Hi Lisa, and welcome back to the Disney Parks Moms Panel – it’s nice to hear from you again. My family tried the
Disney Dining Plan for the first time earlier this year, and we really loved it because it took the stress out of budgeting and allowed us to have fun trying different drinks, desserts, and snacks.
We don’t have any details about whether the Free Dining promotion will be released in 2019 or what it might include if it does come back. In past years, the type of Dining Plan that came with the Free Dining promotion depended on what resort category your reservation was under, so those staying in Value and Moderate Resorts received the Quick-Service Dining Plan, and those in Deluxe Resorts received the standard Disney Dining Plan.
In the past, there has been the option to pay a fee to upgrade to a higher-level plan. In 2018, upgrading to the Deluxe plan from the Quick-Service plan cost approximately $65 per adult and $20 per child per night, and upgrading from the standard Disney Dining Plan cost approximately $40 per adult and $15 per child per night. It’s very important to note that these prices could fluctuate based on the details of the package you book, and that we just don’t know what the costs will be - or if upgrading will even be an option - for 2019, so please take these as very general guidelines and not precise quotes.
Lisa, availability of the Free Dining Promotion has been very limited in the past, so be sure to watch the
Special Offers. In the past, it's been announced in the Spring for Fall travel dates, but 2019 is still a mystery.
I hope that helps with your planning and Disney dreaming! Please come back and see us if you have any more questions.
Have a zip-a-dee-doo-dah day,
Robyn