Though it may not initially seem like it, Disney parks have truly come into their own in recent years as a real food lover’s paradise. If you count yourself as one of the many who love eating their way around the Disney parks and resorts, there are some big changes taking effect right now you should know about.

For June's dining update, character dining returns to a popular restaurant at EPCOT, a new lounge inspired by an upcoming sequel comes to Disney's Hollywood Studios for a few weeks, a much-loved restaurant reopens after refurbishment, plus Disney Springs foodies can get free food and free money thanks to a new deal and an upcoming special event! Check it out: 

1. 2024 Disney Dining Plans are now available to book for guests with confirmed hotel stays 

If you're excited about the return of the Disney Dining Plan on January 9, 2024, there's good news! Both the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan and the Disney Dining Plan are available to book now for guests with confirmed stays in 2024.

Guests purchasing the Standard Dining Plan can expect to spend $94.28 per adult, per day and $29.69 per child (ages 3 to 9), per day. The Quick Service Dining Plan is a little more affordable and will cost $57.01 per adult, per day, and $23.83 per child (ages 3 to 9), per day. These price changes are much higher for adults, which reflects the higher cost of food at the resort since the last time the Dining Plan was offered in 2020. You can learn more about the Disney Dining Plan's return here.

2. Disney Springs Flavors of Florida event introduces free workshops with celebrity chefs

Disney Springs is bringing back its annual Flavors of Florida culinary event on July 1, and once again guests will be able to sample dishes from over 30 restaurants all around Disney Springs that are uniquely inspired by the sunshine state. However, new this year will be free workshops led by Disney Springs celebrity chefs like Art Smith, Jose Andres, and Master Sommelier George Miliotes. These workshops will include cooking demonstrations by these famous chefs, and many will include free food for attendees as well! 

The culinary demonstrations will be held on select days at Waterview Park (located near the Boathouse restaurant) and registration for the demonstrations is required since space will be very limited. Information about how to register will be included in the event guide, which will be available when Flavors of Florida begins next week. This special event runs through August 13. 

3. Trattoria al Forno reopens at Disney's BoardWalk Resort after exterior refurbishment 

After closing earlier this year for exterior improvements, Trattoria al Forno (and its nearby Pizza Window) have reopened at Disney's BoardWalk Resort. Because the improvements during this closure were on the outside of the building, all menus and interior decor remain the same. The restaurant is now open daily for breakfast from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM and for dinner from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. 

4. The Edison and Morimoto Asia giving away free $35 gift cards for a limited time with purchase

It's not often that restaurants give out free money, but two Disney Springs eateries are doing just that this summer. Guests who buy a $100 gift card from either the Edison or Morimoto Asia, will get a $35 bonus egift card free. This offer ends on June 30th, but the gift cards are valid until August 31, meaning you can use the bonus gift card (and the original one you purchased) either together at once or on a return trip! Gift cards can be purchased on each restaurant's respective website.