Free Dining is already back at Walt Disney World with select dates returning this summer. For those unfamiliar Free Dining is a regular promotion Disney has throughout the year to book hotels during quieter times. Its when qualifying guests get a Disney Dining Plan included in the price of their stay. Dining Plan tiers are based on what hotel you stay at. Not all plans include dining at table service restaurants. However, meal credits can be used outside of the hotels and in most restaurants around Walt Disney World. Including the parks and Disney Springs. The best Free Dining restaurants offer an elevated experience without costing an extra meal credit.
Some fine dining and signature restaurants cost an extra meal credit which means you have to get creative with your snack credits or pay extra out of pocket to make the plan work. In other cases, you will find a gem of a restaurant that only costs 1 meal credit. Surprisingly, buffets (even character buffets usually only cost 1 credit. So, they tend to be a very good value on the plan. Aside from that, these are the best free dining restaurants to try when you visit Walt Disney World this summer.
Storybook Dining with Snow White
At Wilderness Lodge, the signature dining restaurant Artist Point has been transformed into an enchanted forest. It’s now a one of a kind Snow Shite themed dining experience. The table service restaurant serves an exciting menu inspired by the film.
Plus, it offers character interactions with Snow White, the evil queen, and Dopey. It’s one of Disney’s most immersive dining experiences with a strong cohesive narrative that ranks it high among the best free dining restaurants in Walt Disney World.
The Wave of American Flavors
At the Contemporary resort, there are some fantastic meal choices. The two credit California Grill is well worth it, and Chef Mickey’s is one of the best character dining options, but among the best free dining restaurants is the lesser-known but high-quality experience at The Wave… of American Flavors. This tucked-away restaurant is only one meal credit but it serves up amazing food as well as a high-value breakfast buffet that surpasses Chef Mickey’s in quality.
Originally found at: https://wdwnews.com/
Coral Reef
This restaurant in Epcot is both highly rated and underrated. Most people in Epcot understandably want to dine at the World Showcase, but they are missing out on some Future World gems. One of our favorite places that is consistently good is Coral Reef at the Seas Pavilion. The food quality, service, and atmosphere come together for an elevated, one-of-a-kind dining experience with an excellent view of the aquarium.
Originally found at: https://wdwnews.com/
Art Smith’s Homecomin’
At Disney Springs you will find a plethora of excellent dining locations, especially on the Landing. There is dining for everybody from families with young kids to couples on a date night. Some restaurants will not include the Disney dining plan, while others will cost you the dining extra credit, but one of the best free dining restaurants, Art Smith’s Homecomin’, is consistently good and more than worth the one meal credit. If you love southern cookin’ and a warm atmosphere, this is the place for you.
Sanaa
Animal Kingdom Lodge is not easy to get to unless you are staying there. it is a little bit cut off from the rest of Walt Disney World. However, it is a beautiful resort and worth making time for. There is a wide variety of cultural experiences, animal viewing areas and some of the best dining at Walt Disney World. Like the Contemporary, Animal Kingdom Lodge has an excellent signature dining restaurant that is worth the 2 meal credits and a fantastic buffet that only costs 1. However, the best value is Sanaa at the Kidani village, which only costs 1 credit and is just as full of flavor. You also get a view of the animals grazing on the savannah.
William D Holland says
Don’t look now,, my friend, but we are almost into March, and that means spring approaches. Warmer temperatures, longer days….HOORAY!
Happy Thursday, Janine!
Janine says
Bill, I am seriously so happy it is almost March and spring ahead now. So, couldn’t agree more and Happy Thursday to you, as well now 🙂
Jen says
I want to do all of these dining experiences! We loved our visit to Disney last week. DisneyWorld next someday!
Janine says
Aw, so happy to hear that your Disneyland trip was a success and fingers crossed you can do Disney World soon, too now 🙂
Dara says
We’ve never done the free dining promotion. The Snow White meal looks so cool!
Janine says
Dara, I have experienced the Storybook Dining with Snow White twice now and loved it both times. So, if you can try that one out, I couldn’t recommend it more 🙂
Seana Turner says
Wow – what a terrific option. I didn’t know such a thing even existed. Since the food portion of your vacation can represent a hefty sum, this is a wonderful alternative to consider. Thanks for sharing!
Janine says
Happy to share and yes, Free Dining is such an awesome opportunity to be able to use if you can when traveling to Disney World.
Tamara says
Sanaa is near Boma, right? We ate at Boma last year and it was SO GOOD. My dream is to have breakfast there. I don’t even know why it was so good.
Anyway, when we stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge, we’ll try Sanaa too!
Janine says
Technically yes as they are both in the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Never had breakfast there myself, but have heard really good things about it. But my favorite breakfast by far is O’hana at Disney’s Polynesian – the scrambled eggs are seriously the best I have had!! 🙂
Kristi Campbell says
You have the BEST Disney updates. Thanks for this Janine. We’re going to Disneyland California and Universal Studios there for my son’s spring break in a month! Squeeee! It’s different between the two – Florida and Cali though… we are renting a car to go to Universal there because it’s like an hour away. Anyway, can’t wait to get back to Disney Florida and bookmarked this (again with the updates). xo
Janine says
Aw, so excited for you for Spring Break and cannot wait to hear all about it!! And always happy to share Disney World help here for when you need, too 🙂