Free Dining at Walt Disney World: A Delicious Deal

A Walt Disney World vacation can be an expensive prospect, and eating at the theme parks can take a big bite out of the budget. So who wouldn't love to eat for free at America's most popular family vacation destination? It is possible, if you know when to book and when to travel!

In 2005, Disney introduced the Disney dining plan, a package available to travelers staying at any of Disney's on site resort hotels. For $40 per night for adults and $11 per night for children, each guest gets one sit down meal, one counter service meal, and one snack per night. When paying full price for the plan, it offers modest savings on the high cost of dining in the Disney parks and resorts, as well as the convenience of having dining costs prepaid.

But what about the free food?

Early fall is historically one of the slowest seasons for travel to Disney and other Florida attractions. With schools across the country back in session and the threat of hurricanes deterring some from planning getaways to the southeast, Disney offers one of their most aggressive discounts in order to attract visitors at this unpopular time. In addition to the lowest room rates of the year and low crowd levels in the theme parks, travelers booking a room & ticket package at any of Disney's resort hotel during this time are eligible to receive the dining plan for free. For a family of four, this amounts to a savings of more than $100 per night. With room rates at Disney's popular value resorts starting at $82 per night, the free dining package truly is a remarkable offer.

Usually announced in early April with an expiration date in late June, the free dining offer is valid for travel any time from late August through the first week of October. For 2009, the promotion is available for travel from August 16 through October 3. There is a three night minimum and fourteen night maximum stay for the discount, and travel must be booked by June 21.

Making good use of the dining plan does take some planning. Reservations can be made for Disney's sit down restaurants, including their very popular character dining experiences, up to 90 days in advance. During the free dining period restaurants are understandably busy and reservations are essential.

For families looking to experience the magic of an on-site stay at Walt Disney World, the free dining promotion cannot be beat!