Lesley,
Thanks for your question!
For me personally, dining at Walt Disney World is the best attraction of all!
Because the Free Dining offer is a special program, one that Disney extends to guests to help make an already special vacation even more deliciously wonderful, there is no official announcement date. But this particular
Disney Dining Plan promotion has become an anticipated annual event at Walt Disney World for some time now. Before 2019, the announcement had typically come in the late March to early May time frame. The 2019 Free Dining plan dates that extended through into September were announced initially in January of that same year. But later that year, in July, they announced more 2019 Free Dining dining dates for the Fall and early Winter time frame. For the 2020 Free Dining program, they again launched the dates in early January as well. Will more come in July 2020? When will they announce 2021 dates?
The bottom line is, of course, that there is no way to be sure. I wish I could give you the insider's scoop, but I simply don't know for sure. But that is just not good enough of an answer, so let me help you prepare for when that offer debuts.
First, I always count on what happened the year before as my initial rule of thumb. I also make sure to check the
Disney Parks Blog regularly, as they are often the source for the announcement. Finally, if you happen to be a
Disney Visa Card member, they often are granted an early access to the Free Dining Offer, so if you are a card member, be sure to allow them to send you promotional e-mails. That is not a guarantee for 2021, or other future years, but I see no reason not to expect that this will repeat as a feature of their plan.
I would expect you will get your answer in early January, 2021. I hope that this helps, and that you get that free dining when it is revealed!
Have a Magical (and delicious) Vacation!Doug