• On Mar 3, 2021
    Michele from NM Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Do children under 3 eat free at the buffet style restaurants or are they charged for a child’s plate?

    Hi, there!

     Welcome to planDisney, Michele. A Walt Disney World Resort vacation always makes for magical memories, but especially so with a little one in tow! Your heart will just melt as you watch your toddler experience the magic of Disney storytelling.

     I'm pleased to tell you that children under the age of 3 may eat for free at restaurants that feature an all-you-care-to-enjoy menu like Chef Mickey's and Garden Grill Restaurant. These dining locations serve family-style, meaning that shared platters will be brought to your table. Your little one is most welcome to share in all that yumminess at no charge! At restaurants with a traditional menu that features multiple entrée options, children under the age of 3 may share from an adult's plate at no charge, or order something from the children's menu and be charged for the cost of that entrée. My daughter was 2-years old when we last vacationed at the Walt Disney World Resort, so we were sure to take advantage of those all-you-care-to-enjoy opportunities where she could eat for free. Other times, she shared from our plates. There were a few times that we ordered her her own meal, and in those instances, we were able to take what she didn't finish with us to enjoy as a snack later on!

     I've found that my kids are more likely to sit through a meal if they're entertained at the table. Character Dining Experiences certainly do the trick! I love these unique meals because my kids can fill their bellies and wave to their favorite Disney Characters, all in one place. We also enjoy restaurants that have an entertaining atmosphere. Sanaa, at Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village, offers incredible views of African animals on the Sunset Savanna. At Coral Reef Restaurant at EPCOT, Guests have panoramic views of The Seas with Nemo & Friends!

     At this time, dining reservations can be made up to 60-days ahead of time. Fan-favorite restaurants like Chef Mickey's book to capacity quite quickly, so I recommend being prepared to make your dining reservations on that 60-day mark. Your online booking window will open at 6:00 AM, so be sure to set that alarm and have your coffee and your laptop ready to go!

     Thanks for stopping by planDisney, Michele. Please visit us again soon with any new questions you may have about your Walt Disney World Resort vacation! We'd love to help you plan a magical stay.

    Ashley
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Meet the Panelist: Ashley, Pennsylvania

Hi, there! I'm Ashley, and I have been a fan of all-things-Disney for as long as I can remember. My family and I enjoy sprinkling Disney magic into our everyday lives, but we most love making memories together on a Walt Disney World Resort vacation! The unique entertainment, fantastic dining, and incredible attractions completely immerse our family in the magic of Disney storytelling and keep us coming back to "The Most Magical Place on Earth" year after year.  Learn More About Ashley

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