When we took our family to Disney World for the first time, we weren’t sure what to expect. My husband and I hadn’t been since we were kids in the 90s and were a little overwhelmed talking about Lightning Alley, Park Hopper tickets, and itineraries. But one aspect of planning a Disney vacation that makes perfect sense to us is the one thing we always tell people to do if they come to us for Disney planning advice – get a Disney Dining Plan. Now, Disney is bringing back its very popular free dining program on certain dates in 2025.
Beginning January 2, enjoy a free Disney Dining Plan with select 2025 Walt Disney World vacation packages. Free dining plans are available for three-night, three-day (minimum) non-discounted vacations between January 2 and February 10, 2025, as long as those vacation plans also include Disney World Resort accommodations and tickets with the Park Hopper option. The same free dining plan can also be added to most holidays booked between May 27 to June 26 and July 7 to August 6.
If you’ve never used a Disney Dining Plan, it’s pretty simple: You choose between a Quick Service Dining Plan (the less expensive option) and an Original Dining Plan. The former plan ensures that everyone in your party over the age of 3 (that is, everyone with a park ticket) gets two quick meals (think restaurants where you just walk up and order, no sit-down restaurants), a snack or non-alcoholic beverage, and a refillable resort mug, while the latter plan includes a quick meal, a table service meal (so a sit-down restaurant), a snack or non-alcoholic beverages, and a refillable resort mug. Food may roll in from day to day, so if you don’t get a table service meal one day, you’ll get two the next day.
My personal favorite hack? You can use leftover snack points from your meal plan to purchase snacks to take home at the gift shop. (My husband absolutely loves stocking up on those Disney Rice Krispies Treats.)
Learn more details about the resorts included in this free dining program and the parameters of the discount starting January 2nd. The resort you stay at will also determine the dining plan you get as part of your free dining plan.
But trust me, whether you’re a bunch of foodies or a kid who survives solely on chicken fingers and french fries, the Disney Dining Plan is worth it. It’s very easy to use and will take a lot of the mental load off of you during the holidays. No need to budget for meals or worry about what to eat for lunch—just use a meal plan. I promise, everyone will find something good to eat at Disney World.
