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Disney World Free Dining 2011

Travel Dates: August 28 – September 24, 2011

UPDATE August 3, 2011 – Walt Disney World has announced that free Disney dining has been released for many dates October, 2011 – March, 2012.

Walt Disney World has announced the “Free Dining” promotion for the seventh consecutive year. This offer was previously released for Disney VISA card holders only, however, that restriction has now been released, and it is available to anyone. With the “Free Dining” promotion, Disney resort guests who book a Magic Your Way package that includes both your Disney resort room and your Magic Your Way park passes, will receive one of the Disney Dining plan add-on for free for all guest three and older in their party. There are a few requirements:

  • You must book at least a three night stay, and your stay cannot be longer than 14 nights
  • You must include at least a two day Magic Your Way base ticket

Guests staying at a Disney World Value resort will receive the Quick Service Dining Plan for free. Guests will be able to upgrade to either the Disney Dining plan or the Deluxe Disney Dining plan by paying the price difference. To upgrade to the Disney Dining Plan, the increased cost will be $11 per adult night of your stay (there is no increase for kids 3 – 9). To upgrade to the Disney Deluxe Dining plan, guests will pay $44 per adult and $10 per child per night of your stay.

Guests staying at a Disney World Moderate, Deluxe or Disney Villa resort will receive the Disney Dining Plan included for free. Disney World guests at moderate, deluxe and villa resorts will also be able to book the “Free Dining”, and upgrade to the Disney Deluxe Dining for the normal price difference, which is $33 for adults and $10 for children three to nine.

Availability is extremely limited, and must be booked by August 27, 2011. It appears that all suites have been excluded from this offer, though all resorts, including value resorts are included (All-Star Family Suites are included).

Guests will also receive a 20 page Disney Photopass Photo Book included as part of their package at the special pre-order price of $99.95. The photo book must be included in the package, you cannot exclude it.

One thing to note that while the last date of travel is September 24, you will receive free dining for your entire stay, as long as you check in September 24 or before. As usual, this is subject to availability.

To book this special Disney World “Free Dining” vacation package, please contact our great sponsor Mouseketrips, and ask for the appropriate code:

  • VVG – Magic Your Way Quick Service Dining Plan (Value resorts only)
  • G2Y – Magic Your Way Disney Dining Plan (moderate, deluxe and villa resorts only)

 

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72 responses to “Disney World Free Dining 2011”

  1. Alvaro Avatar
    Alvaro

    I have a doubt: when you say “Guests will also receive a 20 page Disney Photopass Photo Book included as part of their package at the special pre-order price of $99.95.” what does it means? We are a family of 6 persons that are going to stay for 5 days…. how much does it cost for us?
    Thanks a lot!!

    Reply
  2. Keith Avatar
    Keith

    Alvaro – With this free dining offer, Disney requires you to purchase a 20 page Photopass book for $100 as part of the package in addition to everything else.

    The cost for your family is going to depend on how long you stay, where you stay, what you have included in your package, etc. Contact a Disney Travel agent, they will be able to get you prices and help you book your trip, we cannot. We suggest Mouseketrips.

    Reply
  3. Tina Avatar
    Tina

    I think it to bad that we can only travel from aug 15-25 an we miss the dining plan not reasonable at all

    Reply
    1. Keith Avatar
      Keith

      Tina – Free dining was available for your dates already, it expired back in December. Sorry you missed it, make sure you plan earlier next time.

      Reply
  4. michelle Avatar
    michelle

    if i book my vacation for november now and the free dining becomes available for that time frame after already booked will i be eligible for the savings or should i just wait to book the vacation?

    Reply
    1. Keith Avatar
      Keith

      Michelle – Yes, any future discount can be applied to an existing reservation, based on availability of course. Better yet, talk to a decent travel agent (we love Mouseketrips), have them help you out, and they will apply any new deals for you.

      Reply
  5. Tim Avatar
    Tim

    Keith – I know you cannot predict what Disney will do, but do you expect they will extend the Free Dining for later dates in 2011. We are planning a trip for Oct 1-8. We have done Free Dining in the past on these dates but haven’t seen anything yet. (Crosses fingers!)

    Reply
  6. Keith Avatar
    Keith

    Tim – No idea. I would say at this point it is very likely we will see free dining like we did in 2010, but only for a week here or there for October – December. Last year, that deal was not released until mid-August, so don’t expect anything too soon.

    Reply
  7. haida Avatar
    haida

    hey there.

    i am wondering?

    are you able to book the late summer discount room and the disney world free dining plan together?

    i am taking a group of 6 special needs young adults to disney world and I am trying to make the trip as cheap as possible.

    thanks for your info!

    Reply
  8. Keith Avatar
    Keith

    Haida – Nope, Disney does not allow you to combine discounts, you pick the best one for your party and run with it.

    I think they have now released 5 or 6 different deals for September, I think if you had been able to combine them all, Disney would owe you money for visiting.

    Reply
  9. Danielle Avatar
    Danielle

    Does Disney ever do a free dining promotion in January or February? We’re looking at going next September but thought about pushing it up to Jan/Feb. If they do usually have one in those months and something happens and they don’t offer this next year, will we be pentalized to move our vacation time back to September? Thanks!

    Reply
  10. Keith Avatar
    Keith

    Danielle – WDW did offer free dining in January for this year, but that was the only time I remember, it is rare. There are always discounts for January, just usually not free dining. If you book for January and don’t get the discount you want, you can move your reservation to later in the year, just do it more than 45 days before your check in date, and there won’t be a fee to change.

    Reply
  11. Jennifer Avatar
    Jennifer

    HI! This site is great. I am planning a trip for October 2012. I know you can’t predict if free dining will be offered for that month and year, but if it were to be offered, how far in advance would it be announced?

    Reply
    1. Keith Avatar
      Keith

      Jennifer – We haven’t seen discounts for October 2011 yet. Watch for those deals, that should give you an idea of when they may be released next year.

      Reply
  12. Jennifer Avatar
    Jennifer

    Will do! Thank you!

    Reply
  13. Jennifer Avatar
    Jennifer

    Hello, We just booked for April 21st 2012… just after Easter… what are the discounts Disney typicallyl puts on if any for that time of year. We went last Sept and got free dinning but I know thats not usually offered for April… just hopping we can get some promo… and do you know when they typically release spring promos?

    Reply
  14. Keith Avatar
    Keith

    Jennifer – Honestly, no idea, it changes year to year. For 2011 they offered a kids stay and play free and a room discount offer that I remember.

    We probably won’t see April discounts until late December or early January.

    Reply
  15. Michelle Avatar
    Michelle

    Keith – do you have any idea when the discounts for October will be out? We are going October 2, 2011 – October 7th or 8th … 🙂 Anxiously awaiting the opportunity to book our trip!!!!

    Reply
    1. Keith Avatar
      Keith

      Michelle – Last year, they started showing up the first week of July, hopefully we will see the same this year.

      No need to wait, just book now, any discount that is released can be applied to your existing reservation.

      Reply
  16. Tessa Darden Avatar
    Tessa Darden

    I am planning a trip December 18-22, 2011 and I know last year they offered the free dining around this same time. Do you think they are going to offer it again? When should I look to see if they will be offering it?

    Reply
  17. Keith Avatar
    Keith

    Tessa – Possible, we just don’t know at this point. They have offered it sparingly the last two Falls, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if they did again for 2011. We won’t know for sure until actual discounts are released though. For 2010, it was released in mid-August, I would expect the same timeframe for 2011.

    Reply
  18. Pamela Avatar
    Pamela

    Hi there – maybe you know this answer… I see you said “One thing to note that while the last date of travel is September 24, you will receive free dining for your entire stay, as long as you check in September 24 or before. As usual, this is subject to availability.” – does his also work for starting before August 28. So for example if I stay August 24-August 30, could I still get this package? Thank you! 🙂

    Reply
  19. Keith Avatar
    Keith

    Pamela – Nope. You must check in during the travel dates listed above. The first day you can check in and qualify would be August 28, anytime before that would put you outside the available dates, and you would not get free dining.

    Reply
  20. Pamela Avatar
    Pamela

    Thanks for your quick reply 🙂

    Reply
  21. brandy Avatar
    brandy

    if i check in on sept.23 an stay through oct.1 will my whole dinnin be free an the 23 too?

    Reply
  22. Keith Avatar
    Keith

    Brandy – “One thing to note that while the last date of travel is September 24, you will receive free dining for your entire stay, as long as you check in September 24 or before. ”

    So, yes, free dining for your entire stay as long as you check in September 24 or before. Dining is based on the number of nights you stay.

    Reply
  23. Tessa Avatar
    Tessa

    Do you know if there will be any specials for the month of December?

    Reply
    1. Keith Avatar
      Keith

      Tessa – Yes, should be, we just haven’t seen them yet. No idea if it will be free dining or something else, we will just have to wait and see. Probably a few more months.

      Reply
  24. Tessa Avatar
    Tessa

    Thanks for the information. Keeping my fingers crossed and hope they offer the free dining plan. We have used it for the past two years and it is a great savings. Do I keep checking on this everyday to see if it is available?

    Reply
  25. Keith Avatar
    Keith

    Tessa – Right above the comments, there is a spot that says “Want to receive instant updates of Disney discounts and news for free in your email inbox? ” Just put your email in there, you will receive updates via email for any new Disney discount.

    Reply
  26. fran Avatar
    fran

    When can I expect to see discount special for late April-May 2012

    Reply
    1. Keith Avatar
      Keith

      Fran – Probably not until early next year.

      Reply
  27. Emily Avatar
    Emily

    Keith –
    I am anxiously awaiting October deals for this year. I read previously that I should wait until July to see what will be released for October. I am hoping for free dining to be extended. If something isn’t released soon, do you think that Disney has decided not to give any October specials this year?

    Thanks.

    Reply
    1. Keith Avatar
      Keith

      Emily – For 2010, it was not extended until July 6, so we are a bit past the expected date, but Disney never sticks to any kind of calendar, discounts are released based on need, so at this point, they may still be focusing on August/September and October – December deals will just have to wait a bit.

      Reply
  28. Kristy Avatar
    Kristy

    I’m also looking for free dining for October 2011. My full balance is due soon, so I guess we may have to cancel.

    Reply
    1. Keith Avatar
      Keith

      Kristy – We should see October deals before you have to cancel, hoping to see them by the end of this month.

      Reply
  29. Tim Avatar
    Tim

    Keith-
    The Disney Destination email I received this month was still pushing the dining deal for August and September. I’m hoping for a Decemeber extension. Think they are still focused on August and September because of gas and travel prices impacting summer sales? If so, I would think they would have to consider October-December deals as well.

    Reply
  30. Keith Avatar
    Keith

    Tim – They are still pushing it as it is still available to book for another 6 weeks or so. I fully expect to see October – December deals released before this offer expires.

    Reply
  31. Carla Avatar
    Carla

    Hi-We had a wonderful time on our very first Disney World vacation this summer, so much so that we have decided to go back November 2012. Our oldest has autism and so we stayed at a resort on the monorail to be able to travel quickly as waiting long periods of time is very difficult for many autistic kids. We were lucky that we got 25% off our room. So my question is: Do you think a similar offer will be available for November 2012 and when should I start looking for it? Also if free dining is offered would it be a better choice to take the free dining or a % of a deluxe resort rate?

    Reply
  32. Keith Avatar
    Keith

    Carla – Yes, we will see discounts for November, 2012. We have yet to see them for November 2011, so that gives you an idea on timeframe. We usually see them right around this time of the year, so I would think next July would be when you should start watching.

    The best deals is going to depend on a few things. The ages of your kids, how many people you have going, etc. You just have to compare all deals released for your dates and take the best one. If one deal comes out, you take it, then just compare subsequent deals, you can always switch (based on availability of course).

    Reply
  33. RMW Avatar
    RMW

    Hi! So I have been hearing little bits here and there (discussion boards, of course) that Disney may not offer the free dining in 2012. Have you heard any rumors along those lines? Thanks for the good info.

    Reply
    1. Keith Avatar
      Keith

      RMW – I heard the same rumors last year, and they extended it. Honestly, I have been told by those inside of Disney that only about 5 people know what is going to happen, and their plans change daily. Typically, the information about future discounts is only released right before they are released to the public. At this point, no one really knows, we will just have to wait and see.

      Reply
  34. Tony Avatar
    Tony

    Hello,
    A few sites have been having rumors that tomorrow , Disney will extend the free dining on limited dates into December of this year. Any chance these could be true? Or is it very hush hush on Disneys end until the release, if they even do release it.

    Thanks in advance.

    Reply
  35. Keith Avatar
    Keith

    Tony – We do not comment or post rumors, and do not post information until actual discounts are released. It is rare that accurate information is released ahead of time, kind of a waste of our time to post everything that comes along. Plus, the last thing we want to do is get people excited about a possible discount that ends up not showing up.

    If a discount is released tomorrow, we will have all of the information on our site as soon as we can verify that the information is accurate.

    Reply
  36. Jennifer Avatar
    Jennifer

    Hello, So I am currently booked April 21, 2012 – April 28th .. I can find a decent flight for that time of year but before I book flight I need to make sure my Disney dates are firm…. Are we typically in reach of some discount… in the past are there discounts offered this time of year, after Easter?
    We went last Sept 2010 and was able to get free dinning… I am not necessarly waiting for that but hope to get something. Wasn’t sure if we had a better chance of hitting something in Late April or pushing it to May?

    Reply
  37. Keith Avatar
    Keith

    Jennifer – Yes, typically, there are discounts after Easter. Of course, Disney will release discounts if they think they are needed, so past deals don’t guarantee anything.

    Reply
  38. Tony Avatar
    Tony

    Hello, i called Disney this moring and the free dining is available for fall with blackout dates!!!
    Also 2012 dates!

    not offered if you book online. Has to be done over the phone!!
    Tony

    Reply
    1. Keith Avatar
      Keith

      Tony – Yes, info is up on the site here: Free Disney World Dining 2011 and 2012

      Reply
  39. Tom Avatar
    Tom

    Hello,

    Why is the free dining not available between March 18-23? Will that change? Thanks

    Reply
  40. Keith Avatar
    Keith

    Tom – Disney obviously feels that bookings for those dates don’t need the help of the free dining discount, so they are excluded. My guess is that there are a bunch of schools who have spring break then, or possibly there is a big youth competition at WDW those dates (cheerleading, etc). We may see different discounts for those dates, but not free dining.

    Reply
  41. Tom Avatar
    Tom

    Darn, had a feeling that was why. Do you think the Art of Animation value resort could open sooner than the 3/31 date?

    Reply
    1. Keith Avatar
      Keith

      Tom – Art of Animation is not schedule to open until May 31, 2012.

      Reply
  42. Tom Avatar
    Tom

    Ah, thanks for the answers Keith

    Reply
  43. elena Avatar
    elena

    I am booked in November and did receive the free dining package, I upgraded to the deluxe plan but now want to add grandma to the trip. . First, do I really need to upgrade (where do I find the food options for menu and quick service items) and will grandma recieve the free dining as well since it is now not offered?

    Reply
  44. Keith Avatar
    Keith

    Elena – Everyone in your room must be on the same dining plan. Yes, she will receive free dining, as long as there is space in your room to add another person.

    You can see information about all 2011 Dining plans here, along with brochures you can download which will list the options you are looking for:

    2011 Disney World Dining Plans

    Reply
  45. elena Avatar
    elena

    Thanks Keith but I have been trying to add Grandma to no avail. I booked through southwest vacationsand they are telling me they cannot add her. HELP!

    Reply
  46. Keith Avatar
    Keith

    Elena – Ah, sorry, nothing you can do. Southwest is a reseller, so you have to live by their rules.

    Reply
  47. Pat Avatar
    Pat

    We have reservations for Beach Club Villas staying 2/10/2012 -02/18/2012. Do we qualify for the free dining? Our villa is already booked

    Reply
  48. Keith Avatar
    Keith

    Pat – Most likely not:

    http://www.mousemisers.com/2011/disney-world-free-dining-2011-and-2012/

    Free dining starts February 11, so checking in the 10th would exclude you from getting it. Also, if you booked the villas using DVC points, you would be excluded as well, it is only available if you pay for the room along with park passes in a package. If you didn’t use points and just have a normal reservation, you may actually get a better deal with the room only discount:

    http://www.mousemisers.com/2011/2012-disney-world-winter-savings-discount/

    Reply
  49. Bracie House Avatar
    Bracie House

    Do you know if there will be any free dining for June or July 2012

    Reply
    1. Keith Avatar
      Keith

      Bracie – If there is, I will eat my hat. Summer deals are pretty rare as they are, and free dining is also super rare. I don’t expect free dining again until late August/September.

      Reply
  50. Kelli Avatar
    Kelli

    Hi Keith Does Disney “ususally do free dining in Sept/Oct?

    Reply
    1. Keith Avatar
      Keith

      Kelli – Disney has done free dining every September since the dining plans were originally introduced. That is not the case for October, it is kind of hit and miss, some years it is extended to cover October, some years it is not and others, like 2011, only a few dates during October were included.

      Reply
      1. Kelli Avatar
        Kelli

        Thanks for the response!

        Reply
  51. Michelle Avatar
    Michelle

    We are going on 2 -10 March, staying at Wyndham Resort, booked the Magic your way package. Am I correct in assuming that the free dinning is automatically included?

    Reply
    1. Keith Avatar
      Keith

      Michelle – That is a really, really bad assumption. The Disney dining plan is only available if you stay at a Disney Hotel, and the Wyndham is not a Disney hotel. Also, since it isn’t a Disney hotel, Disney discounts are not available there. Not only is it not included for free, you can’t even buy it.

      Also, discounts are never included automatically, the reservations must be booked that way or the discount added on later.

      Reply
  52. rich Avatar
    rich

    Will WDW offer free dining pass Sept 29, 2012
    My family is plan to go the first full week in Nov 2012
    Did WDW offer free dining in NOV 2011

    Tu rich

    Reply
    1. Keith Avatar
      Keith

      Rich – We do not know. At this point, we think it is possible it may be extended, just not probable. You will need to check back later in the summer to see what Disney offers for Fall dates.

      Reply
  53. Michelle Avatar
    Michelle

    Hi Keith–we have 5 in our family–2 adults and 3 children–1 8 year old and 5 year old twins. Last year we stayed at Port Orleans Riverside and we really enjoyed it. Wanted to try something new this year. What is your opinion about the cabins at Wilderness Lodge? Also, what resorts do you recommend for a family of 5? We are staying for 9 nights and taking advantage of the free dining in Aug and Sept.

    Thanks,
    Michelle

    Reply
    1. Keith Avatar
      Keith

      Michelle – Please note, the cabins are at Fort Wilderness, they ARE NOT at Wilderness Lodge, two totally different resorts. The cabins are nice, separate bedroom, full kitchen, living room, etc. Also, very quiet and peaceful. They are a bit of a pain in that they location isn’t the best, and access to the parks is probably the poorest on property.

      I really like Riverside, I would also consider two connecting rooms at a value resort, the cabins or possibly something like Beach Club or Yacht Club.

      Reply
  54. Sakura Avatar
    Sakura

    Hi Keith,

    I’m interested in visiting WDW in November or December, ONLY if they have free dining. Since it seems so hard to book these hotels during promotion, is it better to book the hotel now and then the discount can be added later? Also, I’m interested in staying 7 nights at a moderate hotel, but only 4-day Disney passes. When I booked online, the discount didn’t show (when I tried to book for Sept 2012). Thanks.

    Reply
    1. Keith Avatar
      Keith

      Sakura – We won’t know if the free dining will be extended for some time now, probably not until early August. I would suggest you book your room now, you can make any changes you want up until 45 days before travel, no problem applying future deals, as long as there is availability.

      Disney does not automatically discount rooms, you have to ask for the discount, either by calling in or by knowing where to go on their website. I strongly suggest you get in contact with a decent Disney travel agent, they will be able help you get exactly what you want at the best price (including future deals), and it won’t cost you a penny.

      Reply

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