2019 Disney World Free Dining Dates & Tips
Free Disney Dining Plan is a Walt Disney World promotion that is usually a great vacation package discount. Here, we’ll cover deal info, tips for booking, the Visa ‘second wave’ of 2019 Free Dining, early 2020 rumors, and answers to frequently asked questions including whether Free Dining is “worth it.” (Last updated May 2, 2019.)
Currently, Free Dining is available for the general public to book for 2019…with some caveats. For starters, a ‘second wave’ of 2019 Free Dining has been released, which includes “Free Dining Light” and the full deal for Disney Visa Cardholders. Additionally, 2020 Free Dining at Walt Disney World for UK Residents has also been released. In several ways, 2019 has been a bizarre year for Walt Disney World discounts with more promos this year than last. More deals are possible for later in the year, especially if Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge doesn’t move the needle as much as expected.
If you want to be notified immediately when more 2019 discounts or the 2020 Free Dining Bounceback are released, sign up here for our FREE Disney newsletter here. We’ve consistently notified our subscribers when Free Dining and other deals drop on the day they go live at ~6 or 7 a.m., which gives you a 2+ hour head start on Disney’s official announcement. That may not seem like much, but it makes a huge difference when booking–plus you won’t have to wait on hold for hours on the phone…
The early release of 2019 Free Dining was a surprise. The first wave was available for travel dates July 5, 2019 through September 30, 2019. We attribute this early release to an attendance lull before the grand opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in August 2019.
The good news is that a ‘second wave’ of Free Dining is now available for select travel dates, and more deals could be coming for later in 2019 and 2020. The first deal for next year has already been released, with the aforementioned UK resident deal, which (despite the name) is available to all residents of the European Union.
We’re guessing most people reading this aren’t residents of the EU, so that doesn’t do you much good. Historically, the next Free Dining offer to be released will be the 2020 Free Dining Bounce-back Offer, which we’d expect to be released in July or August 2019. This can be a tricky one, so read our How to Book Bounceback Discounts at Walt Disney World post for further details.
Beyond that, there aren’t any credible rumors about 2020 Free Dining release or travel dates. It’s simply too early for specifics. Speculating a bit, we’d expect earlier travel dates once again, akin to the 2019 promo. We’d also anticipate more exclusions in terms of resorts and room categories.
Speaking of which, other important details, exclusions, and restrictions are as follows in our Free Dining FAQ below. Free Dining is Walt Disney World’s most complicated promotions, and can be a huge headache to book. Between limited availability and navigating a seas of rules and restrictions, it’s easy to make mistakes.
Consequently, we recommend that Walt Disney World first-timers (or regulars who just don’t want to deal with the hassle) request a FREE quote from Be Our Guest Vacations, an Authorized Disney Travel Planner. No legit travel agents charge for booking Walt Disney World vacations (and you don’t pay a premium for them–Disney pays them commission), so that’s really the easiest way to go.
The 2019 Free Disney Dining Plan promo was offered so early because people are holding off on booking Walt Disney World trips until Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens, meaning Summer 2019 room occupancy is not meeting Disney’s internal projections and expectations.
The same thing already happened with Disneyland releasing an unprecedented general public ticket discount for the spring in an effort to lure guests there pre-Star Wars land. There’s no doubt that Disney and Star Wars fans are postponing trips until Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens.
The question that remains is whether the first phase of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge that now has an official opening date will be enough to fill hotel rooms for the remainder of the year. We are already hearing reports that bookings are very solid for some of these dates, but not all of them. This means that more deals could drop for September through December 2019. We will keep newsletter subscribers up to date on this as we hear more.
Other important details, exclusions, and restrictions are as follows in our Free Dining FAQ…
Free Dining FAQ
This section of the post covers the rules, terms and conditions, and policies that generally govern the Free Dining promotion. While slight rule modifications have been made in previous years, we would expect these rules to more or less hold true for the 2020 Free Dining promotion, once it’s released.
With this special offer, Walt Disney World guests booking vacation packages with non-discounted resort hotels and park tickets receive the Disney Dining Plan for each member of their party for no additional charge. For obvious reasons (who doesn’t love free food?!), the promotion is incredibly popular and some resorts that offer free dining tend to sell out quickly.
Guests booking the Free Disney Dining Plan promotion for Value or Moderate Resorts will receive the Quick Service Disney Dining Plan, with guests staying at Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resorts receiving the standard Disney Dining Plan. Upgrading is possible to the standard Disney Dining Plan or Deluxe Disney Dining Plan by paying the difference in cost.
The Disney Dining Plan will now includes alcoholic and specialty drinks! If you enjoy beer, wine, or cocktails, this adds a ton of potential value to the Disney Dining Plan and, by extension, Free Dining. Even if you don’t drink, having the ability to order these specialty drinks is nice.
There are some room exclusions for the Free Dining promo this year, including all of the following: All Star Movies, Port Orleans French Quarter, Fort Wilderness campsites, Art of Animation Little Mermaid Rooms, Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian, Cabins at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Bungalows at Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, and all 3-bedroom Villas.
These resorts and room tiers are all not eligible for Free Dining. Additionally, room inventory is limited across all resorts. In practice, this means that when you go to book, a particular category (standard view, garden view, etc.) may not be available for your travel dates–or your travel dates may not be available at a specific resort at all.
To take advantage of Free Dining, there’s also the requirement that guests purchase tickets that include either a minimum 4-day Park Hopper or the Park Hopper Plus option. Additionally, a 4-night minimum stay is required with a maximum stay of fourteen nights.
This means you can’t purchase discounted Walt Disney World tickets from an authorized reseller, which we normally highly recommend in our Walt Disney World trip planning advice. This is something to keep in mind when doing the math to determine if “Free Dining” is a good value for you.
When it comes to Free Dining, doing the math is incredibly important. Other discounts (such as a room-only discount) might be better for your family. Remember, there is no such thing as a free lunch; you have forfeit an alternate discount to qualify for Free Dining. We break down some of the math in our “Is Free Dining Worth It?” post.
If you have already booked a vacation package with an arrival date that qualifies for Free Dining, we recommend using the “modify reservation” link in your booking to apply the promotion to your package. This is the quickest and easiest way to apply the promotion.
You might see other advice that recommends calling to book Free Dining. This is outdated. If you call Walt Disney World’s reservation line, you will likely wait on hold for an hour (or hours) until you’re able to speak to an agent. Booking or modifying your reservation online is far quicker and easier.
Even if the online system crashes (which has happened) or moves slowly due to all the traffic, it’s easier to just keep trying online. Unfortunately, booking online isn’t always possible and technical errors do happen…so you might have to call and wait on hold.
If you are wondering which hotel to book for the Free Dining promotion, check out our new Best Walt Disney World Hotels for Free Dining post. It gives our preferred option for each resort tier. Oh, and don’t forget to make some ADRs for the best and most popular Walt Disney World restaurants. (We haven’t updated that post for 2019 yet, but Storybook Dining at Artist Point should absolutely make the list.)
With this Free Dining offer, Value and Moderate Resort guests receive the Quick Service Disney Dining Plan during the promotion. Guests at Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts receive the standard Disney Dining Plan. Upgrading to higher tiers is possible for an additional charge.
We highly recommend making Advance Dining Reservations as soon as possible. Yes, even before Free Dining is offered, if you can. Everyone gobbles up the good ADRs quickly for Free Dining dates, so if you don’t book early, you will be stuck eating counter service or unpopular restaurants for the duration of your trip.
To answer some other common questions: yes, you must purchase tickets with the offer even if you already have them (or an Annual Pass). No, bookings made with Disney Vacation Club points are not eligible for the offer. No, you cannot “stack” this offer with a percentage-off room discount (at least not in the U.S.). For those wondering about other Walt Disney World discounts, check out our Current Walt Disney World Discount Offers post for what’s presently available.
For details about which tier of the Disney Dining Plan includes or for recommendations about which restaurants to book to maximize your use of the Disney Dining Plan, please see our comprehensive Disney Dining Plan Overview Page.
Note that the Free Disney Dining Plan promotion is always based upon arrival dates. For example, if Free Dining runs August 20 to September 29 and you arrive on September 29 and stay until October 7, you are eligible for Free Dining–even though it’s blocked out for October arrivals. (You didn’t arrive in October in that scenario–you arrived in September.)
However, if it’s offered November 24 to 27 and you arrive on November 23 and stay until November 27, you are not eligible for Free Dining, even though more of your stay falls during an “eligible” period than the first example’s. The work-around for this is doing a split stay, with the ineligible arrival nights part of one vacation and a second vacation starting at the first valid “arrival” date and continuing thereafter. Again, arrival dates are what matters with Free Dining.
Guests staying at a Walt Disney World Value and Moderate Resorts receive the Quick Service Dining Plan during the Free Dining promotion, but are able to upgrade to the (standard) Disney Dining Plan or the Deluxe Disney Dining Plan if they pay the difference. Guests staying at Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resorts receive the standard Disney Dining Plan and may upgrade to the Deluxe Disney Dining Plan by paying the difference, too.
The upgrade cost to go from the Quick Service Disney Dining Plan to the standard Disney Dining Plan for Free Dining is $22.99 per adult and $4.00 per child per night. The upgrade cost from the standard Disney Dining Plan to the Deluxe Disney Dining Plan is $40.67 per adult and $14.24 per child per night. To upgrade from the Quick Service Disney Dining Plan to the Deluxe one, add the two upgrade costs together.
In the section below, we have historical Free Dining dates for the last few years. The rest of what follows is historical information about the Free Disney Dining Plan promotion…
Historical Information
The following is not pertinent to 2019 or any years beyond, but we have found that readers find it useful to have details about past Free Dining promos when planning for the future and what to expect. Note that the dates are pretty consistent from year to year, with slight shifts for holidays, weekends, and special events (like Pop Warner), or other things that may be excluded from the Free Disney Dining Plan promotion.
Last year, there was no early booking window for Disney Visa cardholders, but there was an expanded date range (see below). The two years before, Disney Visa cardholders did have an early booking window. Exact dates are listed below. Most years, the general public is able to book Free Dining packages 5 days after Disney Visa cardholders can book.
In years past, Free Dining has been announced in late April, with booking opening first for Disney Visa credit card holders and the general public a few days later. The last couple of years, there was no early window for Disney Visa cardholders.
Here are the Walt Disney World Free Dining dates that were available for 2013-18 for historical reference…
2018 Free Dining Dates:
- August 20* – September 29
- November 24 – 27
- December 7 – 23
*Disney Visa Cardholders could book for arrival dates beginning August 2.
2017 Free Dining Dates:
- August 21* – September 30
- November 14 – 20
- November 25 – 27
- December 8 – 23
*Disney Visa Cardholders could book for arrival dates beginning August 13.
2016 Free Dining Dates:
- August 23* through October 1
- November 15 through 21
- November 26 through 28
- December 10 through 21
*Disney Visa Cardholders could book for arrival dates beginning August 14.
2015 Free Dining Dates:
- August 28 through October 2
- October 25 through October 31
- November 8 through November 19
- December 15 through December 21
2014 Free Dining Dates:
- August 31 – October 3
- October 26 – November 1
- November 9 – November 20
- December 12 – December 23
2013 Free Dining Dates
- September 2 to September 25
- September 29 to October 2
- October 18 to November 2
- November 11 to November 23
- December 12 to December 22
Other Free Dining Posts & Resources
If you plan on getting the Disney Dining Plan check out these other Walt Disney World posts:
- Disney Dining Plan Tips & Info
- Top 10 Disney Dining Tips
- Top 10 Counter Service Restaurants
- Top 10 Table Service Restaurants
- Top 10 Themed Table Service Restaurants
- Magic Kingdom Counter Service Restaurant Rankings
- Best-Value Table Service Restaurants on the Disney Dining Plan
- Best-Value Counter Service Restaurants on the Disney Dining Plan
- Best-Value Character Meals on the Disney Dining Plan
- Best-Value Snacks on the Disney Dining Plan
- Drinking Around Epcot’s World Showcase Tips
- Snacking Around Epcot’s World Showcase Tips
Want more dining tips? Check out our 101 Delicious Walt Disney World Dining Tips. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. Planning other aspects of a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!
Your Thoughts
Now, let’s hear from you. Are you a fan of the “free” dining promotion? Have any tips for free dining rookies? If you booked Free Dining, which resort and travel dates were you able to secure? If you were unable to get it, where/when were you unsuccessful? Let us know what you think of the promotion and whether you’re planning on taking advantage of it in the comments!
When booking a bounce back room, can you reserve more than one room if you want to return with more guests the following year? Also, can the room reservation be transferred to a different guest name?
No. The bounce back is for only those that are on property at that time. You cannot add anyone else to that. You would have to wait till it comes out to the general public.
The free quick Service dining package used to include two quick service meals, two snacks and a refillable mug. For 2019 it looks like the free quick service dining package only includes one quick service meal. Does anyone know when this changed ?
I think maybe it’s just for the recently announced free dining. We booked in February for August and are getting the two meals, two snacks and refillable mug deal
Thanks for your reply Amanda. Very helpful! Yeah I figured it could have something to do with the second wave of free dining package dates. You booked before the end of February deadline yeah? Yeah I missed that deadline but looked into this second wave of dates and it looks like they changed it to only one quick service meal. Is this what they meant by “free dining light”?
The UK free dining dates have been announced for 2020 and unfortunately for me it is not in November this year 🙁
Do you know if there has historically been a second wave for the UK bookings and if so when are they usually released (eg after the expiration of current promotion)
The UK free dining dates have been announced for 2020 and unfortunately for me it is not in November this year 🙁 Do you know if there has historically been a second wave for the UK bookings
Hi, is this the UK free dining?
Can anyone help me guess on the math for Free Dining vs. a Room discount (or other discounts) for my large family? We are two real adults (who might like a drink at dinner), two Disney adults well under age 21, and two kids. Previously, the $200-250/day we’d spend on two CS meals and some snacks (though we’d never get to the 12 allotted without using snack credits on a coffee or other small trifle) was always more than any room discount could possibly be at the Cabins at Ft. Wilderness or the family suites at Art of Animation, both around $400/night. (We are considering a split stay, though, getting two rooms at Pop for less than a suite at AoA and adding a second bathroom, then a couple nights at the Cabins at Wilderness Lounge or Old Key West villa–both of which cost less than a one-bedroom suite at DLR’s Paradise Pier Hotel.) Are we still in the place where Free Dining is our least expensive way of touring? Even with FD, we’d shell out for a couple of character meals, including Cindy’s Royal Table and Tusker House.
So many people seem so certain that FD is not good for them, but they’re always a smaller party than mine. Thanks!
If you don’t already have the free dining booked, the promotion has ended. I don’t think they will run the free dining promo again this year because Star Wars is opening the first phase the end of August. There is a dining plan calculator on the web you can use to see if the dining plan is a good idea for you.
Hi, Tom
Love the posts..the only ones I will read!! 🙂
Any thoughts on free dining possibilities given that there is a bounce back offer Dec 6-24th, 2019? Historically general free dining has closely followed the bounce back promo.
Thanks!
We already have our resort reservations with the military dining plan booked for December. Would we qualify for a free dining plan if we are already getting a discount on our room with the military rate for 2019?
Hi Tom,
I don’t think there will be a second wave of free dining. Reason: it just announced today, March 7, that Star Wars Land is opening August 28th.
May
OK, for the summer before SWL, maybe.
2nd Wave??? 2nd Wave???……….Its the Only Way I can Convince my Wife to go Back to the INSANITY that is WDW !!!………….”. WHY ??? I DONT KNOW……I JUST DO !!!!,,!!!!!!!
Any updates for special offers for the month of August? I know they had them several weeks ago but not anymore…
Hi Tom,
Do you think Disney will be offering free dining in 2020?
Are there any rumors or chance of free dining second wave offer past the current Sept. 30 cutoff into the Fall, 2019? We had decided to skip this year, but, if we can snag it again………I want to see that message ” Your Going To Disney World “
With three teenagers and a toddler we love the free dining! My boys are HUGE eaters. We adore the character meals (and thanks to your review snagged a Storybook Res), which are pretty costly out of pocket. I booked a trip on the LAST day free dining was offered at a two bedroom deluxe villa at OKW. We’re going the end of August, which isn’t my favorite time to go, but any day in Disney is better then a day anywhere else! Thanks for the informative and fun blog
If free dining isn’t offered in Dec. this year, maybe renting DVC points is an affordable option? I’ve only ever bought packages through Disney, though, so not sure where to buy tickets. I know there are places that offer discounts. We are looking at Dec., but will the ticket prices be increasing soon as well? Maybe we should buy soon.
I booked free dining with cabins at fort wilderness. Looks like you said those were excluded?
So I’m looking at December 3-10 this year but it seems like the free dining is almost never offered that first week right? And it seems like All star movies is usually excluded. Should I book at another all start just to be safe or am I basically out of luck with both of those? And I would I need to add the hopper ahead of time or could I add it to get the dining??? Thanks!
I can’t find the free dining action now, or is there no action?
Is it possible to downgrade the free dining plan from the Standard Dining Plan to the Quick Service? Not looking for any money back, or anything like that, just wondering if you secure free dining at a Deluxe Resort, but wouldn’t use table service and would prefer quick service, if that would be possible. Not sure if anyone has been able to do that in the past?
You can use your table service credit at a Quick Serve restaurant. Some people claim to have received 2 quick serve credits for 1 table service credit, but they must have been lucky. Typically, they let you use 1 for 1. Keeping this meal plan would then still give you flexibility if you change your mind and want a table service meal.
You can trade one table Service for two Quick Service credits, also trade one quick Service for three snack credits….do it all the time, never was told it was one for one!
I’m planning on booking a trip for my family through one of the DVC resale sites because they seem more affordable. We’ll be going in December, and in the event that Disney does offer this promo in early December, do DVC members qualify for free dining plans?
No. The free dining promo is only available if you book the room and ticket package through Disney. If you have already booked the room via DVC, they have no incentive to give you free dining. That being said, I’d be very surprised if they have Dec dates unless Star Wars land is not opened yet.