Hi Barbara, and welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel. It is always a treat to answer a question from a fellow Canadian!
I love that you are already planning well in advance for your 2018 Walt Disney World Resort vacation. This is how I like to plan as well; there is nothing better than having a Disney vacation countdown in place! Nevertheless, it is still a bit too early to know what potential free dining offers may be offered in 2018. In fact, free dining promotions have not even been released for 2017 at this time.
While not guaranteed, when free dining promotions have been offered in the past, traditionally it has tended to apply to stays starting in late August or September. While applicable dates for the promotion have varied from year to year, sometimes eligible travel dates have 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.
I suggest you keep a close eye on the
Special Offers section of the Walt Disney World Resort website as you get closer to your trip 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.
Barbara, I hope this information has been helpful as you continue to plan your trip. Wishing you all the best as you continue to plan your Disney vacation!
Trish