Hi Larry,
From time to time, Disney offers special promotions or discounts for guests staying at a
Walt Disney World Resort hotel and the free dining promotion which has been offered in the past has been a very popular one. While the applicable dates for the promotion has varied from year to year, traditionally it has tended to be a fall promotion, applying to stays starting in late August or September. Travel dates eligible for the promotion have historically extended as late as mid December, although normally key holidays and peak travel periods have always been excluded. In the past, free dining promotions have required purchase of a
Magic Your Way Vacation Package, which includes a stay at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel as well as the purchase of Theme Park Tickets.
In past years when free dining has been offered guests staying at a Value Resort hotels have received the Quick-Service Dining Plan, whereas guests staying at a Moderate or Deluxe Resort hotel have received the regular Disney Dining Plan. In either case, it has been possible to pay the difference to upgrade to either the regular Disney Dining Plan or the Deluxe Dining Plan.
While there have been no free dining promotions released for 2017 as of yet, I suggest that you keep a close eye on the
Special Offers section of the Walt Disney World Resort website for full details on any future promotions or discounts which may become available. If a free dining promotion is released, you will want to act fast as normally availability is limited.
Larry, I hope this information has been helpful as you continue to plan your trip.
Bon Appétit!
Trish