Big news for families planning a 2026 trip to Walt Disney World — Disney just announced that kids ages 3 to 9 will be eligible for a FREE dining plan when booking select vacation packages next year! If you’ve been dreaming of Dole Whips, Mickey waffles, and character dining without the stress of watching your wallet, this could be your chance.
We’re breaking down exactly what’s included, how it works, and why it could be a game-changer for your next vacation — especially for families with young kids.
What’s the Deal?
Disney is offering a complimentary dining plan for kids ages 3 to 9 throughout all of 2026. To qualify, families must stay at one of Disney’s over 25 Resort hotels and purchase a vacation package that includes:
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Theme park tickets for each guest in the party
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A dining plan for guests ages 10 and up
Once that’s in place, kids on the reservation automatically receive their dining plan for free. This offer applies to both Quick-Service and standard Dining Plans, depending on what the adults in the group purchase.
Why This Matters: Huge Savings for Families
If you’ve used the Disney Dining Plan before, you know how quickly costs can add up — especially when dining with little ones. Currently, the cost of a child’s dining plan can average around $35 per night. Multiply that by several nights and a couple of kids, and you’re easily looking at $300 or more in savings.
And because dining is often one of the biggest vacation expenses outside of hotel and park tickets, this offer provides real value for families budgeting ahead.
Dining Plan Perks — What’s Included?
So what do kids actually get with the plan? Depending on the version you choose, a child’s Disney Dining Plan typically includes:
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1 quick-service meal, 1 table-service meal, and 1 snack per night
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Or, with the Quick-Service Plan: 2 quick-service meals and 1 snack per night
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A refillable resort mug for unlimited soft drinks, coffee, or tea at your hotel
The plan can be used at hundreds of participating locations across all four theme parks, Disney Springs, and the Disney Resort hotels. Whether your little one prefers a cheeseburger from Cosmic Ray’s or a Mickey-shaped waffle at ‘Ohana, you’ve got options.
Can I Combine It With Other Deals?
Yes! Disney confirmed that this kid-friendly free dining plan offer can be stacked with other select promotions. That means if a room discount or ticket offer is released later in the year for 2026 travel, it’s possible to bundle and save even more.
Just be sure to read the fine print on each offer as they roll out — and book early to get the best availability.
When Can I Book?
Bookings for 2026 Walt Disney World vacations open on April 22, 2025, for travel dates through October 31, 2026. If you’re eyeing a holiday visit in November or December, don’t worry — those dates will become available later.
If you’re ready to get ahead on planning, it’s a good idea to lock in your resort and travel dates early — especially if you’re hoping to score one of the more popular properties like Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort or Disney’s Art of Animation.
Planning Tips from the Disney Expert Team
Want to make the most of this deal? Here are a few tips from our team:
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Make dining reservations early: Even with the dining plan, popular spots like Cinderella’s Royal Table and Chef Mickey’s fill up fast.
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Track your credits: Use the My Disney Experience app to keep an eye on what you’ve used and what’s left.
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Don’t forget snacks: Some of the best treats in Disney World (Dole Whip, churros, cupcakes!) qualify as snack credits.
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Use character meals wisely: They’re pricier, so redeeming table-service credits here gives you more value.
Final Thoughts
The return of free dining for kids is one of the most exciting announcements for 2026 Disney World vacations — especially after years of limited promos. With Disney’s dining plans returning in full force and families looking for budget-friendly ways to visit the parks, this offer is a sweet way to save.
As always, stay tuned to How to Disney for the latest updates on 2026 planning tips, dining deals, and everything else you need to know to eat your way through Disney World like a pro.
The quickest way to boost attendance? Unwoke yourself and we will come back. Your free food cannot buy the souls of our children
Well you priced yourself out of my enjoyment level. The woke thing too needs to go. We just go to Universal and Sea World and have a good time
ha ha,,no such thing as something from disney that is FREE!,,no wonder why mickey is ALWAYS smiling & dancing,he can’t wait to get back to the cash room at the end of the day to count it.
theres mice and there is rats and this rodent has become out of control,,see ya rat boy!
This is perhaps a good deal for those with kids (as defined by Disney, being under 10), it is probably offset by increases in the cost of meals for the adults. And those of us whose kids are grown, but have been visiting WDW since they were toddlers, it is just pay the increased prices, accept the decline in quality, quantity, and service, and keep quiet about it. Those idiots who put the “WOKE” stamp on these changes have no idea what they are talking about. Disney, once upon a time, provided a big bang for your buck. But now, having gone all in on Capitalist Greed, they nickel and dime patrons at every turn. What were once freebies, now add significantly to the cost of a WDW vacation. What was once affordable is now ridiculously over priced. Capitalism will destroy this nation.