Does everyone staying in the room have to buy the Dining plan or can just one?

[Tammy O.]

We just returned from Disney World and had a great time at an off-site location. We are planning on returning next October, but want to stay at a Disney resort. We have never done the dining plan before, but I think we get the basics. My parents will be staying in a room together and often share meals. Do they both have to buy a dining plan or could just one of them? Thanks for your help.

 

[superrach]

All people in the same room must buy the dining plan.

 

[Accident]

Actually there are situations where they don't. Last year someone joined us for half of our trip. Disney was very accommodating allowing them to be added as a visitor staying in our room and parking their car for free in the spot we didn't use. They purchased their own magic band and park tickets and got linked to the room to be able to open the door. We had a full package with meals, discounted room and something else I can't remember. This was a spontaneous trip for them as we were already at WDW and did the adding them to the room from the hotel itself.

I would call and see what is possible. Remember to think slightly out of the box like if they can arrive 1 day later than you or leave 1 day earlier.

 

[lizard1]

If you add the other guest at check in, they would not have to have the same dining plan because it must be added at least 3 days prior (if I remember correctly). The problem with doing that is you wouldn't be able to book FP at 60 days. There are also some restaurants that won't let you share a meal if you are on the dining plan (from what I've heard), so that could cause an issue with your plan as well.