Will Disney World have meal plans in 2023?

Bringing back our fan-favorite Disney dining plans: Time to eat! Disney dining plans will be coming back as an option for those staying at Disney Resort hotels who purchase a vacation package with us starting with stays beginning Jan. 9, 2024, which will also open for bookings on May 31.



Yes, after a long hiatus during the pandemic era, the Disney Dining Plan officially returned to Walt Disney World in late 2023, and it remains a core feature of the resort's vacation packages in 2026. In 2023, the return was highly anticipated by fans who missed the convenience of "pre-paying" for their food. Two versions were re-introduced: the Quick-Service Dining Plan, which is perfect for families on the go, and the Standard Disney Dining Plan, which includes one sit-down "table service" meal per day. In 2026, these plans have evolved slightly, with digital tracking via the My Disney Experience app and the inclusion of an alcoholic or specialty non-alcoholic beverage with each meal for guests of age. Disney also frequently runs "Free Dining" promotions in 2026 for specific travel windows, which can provide massive value if you are staying at a Disney Resort hotel. While the math of the dining plan doesn't always save every guest money, the "all-inclusive" feel it provides is a major draw for those who want to budget their vacation expenses well in advance of their arrival.

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Theme park reservations are required to enter a theme park through January 8, 2024. Beginning January 9, 2024, theme park reservations will no longer be required for date-based tickets. For other admission types, theme park reservations may be required. Learn more about theme park reservations.

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For 2024, the per night price of the standard or regular Disney Dining Plan is $94.28 per adult and $29.69 per child.

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You must book tickets as part of your vacation package to qualify for Free Dining. In the past, Disney has required 2 and, most recently, a 4-day minimum ticket and a 4-night minimum stay at a Disney World resort. Every Free Dining promotion is a little different, so be sure to check the details before you book.

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Back in 2023, Disney announced during Star Wars Celebration that there would be more stories and characters and all new adventures coming to Star Tours in 2024. And now we know at least one of those new stories and characters will be Ahsoka, as seen in the new Disney+ series bearing the same name.

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Cheapest Time of the Year at Disney World in 2023 As a rule, January, February, August, and September are the cheapest seasons, as long as you avoid any holidays in those months. November and December are also good, though the discounts are not quite as deep.

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Booked our 2024 Early Booker Package? No problem! You can still purchase a dining plan and add to your booking, and use your Dining & Merchandise credit to boost it. Check out our helpful guide about how to make the most of your Dining & Merchandise Credit with our dining plans.

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You now can only park hop AFTER 2PM. So you'll have to wait until well after lunchtime if you're planning on visiting another park. However, this rule is different for Annual Passholders.

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The worst times to visit Disney World in 2023 are: March 17 – April 16 (Spring Break & Easter) May 26 – August 13. November 17-26 (Avoid Thanksgiving Week) December 15 -31 (Avoid Christmas and New Year's Weeks)

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For holidays that include Disney World accommodation, the full balance is required 8 weeks before departure. However, if travel is within 8 weeks of making your booking, payment is required in full when you book the holiday.

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No. You cannot bring your own alcohol into Magic Kingdom or any of Disney's parks.

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A: Guests are allowed to bring outside food and nonalcoholic beverage items into the park for self-consumption, provided they are not in glass containers and do not require heating, reheating, processing, refrigeration or temperature control and do not have pungent odors.

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