As we enter 2020, people are starting to think about their 2021 Disney World holiday. 2021 is a special year because it's Magic Kingdom's 50th anniversary. Those celebrations might begin on or around October 1st (as Magic Kingdom opened October 1st, 1971), and if you paid attention to the free dining plan that was released in 2019 for 2020, you can see that Disney might have been warming up for this.
In recent years, the Disney free dining offer is introduced, but does get reduced in some ways each year. Luckily us Brits do get a pretty good deal compared the free dining offer Americans get which is quite a bit more restrictive. The free dining for 2020 (released 2019) was a little more restricted for us though, as some room types and resorts were completely excluded. What frustrated people the most about it though, is that the free dining didn't include October and beyond, which it did in previous years.
Sadly, don't expect that to change if Disney continue to offer this deal.
I said it then and I'll say it again now. That October change was likely Disney's way of breaking us in with the fact that it could be the same for 2021, due to the 50th anniversary celebration. We've seen quite a few people waiting and holding off their trips to be there for that.
While many people are cautiously optimistic free dining will continue, some people are coming to terms with the fact a year could arrive where it no longer gets offered. I don't think we're there yet though. I have no insider information so can only speculate, but cutting it off would likely lose too many families from the UK. I think it'll gradually get more and more restricted as the years go by. The parks appear to be quite crowded (if you haven't noticed). Of course, Disney being a luxury endeavour, if any economic downturn arrives (like a recession of pandemic), holidays are the first to get cut from people's budget, and its in those you can get some good deals. But don't hope or wish for either of those.
On the plus side to the 50th celebrations, I think it increases hope. That's because just like they did with offers in the summer before Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opened, they're going to want to incentivise people to come before the big celebrations begin, too. Otherwise it's going to be quiet summer (infectious diseases notwithstanding).
All Disneyland Paris packages bookings made by 2nd April 2023 will receive a FREE crossing with P&O Ferries when you arrive between 1st April and 30th September 2023.
Benefits of Coming by C... Read more >
The 30th anniversary continues... and the magic is shining brighter than ever! It's time to dream bigger, laugh louder and smile wider as the 30th Anniversary continues until the 30th September, ... Read more >
Disney PhotoPass has announced a new "Video Memories" feature built into the My Disney Experience app. It takes your PhotoPass photos and creates videos for you to share. Video Memories is availa... Read more >
Disney has announced that on May 14th, 2023, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall at EPCOT will resume serving breakfast and lunch. The princess meet & greet restaurant reopened for dinner at the end of 2... Read more >
Can you claim a Blue Light Card (NHS) discount on your Disneyland Paris holiday? Yes, you can! However, you must book your Disneyland Paris package through the Walt Disney Travel Company UK (bet... Read more >
Do Walt Disney World offer a Blue Light Card (NHS) discount? Yes, they do! If you book your Walt Disney World package through the Walt Disney Travel Company UK (better known as Disney Holidays) ... Read more >
Starting today March 20th, guests who purchase Genie+ will receive the ability to save attraction photos at no additional charge for that day. However, the news isn't that exciting for Brits as M... Read more >
As previously announced, TRON soft openings begin today March 20th through April 2nd. Guests must use a virtual queue to get an opportunity to experience the attraction, or they can purchase a Li... Read more >
Disneyland Paris has announced that AVIS has come become their Official Partner in the Car Rental category for the next 5 years. Avis is a leading global rental car provider, with four distinct b... Read more >
TRON - the newest attraction at the Magic Kingdom - fully opens April 4th. However, guests who are at the Magic Kingdom between March 20th and April 2nd will get the opportunity to ride early dur... Read more >