With 2026 dates now available for cash bookings at Disney World, Disney Parks Blog recently announced the continuation of several perks in 2026, such as Early Theme Park Entry, Extended Evening Theme Park Hours, and complimentary access to a water park on check-in day. Perhaps the biggest news though is a new free Disney World Dining Plan offer for kids!
With this offer, guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel, including DVC resorts, will receive a free dining plan for kids ages 3 to 9 when purchasing a dining plan for the others in their travel party who are ages 10 and older.
Historically, such dining plan offers were only applicable to room-only cash stays, but in 2026, the free kids dining plan offer is available for DVC stays!
What Is the Disney Dining Plan?
The dining plan is a convenient way for guests to pay in advance for their meals and snacks. Some guests love that the dining plan gives the ease of an all-inclusive vacation.
There are two different types of dining plans for 2026. There is the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan for $55.53 per night for guests ages 10 and up (excluding taxes and fees) that includes 2 quick-service meals and a snack or non-alcoholic drink per night of stay. Then there is the Disney Dining Plan for $91.82 per night for guests ages 10 and up (excluding taxes and fees) that includes 1 quick-service meal, 1 table-service meal, and a snack or non-alcoholic drink per night of stay. Both plans include a resort-refillable drink mug.
How Can DVC Members Add the Dining Plan?
Member Services has confirmed via chat that DVC Members can add the free dining offer by calling Member Services or adding the plan online. When looking at the Member Dashboard online, Members can see the option to purchase the dining plan under Trip Options. The offer will automatically be applied to eligible, newly booked reservations. DVC Members can also add the plan to existing 2026 reservations at a later time.
Can the Dining Plan Offer Be Added to Rented DVC Reservations?
Yes, though the plan will need to be added by the DVC Member who booked the reservation.
Why Now?
In addition to competition from Epic Universe and the uncertain economic climate, Disney has recently been criticized for being too expensive for many families with young children, an audience that is often thought of as the prime demographic for Disney World. Offers like this free dining plan for kids are certainly a step in the right direction to make Disney World vacations more affordable for families.
In 2025, the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan is $24.71 per child per night of stay, and the Disney Dining Plan is $30.56 per child per night of stay before taxes and fees, so the free dining promotion represents a significant savings if you have children between the ages of 3 and 9 in your travel party!
Let us know in the comments: In light of this free dining plan promotion, will you be adding the dining plan to your 2026 DVC vacation?
