Hi, Gail!
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel and thanks for sending in your question!
For the
Free Dining promotion that's currently available, you are required to purchase Theme Park tickets as part of a
Magic Your Way package. You can only get the free
Dining Plan when you purchase a non-discounted 6-night/7-day
Magic Your Way package (including room and Theme Park tickets) at select Disney Resort hotels.
I'm so glad that your dates fall into the eligible dates for this great promotion. Perhaps you could put the Park tickets away and save them for your next visit? The great thing about Walt Disney World Theme park tickets is that they must be used within
14 days of their first use, so if you don't use them on your fall vacation this year, you can put them away for next time.
I hope this helps with your planning, Gail. Please let us know if we can help with any other questions you have.
Wishing you and your family a Pixie Dusted vacation!
~Jackie