Since the reopening of Walt Disney World following the Covid shut-down, we have observed a slow and steady return to pre-pandemic events. It seems every week an announcement is made about the return of events, attractions, and even transportation.
Recently, we have seen or will see the resurgence of: The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, the Festival of the Lion King’s beloved tumble monkeys, the Minnie Vans coming back into service, and of course Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, just to name a few.
With the return of these favorites, it raises the question: Can the return of the Dining Plan be far behind?
Disney announced this week that beginning on June 8th, vacation planners can begin to make travel plans for visits in 2023 to include Disney Resort Hotel stays and packages for next year. Many were both surprised and disappointed to learn that the Disney Dining Plan will not be available for 2023 Vacation Packages.
When Will The Dining Plan Return?
Arguably, the most asked question among Disney goers is: “When will the Disney Dining Plan return?”
The answer is that nobody knows right now.
There is no mention of the Dining Plan when booking a 2023 Vacation Package. As we all know, Disney is constantly changing, so what holds true today, may be completely different from what is true tomorrow. Disney uses the language “at this time,” and “currently” so this could easily mean that an announcement could be made as soon, or far in the future.
The bottom line is that Walt Disney World will bring back the Disney Dining Plan only when it is feasible and advantageous to do so. The fact that the Disney Dining Plan is not currently available simply means it is not feasible “at this time.” It also means it is not likely to come back by early 2023; otherwise, it would have been part of the 2023 vacation plan announcement.
Why No Dining Plan?
One reason Disney is not yet ready to bring back the Dining Plan at this time could be staffing shortages. During the month of June, Disney is hosting a series of job fairs throughout Orlando. A common thread in the hiring events is the need for Food Service Cast Members. Disney has been working to address staffing shortages for over a year now, meaning that just because most restaurants have reopened, it does not mean they are operating at 100%.
Some experts believe that the Dining Plan could return by late summer or early fall. Others believe that we will not see the return of the Disney Dining Plan in 2022.
It is important to keep in mind that when the decision to bring back the Dining Plan is made, there will be a lag between the announcement and when the Dining Plan actually returns. It seems to make more sense to hold off until January 2023, once the holiday season has ended.
The fact is, nobody knows for sure.
Walt Disney World not offering the Disney Dining Plan for January 2023 and beyond strongly suggests that even Disney does not know for sure when the Disney Dining Plan return will happen. So, if your family is anxiously awaiting the return of the Disney Dining Plan, all we know for sure is that you’re probably going to have to wait a little bit longer.
Are you looking forward to the return of the Disney Dining Plan?