Disney World Free Dining

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 Fuhshttp://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

Problems in Walt Disney World that Nobody Expects

Discover the Top 10 unexpected challenges you might face at Walt Disney World, from ride shutdowns to out-of-stock merchandise.

20 Unbeatable Ways to Experience an Adult-Only Disney World Trip

Having an adult-only vacation in Disney World is more than hanging out at the pool.

The Ultimate Guide to Guilty Pleasures at Walt Disney World: From Character Selfies to Dessert-First Buffets

Discover the ultimate guide to guilty pleasures at Walt Disney World. From snapping selfies with characters to starting buffets with dessert, our list adds a sprinkle of unconventional fun to your magical trip!

The Ultimate Guide to Walt Disney World Crowd Patterns and Best Times to Visit

Plan your perfect Walt Disney World vacation with our ultimate guide. Discover the best times to visit, how to beat the crowds, and maximize your magical experience with our weekday and seasonal insights.

Disney World Date Ideas: Unveiling the Top Romantic Attractions for Couples

From enchanting rides to mesmerizing fireworks, find out which attractions are perfect for a dreamy date in the happiest place on Earth.

Top Ten Disappointing Situations at Disney World

Being disappointed in Disney World can be avoided by having realistic expectations and planning for your vacation dates.

Disney Springs Counter Service Restaurants

Disney Springs is huge, which could be difficult to find a good meal if you're not prepared for the adventure! For us, we're very rarely at Disney Springs during the day because of our preference to be in the parks as much as possible - but what about arrival days, departure days or times that you just need a grab a bite to eat and find yourself at the district?

Why Travel Bloggers are the New Travel Agents

When I was growing up, our family had a travel agent whom we would call to arrange all...

Top Ten Disney Advance Dining Reservations to get ASAP

Discover the essential Disney advance dining reservations for an awesome Walt Disney World experience.

Top 10 Hilarious Jungle Cruise Puns

Embark on a pun-filled adventure! Discover the top 10 Jungle Cruise puns that will make you laugh, groan, and fall in love with Disney humor.

10 Things We Will Never Do Again at Disney World

Learn from our mistakes! Uncover the 10 things we vow never to do again at Disney World for a smoother, happier vacation experience.

Things That We Wish We Bought at Disney World

Shop smarter, not harder! Read about the items we regret not purchasing at Disney World to make your next trip's shopping spree guilt-free.
0 Shares
Pin
Share
Tweet