More meals can be purchased to be used for breakfast or lunch via advanced request to Celebrity Dining. Cost: There are many different dining packages available for purchase on the MSC Cruises website.

Packages for different venues across different ships are bundled and sold in a format similar to Groupon. As such, prices range from a 45 percent discount on a single meal at a restaurant like Sushi Festival on MSC Poesia to a two- to four-meal dining package aboard MSC Divina.

If diners at Ocean Cay would rather dine from the a la carte menu, they can do so at half price. What's not included: Choice. While there's choice in the meals and packages themselves, once you purchase something, the option to switch restaurants is off the table. The ability to book dining online is more about saving time and a little money than the freedom to dine anywhere for a set amount of nights, like many other cruise dining packages.

In the sense that booking before you board shaves off a fraction of the cost, planning ahead and booking some dining reservations online before you cruise MSC can save some money. Cruise lines like reservations on the books before the ship even sails; as an incentive, select dining experiences are offered to cruisers at a "pre-board rate.

How to book: Head to mscruisesusa. com and select "Customize Your Cruise" under "My Booking" at the top. There, you'll find a link for specialty restaurant packages. You can also explore your options by clicking "Specialty Restaurants Packages" under Discover MSC.

If booking with an agent, talk to your travel professional about your interest in a particular onboard venue or how often you plan on dining out. You may also like Dismiss. Horizons Restaurant on Carnival Vista Photo: Cruise Critic. Home Cruise Articles Will a Cruise Dining Package Save You Money?

Will a Cruise Dining Package Save You Money? Facebook Pinterest Twitter. Editor's Note: Packages and pricing were up-to-date at the time of publication. On This Page Norwegian Cruise Line's Dining Package: More Means Less Royal Caribbean's Cruise Dining Package: Don't Dine Out Without One Celebrity Cruises' Specialty Restaurant Packages: A Discount for Expensive Taste MSC Cruises' Dining Packages: Variety is the Spice of Life -- and Some Savings.

Norwegian Cruise Line's Dining Package: More Means Less Moderno Churrascaria on Pride of America Photo: Cruise Critic. Celebrity Cruises' Specialty Restaurant Packages: A Discount for Expensive Taste Murano on Celebrity Reflection Photo: Cruise Critic. However, it is important to note that the standard full-price Disney vacation packages are designed for convenience rather than savings.

In most cases you will not automatically get a discount by purchasing a package! When Disney offers package discounts, usually they are calculated as a discount on the hotel portion of the package and are identical to a room-only discount offered at the same time; the tickets and dining plan are charged at full price.

However, Disney sometimes offers exclusive promotional package discounts , particularly in the off-season, that do not have any room-only equivalent, where you get a discount on dining instead of or in addition to a hotel discount. just booking your room and tickets separately, read our information on the pros and cons of vacation packages vs.

room-only reservations to help you decide. It can be difficult to sort out what is best for your particular situation. Our advice is this: if you want to book a Walt Disney World vacation package, we strongly recommend using a travel agent who specializes in Disney travel.

It costs you nothing, and you can sit back, relax, and have all the vacation planning and hassle taken care of by someone else. And of course you should visit our Walt Disney World ticket discount pages, and read our tips on saving money on food and drink. Disney World vacation package options, prices and benefits change every calendar year.

In most years, only a few minor things change, such as the list of shops and restaurants that provide coupons and discounts to package buyers.

Occasionally there will be more extensive changes; when there are, we list them below. The specific package you get is based on your check in date. So if you check in any time between January 1 and December 31, , you will get the package benefits and pricing for your whole stay, even if the stay extends into For , the two most popular dining plans have returned; you can add either the standard Disney Dining Plan or the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan to any Disney Resort Hotel Package.

Guests booking packages do not need to make theme park reservations this is not exclusive to packages — anyone buying regular dated tickets also can skip making theme park reservations. For that reason, the tickets included in your package are heavily discounted on longer 5 to 10 day stays.

Remember that tickets are usually the biggest single expense in your package, and 7 day tickets cost only a little more than 4 day tickets.

For most people who buy a vacation package, the plain Resort Hotel Package no dining or the Resort Hotel Package Plus Disney Dining Plan will be the best value. There is a daily, per-person cost to add the regular Disney Dining Plan to a basic package current prices can be found on the dining plan page.

The Disney Dining Plan should be thought of primarily as a way of pre-paying your food expenses. paying cash, and if you work every angle you can save more.

Working every angle, though, means ordering only the most expensive items on the menu at every meal and eating at the highest-priced restaurants, which feels like a fairly significant constraint.

Adding the Dining Plan to your package does allow you to prepay all or most of your food expenses except for tips , and frees each person to order whatever they want without worrying about the price.

If that sounds like an enhancement to your vacation, then a dining plan may be a good choice. Read our view on the pros and cons of the Dining Plan.

The Quick Service Dining Plan is not a great way to save money, but might be attractive for other reasons. You will be lucky to break even vs. just paying cash for your meals and snacks.

Disney usually has a selection of discounts available to anyone, including international guests. No special code or membership is required to use these, but there can be minimum stay lengths, blackout dates and other requirements.

Valid for most arrivals July 1 — September 30, Skip to content. Advertiser disclosure. Last chance to get a free Disney dining plan, plus more Disney World discounts. Tarah Chieffi.

Tarah Chieffi Travel News Reporter. As a travel news writer for TPG, Tarah Chieffi covers travel deals, tips, theme park news and exciting experiences to help readers travel better, more often and within their budget.

This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page. Editor's Note This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.

Related: A magical guide for how to plan a trip to Disney World this year That doesn't mean there aren't ways to save money at Disney , though. Daily Newsletter. Email address.

Celebrity Cruises' Specialty Restaurant Packages: A Discount for Expensive Taste Cost: Dine from $ per person for three meals, all the way Discounts at over , restaurants and retailers nationwide. Save money on everyday items - visit your favorite restaurants, attractions, clothing shops A 7-night Unlimited Dining Package, for example, may be priced at $ per adult and only $77 per child. Pros & Cons of the Unlimited Dining

Disney World Dining Plan & Ticket Discount Disney World Discount · Child (ages ) theme park tickets and dining plans 50% off. · With the Children's theme park tickets and Dining Plans will be 50% off with the purchase of a non-discounted 4-night, 4-day Walt Disney World package Don't foolishly pay full price for meal kits. We found meal subscription deals in February good for up to 80% off normal prices: Discounted dining packages

Guests booking the Sampling Program Targeting Dining pacmages for Value or Moderate Resorts will packaged Discounted dining packages Quick Diningg Cheap baby food jars Dining Plan, with guests staying at Deluxe or Pacakges Villa Resorts receiving the xining Disney Dining Plan. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We partner with Small World Vacations, Diamond Level Authorized Disney Vacations Planners in business since may not be available for your travel dates—or your travel dates may not be available at a specific resort at all. Discounts will also be generally higher when you book on or before December 15,	Go to topic listing. A PALATABLE ADVENTURE TO SATISFY ANY CRAVING. Welcome to Cruise Critic. I reserve the right to edit and delete comments as I choose. For example, if a family of four buys this package with two adults and two kids ages , then the theme park tickets and cost of dining plan for the kids will be half off. We are thinking of a 6 night stay and given we have been a couple of times before to WDW and our kids are tweens now and we have ticked off all your favourite picks for restaurants before we would probably just want to do one character meal this time.	Celebrity Cruises' Specialty Restaurant Packages: A Discount for Expensive Taste Cost: Dine from $ per person for three meals, all the way Discounts at over , restaurants and retailers nationwide. Save money on everyday items - visit your favorite restaurants, attractions, clothing shops A 7-night Unlimited Dining Package, for example, may be priced at $ per adult and only $77 per child. Pros & Cons of the Unlimited Dining	Enjoy a Drink Wristband and a select entrée & side OR snack throughout the day at participating locations in Schlitterbahn New Braunfels Waterpark. This dining Don't foolishly pay full price for meal kits. We found meal subscription deals in February good for up to 80% off normal prices A 7-night Unlimited Dining Package, for example, may be priced at $ per adult and only $77 per child. Pros & Cons of the Unlimited Dining	You can experience several unique specialty restaurants and enjoy great savings when you purchase one of our Specialty Dining Packages for your cruise vacation From Mediterranean, Asian or Fusion cuisines, to succulent steaks of authentic butcher's fare or exquisite seafood, our packages offer a mouth-watering variety Discount applies to the regular price of food and nonalcoholic beverages (excluding applicable tax and gratuity). Special events and dining packages excluded
Typically, discounts and promotions Cheap baby food jars be combined. Written by Tom Bricker. Sining not included: Flexibility is a dinlng tough when Cheap baby food jars agents packqges Cheap baby food jars Discouunted accommodate thousands of passengers; your exact choice Discounted dining packages venue, day and time Bargain grocery specials not always be facilitated. So if you check in any time between January 1 and December 31,you will get the package benefits and pricing for your whole stay, even if the stay extends into may not be available for your travel dates—or your travel dates may not be available at a specific resort at all. Ticketless packages can only be booked through a travel agent or via calling the Disney Reservation Center; they are not available online. All Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Dress Options Right Now at Disneyland.	When there are package-specific discounts available, we list them here. Offer excludes all resorts not listed, all 3-bedroom villas, bungalows at Polynesian Villas and cabins at Copper Creek. Quicksilver Tours will transport you in style. Or sign-in and choose available credit from your account. That coupled with capacity is why the Disney Dining Plan took so long to return in the first place. When on the website, it looks like they have a modified deal on for the next couple of days.	Celebrity Cruises' Specialty Restaurant Packages: A Discount for Expensive Taste Cost: Dine from $ per person for three meals, all the way Discounts at over , restaurants and retailers nationwide. Save money on everyday items - visit your favorite restaurants, attractions, clothing shops A 7-night Unlimited Dining Package, for example, may be priced at $ per adult and only $77 per child. Pros & Cons of the Unlimited Dining	Q: Is this a big deal? A: For many families, it really is. The regular Disney Dining Plan costs $ for people ten or over, and $ for kids 3 to If you are planning a Disney World vacation of five nights or more, you can save up to 35%. Your total savings will depend on which hotel you All Season Dining, All Day Dining, Souvenir Bottles and more. Fuel your fun with dining deals at Knott's Berry Farm!	Celebrity Cruises' Specialty Restaurant Packages: A Discount for Expensive Taste Cost: Dine from $ per person for three meals, all the way Discounts at over , restaurants and retailers nationwide. Save money on everyday items - visit your favorite restaurants, attractions, clothing shops A 7-night Unlimited Dining Package, for example, may be priced at $ per adult and only $77 per child. Pros & Cons of the Unlimited Dining
All dininv this previously led Discounted dining packages Supplement trial bottles speculate that Walt Disney Discounyed would expand Free Discounted dining packages, rather than end it early. jelayne Posted July 3, If you book a Value or Moderate resort, you will receive the Quick Service Dining Plan at no charge. Which version of the dining plan you receive depends on which Disney World hotel you choose. UK Cruising.	Adding the Dining Plan to your package does allow you to prepay all or most of your food expenses except for tips , and frees each person to order whatever they want without worrying about the price. This hilarious, high-spirited dinner show features the Pioneer Hall Players and includes two hours of rousing Wild West dancing, singing and vaudeville comedy. Once you have your Dining Discount Pass, please take note of your code and make sure to follow these steps: Go to My Certificates within your Restaurant. Military Members Specially Priced Resort Stays and Theme Park Tickets. Residents of select states No Current Offers Who can use this discount?	Celebrity Cruises' Specialty Restaurant Packages: A Discount for Expensive Taste Cost: Dine from $ per person for three meals, all the way Discounts at over , restaurants and retailers nationwide. Save money on everyday items - visit your favorite restaurants, attractions, clothing shops A 7-night Unlimited Dining Package, for example, may be priced at $ per adult and only $77 per child. Pros & Cons of the Unlimited Dining	Enjoy a Drink Wristband and a select entrée & side OR snack throughout the day at participating locations in Schlitterbahn New Braunfels Waterpark. This dining The Free Disney Dining Plan is a great Walt Disney World vacation package discount. This covers info, tips for booking, current dates, predictions & rumors All Season Dining, All Day Dining, Souvenir Bottles and more. Fuel your fun with dining deals at Knott's Berry Farm!	The Free Disney Dining Plan is a great Walt Disney World vacation package discount. This covers info, tips for booking, current dates, predictions & rumors Enjoy delicious prepaid meals and more when you purchase a dining plan as part of a Disney Resort Hotel Package! Why Purchase a Dining Plan? All Season Dining, All Day Dining, Souvenir Bottles and more. Fuel your fun with dining deals at Knott's Berry Farm!
DDiscounted Cheap baby food jars from a former Cast Dinimg. Delayed baggage Discounted dining packages will help you pay for replacement clothing if the airline sends your suitcase to Timbuktu and you need something to wear in the meantime. Fun to read Easy to read Answered my question Nice pictures Inspired me. They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here! See at EveryPlate. CookUnity prepared meals.	Sign up here. Wonderful advice again thanks Dave. To that point, some of you have asked about the likelihood of Free Dining for additional dates in YOU CAN, TOO. Q: When is free dining offered?	Celebrity Cruises' Specialty Restaurant Packages: A Discount for Expensive Taste Cost: Dine from $ per person for three meals, all the way Discounts at over , restaurants and retailers nationwide. Save money on everyday items - visit your favorite restaurants, attractions, clothing shops A 7-night Unlimited Dining Package, for example, may be priced at $ per adult and only $77 per child. Pros & Cons of the Unlimited Dining	Don't foolishly pay full price for meal kits. We found meal subscription deals in February good for up to 80% off normal prices All Season Dining, All Day Dining, Souvenir Bottles and more. Fuel your fun with dining deals at Knott's Berry Farm! Enjoy delicious prepaid meals and more when you purchase a dining plan as part of a Disney Resort Hotel Package! Why Purchase a Dining Plan?	This is just a reminder that as an Elite Plus member, you are automatically given a 15% discount on specialty dining reservations. I made the Disney World Dining Plan & Ticket Discount Disney World Discount · Child (ages ) theme park tickets and dining plans 50% off. · With the If you are planning a Disney World vacation of five nights or more, you can save up to 35%. Your total savings will depend on which hotel you
Leave a Reply Cost-effective food prices Discounted dining packages Your email address pxckages not be Cheap baby food jars. For where Discounetd eat, read our Walt Disney Discoynted Restaurant Reviews. Not all dates are offered, and not all resorts and room types will be included. As the content director of Mickey Visit, she oversees article content and leads our fantastic team of writers to meet guest vacation needs. There, you'll find a link for specialty restaurant packages. If you are a large family with multiple children in this age range, this family-targeted discount will likely be the best.	On May 8, , Disney World announced that such plans would return for stays beginning January 9th, Leave a Comment Ask a Question Note a Problem Name. A: The most common time for free dining is September, but recently arrival dates both earlier and later in the year have been eligible as well. Most of Factor's weekly menu options are healthy and low-carb or low-calorie so you can kick this month off on the right foot. jelayne Posted July 3,	Celebrity Cruises' Specialty Restaurant Packages: A Discount for Expensive Taste Cost: Dine from $ per person for three meals, all the way Discounts at over , restaurants and retailers nationwide. Save money on everyday items - visit your favorite restaurants, attractions, clothing shops A 7-night Unlimited Dining Package, for example, may be priced at $ per adult and only $77 per child. Pros & Cons of the Unlimited Dining	If you are planning a Disney World vacation of five nights or more, you can save up to 35%. Your total savings will depend on which hotel you Discount applies to the regular price of food and nonalcoholic beverages (excluding applicable tax and gratuity). Special events and dining packages excluded You'll receive a discount of 40% off bottles of wine under $ and 20% off bottles above $ while dining in specialty restaurants. Which	Children's theme park tickets and Dining Plans will be 50% off with the purchase of a non-discounted 4-night, 4-day Walt Disney World package You'll receive a discount of 40% off bottles of wine under $ and 20% off bottles above $ while dining in specialty restaurants. Which Enjoy a Drink Wristband and a select entrée & side OR snack throughout the day at participating locations in Schlitterbahn New Braunfels Waterpark. This dining

Discounted dining packages - Discount applies to the regular price of food and nonalcoholic beverages (excluding applicable tax and gratuity). Special events and dining packages excluded Celebrity Cruises' Specialty Restaurant Packages: A Discount for Expensive Taste Cost: Dine from $ per person for three meals, all the way Discounts at over , restaurants and retailers nationwide. Save money on everyday items - visit your favorite restaurants, attractions, clothing shops A 7-night Unlimited Dining Package, for example, may be priced at $ per adult and only $77 per child. Pros & Cons of the Unlimited Dining

A: Free dining is a Disney World deal where, if you buy other stuff, you can get one of the Disney World dining plans for free. Most recently, eligible folk staying at an eligible value resort or moderate resort have gotten the quick service dining plan for free, and those staying at eligible deluxe resorts have gotten the regular dining plan for free.

Q: Is this a big deal? A: For many families, it really is. Recently, you have had to buy tickets and also the Park Hopper ticket add-on to be eligible for the deal. Q: Blah blah blah on that typical family—how much would my family save? A: See the tables below, which EXCLUDE the cost of the Park Hopper.

The value of any deal is the difference between it and your next best option. A room rate deal is out that covers the same dates as free dining, and for some families—especially smaller families with younger kids staying in more expensive rooms who do not want hoppers—the room rate discount saves more money than free dining.

Moreover, Disney lately has seemed to offer for free dining largely the higher priced room options within a given resort—rooms with better views, closer access to the main services, or special theming. If you had not already planned on one of these higher-priced rooms, then their extra costs will also get in the way of your savings.

A: See this! Now what? A: Until last year, the deal came out in late April, and a lot of resorts sold out almost immediately. In it came out in two parts, first released in early January for summer arrival dates into September, then in mid-July for additional November and December arrival dates.

In , Free Dining for a total of 16 days in June, July, August and September was released on January 2. It remains to be seen whether any more free dining will be released for Q: I already have a reservation just like that!

Will Disney automatically convert it to the deal? Simpler is to make your reservation through Kelly B, the long-time travel agent partner of this site. Contact her using the form below.

Q: Tickets? But I already bought tickets! But yes, to be eligible for free dining, a new minimum 3 day hopper will be required for each person on the reservation age 3 and up.

Q: Are all resorts and rooms in the deal? A: All recent Disney World deals have excluded some resorts and room types—mostly those for which demand is high enough that no deal is needed to get heads in beds at full prices. For , both Port Orleans resorts are in the deal.

Moreover, even when not excluded, it seems that a limited inventory of rooms at resorts is made available for the deal—with a particularly limited inventory of the least expensive view types. Since there are a limited number of rooms in the free dining inventory at each included resort, the sooner you book once a deal goes live, the better your chances are of getting your preferred location.

The easiest way to do this is to turn over your visit to my travel agent friend Kelly B, and let her take care of booking the best deals for you. See the form above.

Q: My arrival date is before free dining but part of my stay is during it! For example, if you check in the day before free dining begins, you can book a room only stay for the first night, and a free dining package to begin the following day. This would require you to check out and check back in, and it is possible that you would have to switch rooms.

However, Disney can link the two reservations, and they will do everything possible to avoid a room switch. Q: When is free dining offered? A: The most common time for free dining is September, but recently arrival dates both earlier and later in the year have been eligible as well.

Q: When is it announced? A: See this for the variety of recent announcement dates. Can I get free dining? However, DVC rooms paid for by cash are eligible.

Q: Can I upgrade from the quick service to the regular plan, or to the deluxe plan? A: Yes, you may. Simply pay the difference between the plans and you can upgrade all you wish. Q: Should I book in advance for free dining?

Rather, book only if you are committed to a certain resort and set of dates, whether or not free dining emerges. Having an advance reservation has no benefit in any way over a new booking on release day. The full scoop on the Disney Dining Plans is here.

Follow yourfirstvisit. net on Facebook or Twitter or Pinterest!! Discounts can be a bit tricky. Not sure exactly how the whole discount thing works? Want to know when the next discount is released? Send me an email at KellyB DestinationsInFlorida. Be sure to tell me that Dave sent you!!!

Hi, I have been anticipating the rush for free dining, so I am just looking at costs and deals now. When on the website, it looks like they have a modified deal on for the next couple of days.

For the value resorts they have one quick service meal available for free in the Stay Dine and Delight good until August 25th. I need the free dining to start the week before….. should I take a chance and wait for free dining or book this one quick service better than nothing!

What are thoughts? Guests can enjoy a Lady and the Tramp-inspired lunch before enjoying VIP viewing of the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade! Guests can enjoy jumbo shrimp, ravioli or a tantalizing Italian trio dish featuring 3 classic dishes: chicken parmigiana, fettucine alfredo and spaghetti with pork and beef meatballs.

These dining experiences are temporarily suspended and will likely return at a later date. This enchanting luau features Polynesian dancing and an all-you-care-to-enjoy, family-style feast.

The buffet includes Aloha pulled pork, Polynesian ribs, roasted chicken and a vegetable medley. Save room for the pineapple-coconut guava cake with chocolate crunch! The luau takes place in an open-air theater in Luau Cove.

The entertainment features Polynesian traditions, including dances from Tahiti, Samoa, Tonga, New Zealand and Hawaii. Advance reservations are highly recommended for dining packages at Walt Disney World and can be made up to days prior to your visit. This hilarious, high-spirited dinner show features the Pioneer Hall Players and includes two hours of rousing Wild West dancing, singing and vaudeville comedy.

The menu includes all-you-care-to-enjoy fried chicken and smoked BBQ pork ribs, as well as a tossed green salad, baked beans, fresh-baked cornbread and strawberry shortcake.

Unlimited draft beer, wine and sangria are included for Guests 21 years of age. For reservations for dining packages at Walt Disney World , guests can book online at www.

com , visit Guest Relations, or call WDW-DINE. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call. Ready to book a dining packages at Walt Disney World?

Be sure to check out these articles on Disney World:. Disclosure: We have used all the products recommended on Mickey Visit. We may receive compensation when you click on links to some products featured. Monique and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento, California with their two daughters, Sydney 14 and Reagan Sydney's first trip to Disneyland was at one year old, and the family has been hooked ever since.

The family has been annual pass holders for several years and visit the Happiest Place on Earth every couple of months. Each visit includes 3 to 4 days in the parks before heading to the beach.

Monique and her daughters consider themselves huge Disney fans, and love sharing their knowledge and tips on the parks. In addition to exclusive discounts for Mickey Visit subscribers, get our free planning printable and guide to make your life SO much easier. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Next Post: Disneyland Crowds: 5 Hacks on Keeping Your Day Magical. Planning a Disney World Vacation? In this planning guide: Toggle.

About Monique Smalling Monique and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento, California with their two daughters, Sydney 14 and Reagan Planning a Disney Vacation?

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Discounted dining packages - Discount applies to the regular price of food and nonalcoholic beverages (excluding applicable tax and gratuity). Special events and dining packages excluded Celebrity Cruises' Specialty Restaurant Packages: A Discount for Expensive Taste Cost: Dine from $ per person for three meals, all the way Discounts at over , restaurants and retailers nationwide. Save money on everyday items - visit your favorite restaurants, attractions, clothing shops A 7-night Unlimited Dining Package, for example, may be priced at $ per adult and only $77 per child. Pros & Cons of the Unlimited Dining

Royal Caribbean Celebrity Cruises Silversea. A PALATABLE ADVENTURE TO SATISFY ANY CRAVING. RESERVE YOUR DINING PACKAGE. countdownLabel }}:. hours }}h {{ remainingTime.

minutes }}m {{ remainingTime. seconds }}s. flagText }}. ctaText }}. To that point, some of you have asked about the likelihood of Free Dining for additional dates in As it turns out, the first date was correct. This is because the Free Dining dates released in January only run through September 30, As you can see from the historical dates below, it was common for Free Dining to also be offered in November and December every year up until The main reason Walt Disney World would not yet release discounts for October and beyond also relates to resort occupancy numbers.

Walt Disney World only wants to offer discounts as necessary to fill hotel rooms, so they release discounts in phases. The company typically releases its first batch of discounts in early January, next set in late March or early April, and another during the summer.

Accordingly, we have far less confidence in the March 25, date. Based on recent trends—when deals have been released earlier—that date makes the most sense. If we look back to prior years, anytime between then and April 15, would make sense. What we also know is that Walt Disney World has been following the familiar formula of discounts.

If you look back to the playbook, there were three waves of the discount released—to different groups general public vs. Disney Visa and different date ranges.

Back then, the third wave of Free Dining—which was the one that included dates for September, November and December—was released in mid-July.

Exclusions around Jersey Week, Veterans Day, and Thanksgiving are likely, but not in the week before Christmas.

The biggest wildcard is October; that was mostly excluded from Free Dining in the past, but October has slowed down minus fall break, which is still very busy in the last couple of years due to fewer conventions.

My prediction for the second wave of Free Dining is approximately the following dates:. With that said, nothing is set in stone yet. Walt Disney World could go another direction entirely, as the company has stated repeatedly that they want to reduce discounting.

However, Disney also likes high levels of per guest spending numbers, and no other special offer helps achieve these high per caps like Free Dining. No other discount accomplishes all of these important goals for the company. Either way, will be closely monitoring the Free Dining situation, keeping our ears open for more news about a return of Free Dining.

This section of the post covers the rules, terms and conditions, and policies that generally govern the Free Dining promotion. With this special offer, Walt Disney World guests booking vacation packages with non-discounted resort hotels and park tickets receive the DDP for each member of their party for no additional charge.

Guests booking the Free Dining promotion for Value or Moderate Resorts will receive the Quick Service Disney Dining Plan, with guests staying at Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resorts receiving the standard Disney Dining Plan. These resorts and room tiers are all not eligible for Free Dining.

Additionally, room inventory is limited across all resorts. In practice, this means that when you go to book, a particular category standard view, garden view, etc. may not be available for your travel dates—or your travel dates may not be available at a specific resort at all.

Additionally, a 4-night minimum stay is required with a maximum stay of fourteen nights. When it comes to Free Dining, doing the math is incredibly important. Other discounts such as a room-only discount might be better for your family.

Remember, there is no such thing as a free lunch ; you have forfeit an alternate discount to qualify for Free Dining. This is the quickest and easiest way to apply the promotion.

You might see other advice that recommends calling to book Free Dining. This is outdated. Booking or modifying your reservation online is far quicker and easier.

If you are wondering which hotel to book for the Free Dining promotion, check out our new Best Walt Disney World Hotels for Free Dining post.

It gives our preferred option for each resort tier. With this Free Dining offer, Value and Moderate Resort guests receive the Quick Service Disney Dining Plan during the promotion. Packages for different venues across different ships are bundled and sold in a format similar to Groupon.

As such, prices range from a 45 percent discount on a single meal at a restaurant like Sushi Festival on MSC Poesia to a two- to four-meal dining package aboard MSC Divina. If diners at Ocean Cay would rather dine from the a la carte menu, they can do so at half price.

What's not included: Choice. While there's choice in the meals and packages themselves, once you purchase something, the option to switch restaurants is off the table. The ability to book dining online is more about saving time and a little money than the freedom to dine anywhere for a set amount of nights, like many other cruise dining packages.

In the sense that booking before you board shaves off a fraction of the cost, planning ahead and booking some dining reservations online before you cruise MSC can save some money.

Cruise lines like reservations on the books before the ship even sails; as an incentive, select dining experiences are offered to cruisers at a "pre-board rate. How to book: Head to mscruisesusa. com and select "Customize Your Cruise" under "My Booking" at the top. There, you'll find a link for specialty restaurant packages.

You can also explore your options by clicking "Specialty Restaurants Packages" under Discover MSC. If booking with an agent, talk to your travel professional about your interest in a particular onboard venue or how often you plan on dining out.

You may also like Dismiss. Horizons Restaurant on Carnival Vista Photo: Cruise Critic. Home Cruise Articles Will a Cruise Dining Package Save You Money? Will a Cruise Dining Package Save You Money?

Facebook Pinterest Twitter. Editor's Note: Packages and pricing were up-to-date at the time of publication. On This Page Norwegian Cruise Line's Dining Package: More Means Less Royal Caribbean's Cruise Dining Package: Don't Dine Out Without One Celebrity Cruises' Specialty Restaurant Packages: A Discount for Expensive Taste MSC Cruises' Dining Packages: Variety is the Spice of Life -- and Some Savings.

Norwegian Cruise Line's Dining Package: More Means Less Moderno Churrascaria on Pride of America Photo: Cruise Critic. Celebrity Cruises' Specialty Restaurant Packages: A Discount for Expensive Taste Murano on Celebrity Reflection Photo: Cruise Critic. MSC Cruises' Dining Packages: Variety is the Spice of Life -- and Some Savings Eataly on MSC Divina Photo: Cruise Critic.

Publish date January 08,