Hey there, Amanda!
Welcome to planDisney, we are so happy to have you. It sounds like a huge Disney milestone has been met in your household. Your son is now an “adult” in terms of theme park tickets and the
Disney Dining Plan. My son also entered his tenth year this year, and that has been a big change. Luckily for us, it worked out food-wise because he naturally gravitates towards the adult options and portions. Until recently, I would use his child's credit, and he would use my adult credit or share off my plate when he was finished with his. When we visit, we usually go with the Quick-Service Dining Plan, so sometimes we just spread out our credits even more if we feel like it would be “too much” food. Which is something you could do!
Unfortunately, every guest listed on the
reservation will be booked with the same entitlements. So if you choose a Disney Dining Plan, your son will also receive one. And because of his age, his plan will be an adult plan. If your concern is too much food, the
Disney Quick-Service option would be my recommendation. It consists of 2 Quick-Service Meals per person, per night of stay, so you could spread those meals out and share throughout your stay. For example, each day of your visit, you will have a total of 4 Quick-Service meal credits (per night of stay). You could use one for breakfast, two at lunch, and one at dinner. Or arrange them however you want. That way, nothing goes to waste, and your son can enjoy a smaller portion by sharing. Plus, you can use your credits when and how you wish, so if you’re hungrier sooner, grab a meal!
This is usually what my family does, even with everyone having their entitlements. Sometimes the snacks in between meals leave us too full to enjoy a meal at the same time. So we just spread them out throughout the day and treat our meals as snacks among the four of us. It’s also a fun way to “try everything” during our stays.
Of course, you always have the option of opting out of the dining plan this visit and just ordering meals as you go, too. My family naturally leans into a dining plan because we love snacking and eating throughout the day. My husband won’t admit it, but the dining part is his favorite part of a Disney Vacation. While my little ones would rather spend their day experiencing all the
attractions.
Amanda, I hope I’ve helped answer your question and provided you with some options you could try. Have a great visit, and if there’s anything else we can help with, please don’t hesitate to ask!
See ya real soon,
Shantel