The Free Disney Eating Plan is a superb Walt Disney World trip package deal low cost. This covers information, ideas for reserving, present dates, predictions & rumors for future dates round Halloween & Christmas, and solutions to questions together with whether or not this deal is “value it.” (Up to date February 16, 2025.)
Should you’re unfamiliar with the Disney Eating Plan (DDP), we’d direct you to our complete Information to the 2025 Disney Eating Plan. That covers the fundamentals, what the DDP consists of, the way it’s modified since returning final yr, and extra. It additionally breaks down the worth of the Disney Eating Plan and whether or not the paid model is well worth the cash, and way more.
The excellent news is that Free Eating has already returned as soon as this yr, for journey dates in Summer season 2025. The unhealthy information is that the particular provide is now not obtainable to e-book for the primary half of the yr. The opposite excellent news is that–as mentioned beneath within the rumors & hypothesis part–we’re anticipating a second wave of Free Eating for the second half of 2025. If you wish to be notified instantly when extra 2025 reductions are launched, join right here for our FREE Walt Disney World publication.
We’ve persistently notified our subscribers when Free Eating and different Walt Disney World offers are going to drop. Both upfront of their launch or on the day they go dwell at ~7 a.m., which generally provides you a 2+ hour head begin on Disney’s official announcement. That will not look like a lot, but it surely makes an enormous distinction when reserving–it signifies that you received’t have to attend on maintain for hours on the telephone or in an extended digital queue on-line.
Within the final a number of months, Walt Disney World has launched over a dozen completely different reductions, together with some that run by means of Summer season 2025. There are even focused offers obtainable by means of December 24, 2025. This can be a enormous change as in comparison with 2021-2022, when many dates didn’t have reductions in any respect attributable to revenge journey and visitor spending being so sturdy. That coupled with capability is why the Disney Eating Plan took so lengthy to return within the first place. These are each non-factors now, and issues are roughly again to 2019 norms.
That is all related to the return of Free Eating in 2025 as a result of the deal just isn’t supplied out of company benevolence, however as an aggressive transfer to assist enhance resort occupancy numbers. That wasn’t needed for the final couple of years attributable to pent-up demand. Nevertheless, that has modified considerably, and now Walt Disney World is pulling a number of “levers” to attempt to incentivize demand. With Epic Universe opening in Summer season 2025, we’re solely anticipating this pattern of elevated discounting to speed up.
As all the time, we’d suggest requesting a FREE no obligation quote from Be Our Visitor Holidays, an Licensed Disney Trip Planner and having these journey brokers e-book for you. They’ll help you with the planning course of, show you how to select probably the most economical dates, greatest add-ons, and so on.
Equally as necessary, they’ll show you how to with low cost comparability purchasing. There are a ton of various reductions presently obtainable for Walt Disney World in 2025, and that quantity is barely going to develop! So what you see now isn’t essentially all the pieces that’ll be obtainable to your journey dates.
On that notice, listed below are some predictions about 2025 Free Eating at Walt Disney World…
2025 Free Eating Forecast & Rumors
As famous above, Free Eating was beforehand launched for Might 27 by means of June 26, and July 7 by means of August 6, 2025. This promo was solely bookable by means of mid-February, and is now not obtainable. Nevertheless, there are a few curious issues to notice in regards to the first wave of 2025 Free Eating.
The primary is that it was solely bookable for roughly one month. The second is that it was solely supplied by means of August 6, which is true round when faculties begin going again into session and earlier than the early fall low season begins. These are two atypically quick timeframes for Free Eating.
That is regardless of Walt Disney World needing to supply reductions to fill lodge rooms. Park attendance and lodge occupancy are each down. Executives have expressly acknowledged as a lot throughout earnings calls, and the corporate expects this ‘demand moderation’ to proceed into the primary half of 2025.
To handle this, Walt Disney World has been releasing extra reductions. They’re doing it out of necessity. That is one thing we’ve documented, and we’ve repeatedly identified that they’re pulling from the 2019 playbook for reductions. That 2019 playbook included Free Eating.
The elephant within the room is Epic Common opening down the highway at Common Orlando. There’s debate over whether or not this third gate will eat into Walt Disney World attendance or a “rising tide lifts all boats.”
That’s a separate dialog from lodge bookings. We absolutely count on Epic Universe to adversely impression Walt Disney World resort occupancy. That’s what actually issues with regards to the chance of Free Eating.
Common Orlando is already trying to push folks wanting to go to Epic Universe in the direction of trip packages (it labored on us!), and so they seem to have been fairly profitable at that. There are incentives for visitors to remain on-site to extra simply entry Epic Universe, and package deal costs are low cost as in comparison with WDW. Past that, Common Orlando has rolled out its personal ‘Free Eating’ provide for 2025.
Given all of this, we absolutely count on a second wave of Free Eating for dates which can be later in 2025.
The principle motive Walt Disney World wouldn’t but launch reductions for past August 2025 relate to resort occupancy numbers. The corporate is absolutely good at projecting lodge bookings, but it surely’s identical to a climate forecast–extra correct as dates draw nearer and fewer correct additional into the longer term. Walt Disney World solely needs to supply reductions as essential to fill lodge rooms, in order that they launch reductions in phases.
Probably the most dependable set of dates for Free Eating are normally in August to late September 2025. These dates are the slowest of the yr at Walt Disney World, and have been the commonest and constant for Free Eating. Anticipate a second wave of Free Eating to embody these dates throughout Fall 2025. It additionally would possibly embody parts of October, minus vacation weeks and fall break.
A scattering of November and/or December dates might be obtainable once more, and there’s more likely to be a stretch in December after (however not together with) the primary week and working till as late as December 20, 2025.
This rolling nature of Walt Disney World particular presents isn’t actually a prediction–it’s what occurs persistently yr in and yr out. The corporate sometimes releases its first batch of reductions in early January, subsequent set in late March or early April, and one other in the course of the summer time. Except for the early January launch, none of those dates are actually set in stone–they’ve been inconsistent in the previous few years.
Primarily based on current developments–when offers have been launched earlier–it might make sense for the following wave of Free Eating to be launched round April 8, 2025. We now have a low diploma of confidence in that date, although. If we glance again to prior years, anytime between March 18, 2025 and April 15, 2025 would make sense.
Traditionally, Free Eating has been launched in April greater than every other month, and the second wave of Free Eating was launched proper round then final yr. However, I wouldn’t wager in opposition to March. Walt Disney World has been releasing reductions sooner than regular and there’s the stress of Epic Universe.
Along with encompassing completely different date ranges, the following waves may provide completely different visitor eligibility. It’s potential future waves of Free Eating can be obtainable to most people–or solely Disney+ subscribers or Disney Visa Cardholders.
Clearly, that is solely a prediction–the precise dates and particulars of future waves of 2025 Free Eating may range somewhat or lot, and it’s fully potential that nothing is launched in any respect! However we extremely, extremely doubt it.
If something, the other is extra seemingly: that Walt Disney World releases a higher or extra aggressive model of Free Eating for its second wave. It’s fully potential there are three waves, with the second being supplied to most people for August and September 2025 journey dates, and a 3rd being focused at Disney+ subscribers or Disney Visa cardholders for October by means of December 2025 journey dates.
Once more, we wish to emphasize that that is not a rumor–it’s merely us analyzing resort bookings and previous precedent on reductions, and making an informed guess. August and September normally have one of the best reductions of the yr since demand is lowest, and we’d count on that to be doubly true within the yr when Epic Universe is opening at Common and nothing new is opening at Walt Disney World. October by means of December are normally busier, therefore the potential focusing on of Free Eating throughout these dates.
Disney additionally likes excessive ranges of per visitor spending numbers, and no different particular provide helps obtain these excessive per caps like Free Eating. Regardless of “free” being within the title, it’s an advantageous promo from Disney’s perspective as a result of it locks visitors into full-price lodges and tickets. It additionally retains visitors on-site for probably the most half, since they’ve “free” meals at Walt Disney World. No different low cost accomplishes all of those necessary targets for the corporate.
Both manner, can be intently monitoring the 2025 Free Eating scenario, protecting our ears open for extra information a few return of Free Eating. Ought to one thing–something–be launched or rumored, we’ll ship you an alert when you join our FREE Walt Disney World publication.
We’ve persistently notified electronic mail subscribers when Free Eating and different offers on the day they go dwell at ~6 or 7 a.m., which is a 2+ hour head begin on Disney’s official announcement at 9 am. That makes a enormous distinction when reserving Free Eating–you received’t have to attend on maintain for hours on the telephone.
Free Eating FAQ
Free Eating is Walt Disney World’s most complex promotion, and generally is a enormous headache to e-book. Between restricted availability and navigating a seas of guidelines and restrictions, it’s straightforward to make errors. This part of the submit covers the principles, phrases and circumstances, and insurance policies that typically govern the Free Eating promotion.
We all the time suggest that Walt Disney World first-timers (or regulars who simply don’t wish to cope with the trouble) request a FREE quote from Be Our Visitor Holidays, an Licensed Disney Journey Planner. Most legit journey brokers don’t cost for reserving Walt Disney World holidays (and also you don’t pay a premium for them–Disney pays them fee), in order that’s actually the simplest option to go.
With this particular provide, Walt Disney World visitors reserving trip packages with non-discounted resort lodges and park tickets obtain the DDP for every member of their celebration for no extra cost. For apparent causes (who doesn’t love free meals?!), the promotion is extremely common and a few resorts that supply free eating are likely to promote out rapidly.
Visitors reserving the Free Eating promotion for Worth or Average Resorts will obtain the Fast Service Disney Eating Plan, with visitors staying at Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resorts receiving the usual Disney Eating Plan.
There are some room exclusions for the Free Eating promo: 3-bedroom villas, campsites, Cabins at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Wilderness Lodge, Bungalows at Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, and Little Mermaid Rooms at Disney’s Artwork of Animation Resort.
These resorts and room tiers are all not eligible for Free Eating. Moreover, room stock is restricted throughout all resorts. In observe, which means that once you go to e-book, a selected class (commonplace view, backyard view, and so on.) might not be obtainable to your journey dates–or your journey dates might not be obtainable at a selected resort in any respect.
To make the most of Free Eating, there’s additionally the requirement that visitors buy tickets that embody both a minimal 4-day Park Hopper or the Park Hopper Plus choice. Moreover, a 4-night minimal keep is required with a most keep of fourteen nights.
This implies you may’t buy discounted Walt Disney World tickets from a licensed reseller, which we usually extremely suggest in our Walt Disney World journey planning recommendation. That is one thing to remember when doing the maths to find out if “Free Eating” is an effective worth for you.
In terms of Free Eating, doing the maths is extremely necessary. Different reductions (resembling a room-only low cost) is likely to be higher for your loved ones. Bear in mind, there is no such thing as a such factor as a free lunch; you will have forfeit an alternate low cost to qualify for Free Eating. We break down a number of the math in our “Is Free Eating Value It?” submit.
You probably have already booked a trip package deal with an arrival date that qualifies for Free Eating, we suggest utilizing the “modify reservation” hyperlink in your reserving to use the promotion to your package deal. That is the quickest and best option to apply the promotion.
You would possibly see different recommendation that recommends calling to e-book Free Eating. That is outdated. Should you name Walt Disney World’s reservation line, you’ll seemingly wait on maintain for an hour (or hours) till you’re in a position to converse to an agent. Reserving or modifying your reservation on-line is far faster and simpler.
Even when the net system crashes (which has occurred) or strikes slowly attributable to all of the visitors, it’s simpler to only preserve attempting on-line. Sadly, reserving on-line isn’t all the time potential and technical errors do occur…so that you may need to name and wait on maintain.
If you’re questioning which lodge to e-book for the Free Eating promotion, take a look at our new Finest Walt Disney World Resorts for Free Eating submit. It provides our most well-liked choice for every resort tier. Oh, and don’t overlook to make some ADRs for one of the best and hottest Walt Disney World eating places.
With this Free Eating provide, Worth and Average Resort visitors obtain the Fast Service Disney Eating Plan in the course of the promotion. Visitors at Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts obtain the usual Disney Eating Plan.
We extremely suggest making Advance Eating Reservations as quickly as potential. Sure, even earlier than Free Eating is obtainable, when you can. Everybody gobbles up the nice ADRs rapidly for Free Eating dates, so when you don’t e-book early, you can be caught consuming counter service or unpopular eating places throughout your journey.
To reply another frequent questions: sure, you will need to buy tickets with the provide even when you have already got them (or an Annual Cross). No, bookings made with Disney Trip Membership factors are usually not eligible for the provide. No, you can’t “stack” this provide with a percentage-off room low cost (at the least not within the U.S.). For these questioning about different Walt Disney World reductions, take a look at our Present Walt Disney World Low cost Presents submit for what’s presently obtainable.
For particulars about which tier of the Disney Eating Plan consists of or for suggestions about which eating places to e-book to maximise your use of the DDP, please see our complete Disney Eating Plan Overview Web page.
Notice that the Free Disney Eating Plan promotion is all the time based mostly upon arrival dates. For instance, if Free Eating runs June 27 to June 28 and also you arrive on June 28 and keep till July 5, you are eligible for Free Eating–despite the fact that it’s blocked out for July 5 arrivals. (You didn’t arrive on July 5 in that situation–you arrived in June.)
Nevertheless, if it’s supplied those self same dates and also you arrive on June 26 and keep for a similar dates, you are usually not eligible for Free Eating, despite the fact that extra of your keep falls throughout an “eligible” interval than the primary instance’s. The work-around for that is doing a cut up keep, with the ineligible arrival nights a part of one trip and a second trip beginning on the first legitimate “arrival” date and persevering with thereafter. Once more, arrival dates are what issues with Free Eating.
Within the part beneath, we have now historic Free Eating dates for the previous few years. The remainder of what follows is historic details about the Free Disney Eating Plan promotion…
Historic Info
The next just isn’t pertinent to present bookings, however we have now discovered that readers discover it helpful to have particulars about previous Free Eating promos when planning for the longer term and what to anticipate. Notice that the dates are fairly constant from yr to yr, with slight shifts for holidays, weekends, and particular occasions, or different issues that could be excluded from the Free Disney Eating Plan promotion.
Final yr, there was no early reserving window for Disney Visa cardholders, however there was an expanded date vary (see beneath). The 2 years earlier than, Disney Visa cardholders did have an early reserving window. Actual dates are listed beneath. Most years, most people is ready to e-book Free Eating packages 5 days after Disney Visa cardholders can e-book.
In years previous, Free Eating has been introduced in late April, with reserving opening first for Disney Visa bank card holders and most people just a few days later. The final couple of years, there was no early window for Disney Visa cardholders.
Listed below are the Walt Disney World Free Eating dates that had been obtainable from 2013-2020 for historic reference…
2025 Free Eating Dates:
- Might 27 by means of June 26
- July 7 by means of August 6
- ???
2024 Free Eating Dates:
- July 1 to September 30 (Disney+ Subscribers)
- July 1 to July 31 (Disney Visa)
- September 1 to September 7 (Disney Visa)
- December 9 to December 21 (Disney Visa)
2020 Free Eating Dates (Cancelled):
- June 27 by means of June 28
- July 5 by means of July 7
- August 29 by means of September 8
2019 Free Eating Dates:
- July 5 – September 30*
- September 1 by means of September 18**
- November 17 by means of November 27**
- December 8 by means of December 23**
*First and second wave of Free Eating
**Third wave of Free Eating
2018 Free Eating Dates:
- August 20* — September 29
- November 24 — 27
- December 7 — 23
*Disney Visa Cardholders may e-book for arrival dates starting August 2.
2017 Free Eating Dates:
- August 21* – September 30
- November 14 – 20
- November 25 – 27
- December 8 – 23
*Disney Visa Cardholders may e-book for arrival dates starting August 13.
2016 Free Eating Dates:
- August 23* by means of October 1
- November 15 by means of 21
- November 26 by means of 28
- December 10 by means of 21
*Disney Visa Cardholders may e-book for arrival dates starting August 14.
2015 Free Eating Dates:
- August 28 by means of October 2
- October 25 by means of October 31
- November 8 by means of November 19
- December 15 by means of December 21
2014 Free Eating Dates:
- August 31 – October 3
- October 26 – November 1
- November 9 – November 20
- December 12 – December 23
2013 Free Eating 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
Different Free Eating Posts & Assets
Should you plan on getting the Disney Eating Plan take a look at these different Walt Disney World posts:
Need extra eating ideas? Take a look at our 101 Scrumptious Walt Disney World Eating Suggestions. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Evaluations. Planning different facets of a Walt Disney World journey? Find out about lodges on our Walt Disney World Resorts Evaluations web page. To save cash on tickets or decide which sort to purchase, learn our Suggestions for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets submit. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys submit takes a singular take a look at intelligent gadgets to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Experience Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, one of the best place to start out is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for all the pieces it’s essential to know!
Your Ideas
Do you assume Free Eating can be launched once more in April 2025? Or will a rising tide elevate all ships and end in Walt Disney World not “needing” to get that aggressive with offers because of Epic Universe? Are you a fan of the “free” eating promotion? Have any ideas without cost eating rookies? Should you’ve booked Free Eating, what did you consider your expertise with the deal? Should you had been unable to get it, the place/when had been you unsuccessful? Tell us what you consider the promotion and whether or not you’re planning on making the most of it within the feedback!