It was first rumored at the end of June 2021 that Disney would bring back the very popular Disney Dining Plans after stopping them when the theme parks shut down due to COVID-19 in March 2020. We finally got confirmation of their return at the beginning of May.
Disney Resort hotel Guests who purchase a vacation package starting with stays beginning Jan. 9, 2024 will now have the option to add the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan or the Disney Dining Plan. New details have now been released for both the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan and the Disney Dining Plan which can be seen below.
Disney Quick Service Dining Plan
Disney Quick-Service Plan prices for 2024 (per person, per night): Adult $57, Child $23.83 (compared to 2020 prices: Adult $55, Child $26)
For further information visit the official website.
Disney Dining Plan
Disney Dining Plan prices for 2024 (per person, per night): Adult $94.28, Child $29.69 (compared to 2020 prices: Adult $78, Child $30.51)
For further information visit the official website.
It is interesting to note that whilst the adult price for both Dining plans has increased as you would expect, in both cases the price has been lowered slightly for children. We really hope in time that Disney will once again offer discounted or free dining plans with certain packages. 2025 could be a very good year to do this with Universal Epic Universal opening!
So many loyal Disney fans have thrown down their Mickey ears and called it a day with Walt Disney World over the last couple of years. For some, change after change and things not for the better including the Parks Reservation System and Genie+, have made people question Disney’s values and commitment to guest experience.
Yes, Disney is a business, yes it needs to make money but many have felt it has way overstepped the mark in recent years. On a positive note, it looks like Disney is finally taking stock and trying to reverse some of the damage that has been done.
At the beginning of May as well as the announcement that the Disney Dining Plan would return we also heard about the following changes coming to Walt Disney World in 2024. These are outlined in this poster released by Disney:
As you can see, from January 9 onwards, a Park Reservation will not be needed for any dated ticket. Annual Passholders and Cast members will not need Park Reservations on select, ‘Good-to-go-days’ and early entry will continue to the parks for all Resort guests with extended evening hours still being offered to Deluxe Resort and Villa guests.
The big development comes with Genie+. It appears that beginning January 9, 2024, guests will have the ability to plan ahead for Genie+ and Lightning Lane selections rather than only being able to book them on the day of your visit beginning at 7:00AM as it is currently. We will bring you further details on this when they are announced.
These updates coming to Walt Disney World in 2024 should surely bring a smile to the faces of all Disney fans especially those who have lost faith in Disney and thought the special Disney magic was lost forever.
Will you be happy to see Disney Dining Plans return in 2024? Do you think these 5 updates are the beginning of the Disney magic returning to Walt Disney World? Let us know your thoughts on these planned developments and how you currently view Disney by voting in our poll or by leaving us a comment below or on our Facebook page.
