Moms, dads, Disney adults — listen up! Disney just dropped some major news, and if you’ve got kids under 10, you’re gonna want to pay attention.
In 2026, Walt Disney World is giving away free dining plans for kids — yes, FREE — and it could save families hundreds on their next magical vacation.
Here’s what they didn’t scream in the headline — and exactly how you can cash in.
Free Food for the Littles? Believe It.
Starting April 22, families can book 2026 Walt Disney World vacations and score complimentary dining plans for every child aged 3 to 9, as long as the adults in the group are on a dining plan too.
That’s right — no extra cost, no hidden fees. Book a Disney Resort hotel, add park tickets and a dining plan for the grown-ups, and boom — the kids eat for free.
You’ve got over 25 hotels to choose from, so whether you’re all about that Deluxe life or rolling with Value vibes, you’re in.
Why It’s a Big Deal (Like, Huge)
Let’s break this down: The average cost of a kid’s dining plan? Around $35 a night. Multiply that by five nights and a couple of hungry kiddos? You’re staring down close to $300 in free food — just for doing what you were probably planning to do anyway.
And with Disney prices being what they are these days (hello, $6 churros), every dollar saved is another Mickey bar you don’t have to feel guilty about.
Oh, and Disney confirmed you can combine this with other 2026 promos when they roll out. So if they drop a room discount or ticket deal later? You might double dip. Score.
So What’s the Catch?
Not many, actually — but you do have to:
-
Stay at a Disney-owned hotel
-
Buy a vacation package with park tickets
-
Add a dining plan for guests ages 10 and up
The freebie only applies to kids 3–9, and babies under 3 still don’t qualify (though they can usually share plates for free). November and December 2026 bookings aren’t open yet either — those will come later.
Here’s Why People Still Love the Dining Plan
Some folks swear by it, some skip it — but if you’ve got kids, it makes life easier. The dining plans give you prepaid credits for meals and snacks, which means no stressing about every burger, pretzel, or Dole Whip on the bill.
You can use the credits at hundreds of spots across Disney World, from quick bites at Magic Kingdom to big-time table-service spots like Chef Mickey’s or the ever-popular character breakfasts.
And for picky eaters? There are more kid-friendly options than ever: mac and cheese, chicken nuggets, Mickey waffles, pizza, fruit, fries — you name it, they’ve got it.
Get Ready to Book (Or Miss Out)
Bookings for 2026 open April 22, but if you wait too long, you might miss out on the best resort picks and dates.
Even if you’re still planning a 2025 trip, Disney’s got hotel + ticket deals running now — so whether you’re going next year or waiting for the 2026 promo, the time to lock it in is now.
Free dining for kids? You don’t see that every year. And in Disney speak, this is basically a Black Friday deal that lasts all year.
You’ve been warned.
