Disney World Free Dining

Share post:

Walt Disney World offers a promotion annually for select fall and winter dates in which you receive “Free Disney Dining” when you book a Disney Travel Package.

Most folks think that it’s an incredible deal that you shouldn’t miss, but there are a few details that may give you the perfect outcome…or may send you running for the hills and sticking to your original plan of getting discounts and staying within your budget.

Disney World Free Dining


LET’S LOOK AT “FREE DINING” AS A TRADITIONAL CONCEPT:

Typically, the Disney Company has offered this promotion as a way to fill up their resorts during the slower season. When you buy a package (Hotel Room and Tickets) during the Free Dining discount period, you can take advantage of the promotion. Traditionally there are a couple of options for you to consider:

  • Guests who stay at a Value Resort (Art of Animation, Pop Century and All-Stars) can opt for the Quick-Service Dining Plan (QSDP) for free
  • Guests who stay at a Moderate, Deluxe or Deluxe Villa can opt for the Disney Dining Plan (DDP) for free.
  • Dining Plans are able to be upgraded for a fee, so if you’re staying at a Value Resort but would like the DDP, you can upgrade. Same thing goes for the Deluxe Dining Plan, where you would just pay the difference between the plans.

IS IT WORTH IT?

Yes, it’s a great deal…but you will be paying “rack rate” (full price) for the hotel room. This means that you won’t get to utilize any discounts. How do you know if you should go ahead with the deal? Well, it’s all about the math!

  • Are there any “room-only discounts” that won’t require you to book tickets or dining to receive. The discount is usually a higher savings than the DDP…but it depends on what level of resort you’re staying at.
  • Do you have kids? Then getting the DDP may save you money ‘on paper’ but kids usually don’t eat as much food on trips, so take that into account.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD YOU KNOW?

  • Disney Dining Plans do not include Gratuities (15-20%). For more on tipping read How To Tip the Disney Dining Plan.
  • DDP is based on the number of nights you stay, not the number of days
  • Unused credits expire at midnight on the day you check out of your resort

We’ve got articles about the Disney Dining Plan, but instead of taking a side…I actually wrote an article for both options!

Dustin Fuhshttps://www.stepstomagic.com
I’m Dustin Fuhs, a theme park fanatic that has created this platform to showcase my passion, tools and opinions to create a fun and interactive experience for everyone who visits. My goal is to help you and your family have the most magical experience at Walt Disney World. In reading my articles and ideas, I hope that you can find some fantastic ways to bring your dreams into reality!

Related articles

Things That Rainforest Cafe in Disney World Does Right

The Rainforest Cafe isn't a recommended stop, but what does the chain known for lacklustre food and out-of-date audio-animatronics do well that other restaurants at Disney World could learn from?

Disney World Vacation Lies

The goal will be to showcase all the un-truths that you can deal with while planning your vacation and to share what the statement is actually referring to.

Disney World Restaurants That We’ve Never Eaten At (And Why)

Disney World has hundreds of dining opportunities, but there are some restaurants that we've never actually got past the reservation stage.

Places You Don’t Want to be Caught in a Disney World Thunderstorm

Disney World is in Central Florida, which means that there's an inevitable rain shower that will come out of nowhere. You can be prepared with all the best rain gear, but there are times that you'll just need to find cover.

Things That Rainforest Cafe in Disney World Does Right

The Rainforest Cafe isn't a recommended stop, but what does the chain known for lacklustre food and out-of-date audio-animatronics do well that other restaurants at Disney World could learn from?

Disney World Vacation Lies

The goal will be to showcase all the un-truths that you can deal with while planning your vacation and to share what the statement is actually referring to.

Disney World Restaurants That We’ve Never Eaten At (And Why)

Disney World has hundreds of dining opportunities, but there are some restaurants that we've never actually got past the reservation stage.

Places You Don’t Want to be Caught in a Disney World Thunderstorm

Disney World is in Central Florida, which means that there's an inevitable rain shower that will come out of nowhere. You can be prepared with all the best rain gear, but there are times that you'll just need to find cover.
0 Shares
Pin
Share
Tweet