Dear Jennifer,
Thank you so much for stopping by to visit us again here at the Disney Parks Moms Panel with your great question about adding the
Disney Dining Plan to your reservation!
It's true that Walt Disney World Resort periodically runs "free dining" promotions where Walt Disney World Resort hotel packages can include the
Disney Deluxe Dining Plan, the
Disney Dining Plan, or the
Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan at no additional cost. If an offer such as this comes up, it typically cannot just be added to your existing reservation but instead must be made as part of a new reservation. It is limited to certain dates, room types, and hotel choices. Often, if you do the calculations, another
special offer such as a room discount can be more worthwhile than the free dining promotion. However, free dining is a very popular choice of promotion! If you do hear about it coming up, be sure to book it as soon as possible so that you can have the best chance of getting it. If you are working with a travel agent, they can assist you with that as well.
As a reminder, even if you have free dining, the gratuities are not included, so be sure to include those in your budget planning so they don't sneak up on you!
Hope that helps with your magical planning!
- Jan K.