Historically, free dining has been released to the general public in late April / early May. The fall promotional dates have been very late August (sometimes August is not included) thru select dates in September, October, November and December. Generally, a room only discount is also released during the same time frame.
What does free dining include?
To be eligible for free dining you must build a vacation package with room and tickets. During 2015, there was also the requirement that guests purchase at least 2-day tickets that include either Park Hopper or the Water Park Fun & More option, or both. This was a new requirement in 2015. Additionally, a 3-night minimum stay was required with a maximum stay of fourteen nights.
For most value resorts, free dining includes your room, tickets (type of ticket has been altering within the past few years) and Quick Service Dining. The current Quick Service Dining Plan entitles you to two quick service meals and one snack per person, per night of your vacation. Each guest will also receive a refillable mug to be used at your Disney World Resort!
Moderate and Deluxe resorts include your room, tickets and Disney Dining. The Disney Dining plan currently offers one quick service meal, one table service meal and one snack per person, per night of your vacation. Each guest will also receive a refillable mug to be used at your Disney World Resort!
You can always upgrade to a different dining package by paying the difference. 🙂 For example, if you are receiving the FREE Quick Service Dining, you can upgrade to the Disney Dining Plan by paying the difference in cost!
Are resorts excluded from this promotion?
Yes… many times Disney does have exclusions with the free dining promotion. Little Mermaid rooms are just one example of rooms that have always been excluded from the free dining promotion. Each year the exclusions can be different, so it is important to plan wisely and speak with a Disney Travel Agent who is experienced!
Here is the list of resorts that were excluded in 2015.
All-Star Movies, Bay Lake Tower, Port Orleans Resort Riverside (except the first set of dates), Port Orleans Resort French Quarter, Fort Wilderness campsites, Grand Villas at all resorts (3-bedroom Disney Vacation Club rooms), Art of Animation Little Mermaid Rooms, and the Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.
What were the free dining dates for 2015?
- August 28 through October 2
- October 25 through October 31
- November 8 through November 19
- December 15 through December 21
Free dining is never a given but historically it is something looked forward to by many each year! 🙂 Will there be free dining again in 2016? We sure hope so! 🙂
Who is waiting for free dining?
My name is Jen Perkins. I am a travel agent with World of Magic Travel Services. I’m a Disney Destination Specialist. I am also a writer for Chip and Co. and Disney Addicts. I would love to help you plan your vacation at Walt Disney World, watch for special promotions or even assist with fastpass+, MagicBands, dining and touring plans. I specialize in the First Timer’s Guide to help people create magical vacations and memories on Chip and Co. Be sure to check out our guide for dining here and everything you must know here! If you have any questions regarding Disney World, please do not hesitate to ask! You can contact me at jen@worldofmagictravel.com or message me on my facebook page here. I would love to hear from you and help you plan your next “magical” vacation!
You can also visit my facebook page here for more details on Disney World, updates on promotions, articles and upcoming events all related to Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Universal Studios and much more! You will also find an array of photos of many of these amazing places that will help you with resort choices, dining and much more!
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Has there ever been free dining in April or is it always in the last quarter of the yearÉ
It was in 2012..we stayed at the beach club with free dining for April vacation