Hi Jackie,
Welcome to the Disney Park Moms Panel! Thank you for bringing this question to us!
Since the package release dates can vary, I always check the Disney Parks Blog for past release dates just to get an idea. On January 2, 2019, for example, they announced a
Free Dine Package Offer Now Available at Walt Disney World Resort Hotels. The offer was good for select dates between July and September. On January 6, 2020, the Disney Parks Blog announced
Walt Disney World Resort Kicks Off the New Year With Incredible Offers. With these incredible offers, free dining was available with some packages on select dates between June and September. Guests had to book by January 16, 2020.
Also, I recommend keeping an eye on the
Special Offers available at the Walt Disney World Resort. Although there is no guarantee that the offer can be applied to your existing reservation, if there is still availability when you try to book it, a Cast Member may be able to assist you with securing that special offer. So, sign up for updates to receive alerts from the Disney Parks Blog!
Without having access to reservation details, it is hard to say if you would receive a credit. I can say that when I have worked with a Cast Member to try and modify an existing reservation to apply a special offer, I have lost the room discount when making that change, so my anticipated savings was not what I had hoped. When a free dining offer is released, my advice is to check the
vacation package price online and compare it with your existing vacation package price.
Jackie, I hope this helps!
Magic and memories,
Donyell