask requirements, and more, there is still one MAJOR thing missing from Disney World — the Disney Dining Plan. And that’s what we’re exploring today! We’re breaking down everything we know about the Dining Plan and seeing if it will return in 2023.

IMPORTANT UPDATE:  In May 2023, Disney confirmed that the Disney Dining Plan WILL RETURN on JANUARY 9, 2024! Bookings will start on May 31, 2023. 

NEWS: The Disney Dining Plan WILL RETURN to Disney World for bookings starting on January 9th, 2024! Read all the details HERE!!

The Disney Dining Plan was suspended in Disney World following the closures due to the global pandemic in March of 2020. When the parks reopened later that year, the Dining Plan did not return and it has been missing ever since!

What Is the Disney Dining Plan?

First of all, let’s break down what the Disney Dining Plan is! The Disney Dining Plan, also known as DDP in Disney slang, is a pre-purchased dining package that you can add to a Disney Vacation Package. You have to be staying at a Disney-owned hotel and have park tickets in order to qualify for the plan.

There are several different types of the Disney Dining Plan that you can choose from to fit your group’s needs. The plans offer a set amount of counter-service and table-service meals and a set number of snack credits. Essentially you are paying for your food before your trip — when you use your Dining Plan credit at a location, you get those points deducted instead of paying money out of pocket.

The Disney Dining Plan is a fan-favorite for several reasons, but the ability to pay ahead is a major factor. You don’t have to think about the cost of many of your meals because it is already taken care of and it makes for a more relaxing trip in that regard. We did a poll and 62% of our readers said they would buy the Disney Dining Plan when it comes back.

On the other hand, the Dining Plan comes at a cost, and some Disney World guests feel like they are not getting their money’s worth or they are too restricted on what and where they can eat. It all depends on your group’s eating habits and if you want to have the ease of prepaying for food.

What Has Disney Said?

Unfortunately Disney has been pretty quiet when it comes to the Disney Dining Plan. However, in 2021 Disney did say that the DDP would return…they just didn’t say WHEN.

When talking about the DDP back in 2021, Disney said “While we’re not quite ready to share an update on timing, we are planning to bring this guest-favorite option back at a later date.”

So we know the plans are returning, but if it’s anything like other services that have returned to the parks (we’re looking at you, Genie+), it’s probably going to look a bit different.

What Could the Disney Dining Plan Look Like?

That brings us to our next question — what could the Disney Dining Plan look like when it returns? Well, since Disney has not released any information about its return, it is hard to tell. BUT we can look at the different options that Disney offered before the park closures!

There were four options for Dining Plan Packages, including the Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan, the Disney Dining Plan, the Disney Dining Plan – PLUS, and the Disney Deluxe Dining Plan. All of the dining plans also came with a refillable resort mug for soda or hot drinks at the resort where guests were staying! Here’s a full break down of each of them:

In 2020, the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan included two quick service meals and two snacks per day for each person. It cost $55 per adult each day and $26 per child (ages 3-9) each day.

In 2020, the Disney Standard Dining Plan included one quick-service meal and one table-service meal plus two snacks per person each day. It cost $78 per adult each day and $38.50 per child each day.

In 2020, the Disney Dining Plan PLUS included two meals (any combination of quick- or table-service meals) and two snacks or non-alcoholic drinks per person each day. It cost $95 per adult each day and $35 per child each day.

And lastly in 2020, the Disney Deluxe Dining Plan included three meals with any combination of quick- or table-service and two snacks or non-alcoholic drinks per person each day. It cost $119 per adult each day and $47.50 per child each day.

One thing we do expect to change about the Disney Dining Plan is the cost. The price of each plan will likely increase based on all of the price increases we’ve seen around the park including hundreds of food items at restaurants, private photo sessions, water and soda, building droids and lightsabers, and Genie+. Disney is more expensive now than it was in 2020 and we don’t think the Disney Dining Plan will be any exception.

Why the Disney Dining Plan Could Return in 2023

The last we heard from Disney about the Dining Plan was in 2021…so why hasn’t it returned yet? Sometimes Disney makes announcements about something and that thing will return within the year. While this isn’t always the case, the Dining Plan does seem like something Disney could bring back sooner than later.

All of the menus around Disney World and even the menus at new restaurants that have opened since 2020 have the DDP symbol next to certain menu items.

Also, almost all of Disney World is back to “normal” now. There are only a few closed restaurants left, but almost all of the hotels, entertainment, characters, dining, and perks have returned. This is one of the biggest steps Disney is missing to return to pre-pandemic operations in the parks, so it seems like they should bring it back sooner rather later.

Again, none of this is set in stone, but we really hope to see the Disney Dining Plan come back soon! When the DDP does return, be sure to check back with us at DFB for everything you need to know — we’ll be covering all of the news and changes as well as creating guides to let you know if it’s worth it for you and your group or not!

While we wait for the Disney Dining Plan to return, our BEST tip for sticking with your budget at Disney World will forever be to plan ahead – especially for dining! When you buy our DFB Guide to Dining at Walt Disney World, you’ll get immediate access to our downloadable worksheets for planning your trip, as well as sample one-day dining itineraries! And as a DFB reader, you’re entitled to a discount! Use code WDW2022 for 25% off your purchase.

Stay tuned to DFB — we’ll let you know as soon as the Disney Dining Plan is set to return. If you want that information delivered straight to your inbox, be sure to sign up for our newsletter below!

The Disney Dining Plan and 8 Other BIG Updates Missing From the D23 Expo

Will you use the Disney Dining Plan when it returns? Let us know in the comments!