Is this the future of FREE Dining at Disney?

Disney released a new FREE dining offer today for the summer travel season. While any FREE offer from Disney is better than no offer at all, the current incarnations are a pale shadow of the original FREE Dining deals which pulled the company through the economic down turn.

Over the past few years Disney has continually added to the requirements and restrictions for receiving their FREE Dining offer and in doing so, decreased the real savings of the promo. Initially limiting which resorts qualified for the offer, then increasing the number of nights required, and in this most recent year requiring the addition of a "Park Hopper" or "Water Parks and More" option.

It is no secret that this promo is one of Disney's most popular and one the company would love to discontinue. Rather than pulling FREE Dining all together, Disney has gradually made the offers less and less of a value to guests.

The current "Summer Meal Offer" from Walt Disney World is more of a FREE "meal" than a FREE "Dining Plan." Guest traveling on select date this summer can receive One FREE Quick-Service meal per person, per night. This promo could easily represent a savings of $50-$60 a day for a family of four taking full advantage of Disney's various dining options. Not a bad offer, but not a FREE "Dining Plan."

It is possible this promo is just a different option that Disney is making available and is not meant to be compared to a true FREE Dining offer. Gaging by the gradual transition we have seen over the past few years, however, you have to wonder if this is what the future of FREE Dining at Walt Disney World is going to look like.

What do you think? Is this the future of FREE Dining at Disney? Is FREE Dining still a value to your family, with all of the stipulations they have added? Are you still planning your trip around anticipated FREE Dining offers? Let us know.

For more information on all current offers available from Walt Disney World and beyond, check out the "Special Offers" section available from each of our preferred destinations.