Walt Disney World Resort has made significant adjustments to its prepaid “Disney Dining Plan” meal packages, cutting nearly 35 restaurants from the program in late December 2023. This decision left numerous guests reevaluating their dining options as they prepared for their visits. The backlash was swift and intense, prompting Disney to reinstate 20 of the previously excluded establishments shortly thereafter.
Disney’s dining options include two primary plans: the Quick-Service Dining Plan and the standard Disney Dining Plan, which allow visitors to pre-purchase meals for a more convenient experience. In December, the removal of popular dining venues such as Space 220, T-REX Cafe, Rainforest Cafe, and various Starbucks locations created confusion among guests.
By early January 2024, following public outcry, Disney reinstated more than 20 restaurants, including notable names like Rainforest Cafe and Yak & Yeti Restaurant. All four Starbucks outlets across the parks also returned to the list of approved venues within a week of the initial changes. Reports from Inside the Magic indicated that certain third-party restaurants, particularly those managed by Patina Restaurant Group, modified their participation to only specific meal services, accepting the dining plan for lunch or dinner only.
The official list of participating restaurants saw frequent updates throughout December and January, attributed to ongoing negotiations with independently operated eateries, according to Disney Dining. Despite these changes, the pricing structure for the plans remains consistent, starting at approximately $60 per adult per night. The resort is also continuing its “Kids Eat Free” promotion, which offers complimentary dining plans for children aged 3 to 9 when included in a paying party.
Feedback from Disney enthusiasts indicates mixed feelings about the dining plans. One fan expressed concern on Instagram about the future of the dining plan, noting, “The 2026 Disney World dining plan may be different from years past if these 30 locations don’t renew.” Another user remarked on X, “This happens every year; some companies take longer to sign up than others.” Overall, sentiments range from frustration over the complexities of the plans to calls for their elimination altogether.
As negotiations with independent restaurant operators continue, further changes may occur. As of the latest updates, over 20 dining locations remain absent from the Disney Dining Plan, leaving potential guests uncertain about their options for trips planned in 2026. Families are encouraged to consult the most current list of participating restaurants and stay informed through Disney’s official communication channels when booking packages or making advance dining reservations.
