Hi Shannon,
The best way to find out about specials is to check out
Vacation Packages through the WDW website, check with a Disney travel agent by calling (407)939-6244, or by speaking with a local travel agent that specializes in Disney vacations.
Last year, my husband and I booked a trip with our local travel agent early in the year. Months later, she gave us a surprise call and told us that Disney was offering a free dining plan option. She was then able to redo our reservation and credit our deposit to the new reservation. We were thrilled.
If the free dining plan is a "make it or brake it" factor for your family, you may want to work with a local travel agent. Find someone who specializes in Disney and tell him or her you will definitely plan a vacation if this special comes out. Tell the agent exactly where you want to stay, when you want to go, which airline you prefer, and which type of ticket you would like. Make it as easy as possible for them. Then let them know that if they look out for the special deal, you will book with them on the spot. They will be motivate to keep a look out for you and it doesn't cost you any extra to have them to the booking. Its really a win/win.
Good luck. There's really no way of knowing whether Disney will put out any of those fall incentives, but I sure hope they do.