For the first time in forever (aka pre-pandemic), Disney dining plans are returning to Walt Disney World, which is great news for travel advisors and their clients.
Meal Plans Return for 2024
The announcement came just in time for the May 31, 2023, launch of 2024 bookings for Walt Disney World theme park tickets, Disney Resort hotel stays and packages. As Eric Scott, senior communications manager for Disney, noted in the Disney Parks blog, this change will make planning future Walt Disney World visits easier.
We know guests — and families in particular — missed dining plans, which offer the convenience of prepaying for meals and snacks.
“We know guests — and families in particular — missed dining plans, which offer the convenience of prepaying for meals and snacks,” Scott said. “Guests will be able to choose the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan or the Disney Dining Plan. Both will be a great value, with access to food and beverage offerings across Walt Disney World.”
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Among the most common post-pandemic social media complaints from Walt Disney World guests is that dining plans were no longer offered when the resort reopened. The budget-friendly plans — available for vacation packages beginning Jan. 9, 2024, that include a Disney Resort hotel — provide everyone in the traveling party who are 3 years or older with a set number of prepaid meal and snack credits during their stay, allowing clients to choose the option that’s best for them.
“Our travel advisors are very excited about the return of Disney dining plans in 2024,” said Susanne Hays, owner of Fairytale Journeys Travel. “It’s a great opportunity for advisors to show their value by helping guests make the most of their Disney vacation by offering expert advice and assistance in choosing the right dining plan for their needs and budget.”
Dining plan credits can be applied to dinner shows like Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue.
Credit: 2023 Walt Disney World Resort/Olga ThompsonMeredith Wallace, owner of Minnie Memories Travel, agrees.
“I’m thrilled dining plans are back, as it really helps manage vacation dollars,” she said. “I always want my clients to get the most out of their package and buy the right plan to fit their needs. Then I do some ‘Mickey Math’ to help them decide when to use dining credits and when to pay out of pocket.”
The two commissionable dining plans that will be available for 2024 bookings are a quick-service plan that includes two meals at quick-service or counter-service locations only and one snack per person, per night, or a higher-tier plan, which includes one table-service meal, one quick-service meal and one snack per person, per night. Meals and snacks are redeemable any time of day, but are nontransferable between party members. Table-service meal credits can also be applied to select signature dining, character dining and dinner shows.
Travel advisor Kelly Greer wrote in Key to the World Travel’s blog that dining plans allow clients to have an all-inclusive feel to their visit.
Disney dining plans allow clients to choose the option that best suits their needs.
Credit: 2023 Walt Disney World Resort“Credits can be used throughout their vacation, which gives ultimate flexibility,” she said.
Advisors can upgrade existing client reservations for arrivals after Jan. 9, 2024, to a Walt Disney Resort hotel package with a dining plan.
