Hi, Marycruz!
When you purchase the
Disney Dining Plan, each guest in your party will receive dining credits based on the number of nights of your stay. The Quick Service credits are the most flexible. When using Quick Service credits, you can share meals, and kids can order from the adult menu, so you can really maximize your use of these credits.
Table Service credits are a bit more structured. When using your table service credits (or paying out of pocket) there is a "no sharing" policy for all guests age 3 and older at all buffets, dinner shows, and family style dining. If ordering from a menu, kids age 3-9 must order from the kids menu if using child table service credits. At "a la carte" dining locations (ordering off a menu) what you can do is just order your child what he/she wants, such as a side of veggies and a milk and pay out of pocket. They can then nibble from your plate. Servers will not be able to split meals however, so do not plan on two small plates vs. one regular plate of food. When your bill comes, dining credits will be used for meals, then any add-ons will be totaled for you along with tax and gratuity. I do have to say that portions are really well planned, so most guests (my family included) find having a personal meal is just the right amount of food.
Paying out of pocket is always an option for any of your meals in lieu of using your dining credits. Just make sure you have it planned out so you do not leave your vacation with unused
dining credits. Make special note of your
snack credits, because leaving unused snacks would be so very sad - enjoy those snacks (and make a few of those my favorite - Mickey Ice Cream bars!)
Cathy