Hi Faith and welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel!
This is an excellent question as the
Disney Dining Plan can sometimes be a bit confusing. Your Disney Dining Plan starts the day you check-in and expires at midnight on the day you check-out. When and where you use your dining entitlements is completely up to you.
If you'd like to use your Disney Dining Plan on your check-in and check-out day, but not planning on heading into a park, not to worry! There are so many restaurants to choose from that are outside the parks. Disney Springs is a great place to use your dining entitlements with so many restaurants that participate in the plan. Whether you're looking for a Quick-Service restaurant or a Table-Service restaurant, there's something there that will satisfy everyone's taste buds. If you like pizza, I highly recommend
Blaze Fast-Fire'd Pizza where each pizza eater can customize their own pizza. This Quick-Service restaurant also has the best root beer soda in my opinion.
The Disney Dining Plan is accepted at every Walt Disney World Resort hotel as well! You'll find some of the best restaurants on property at a Disney Resort hotel, like
'Ohana at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, which is my personal favorite! This Table-Service restaurant is home to the delicious bread pudding a la mode. Drool!
Stop back by and visit if you'd like more restaurant recommendations either inside the parks or outside.
Have a magical day!
Leslie