Hi Robin,
Welcome back to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! I am delighted to answer this
dining plan question for you!
It sounds like you have the
Disney Dining Plan. This is how the plans work. Once you check-in, all of your meal plan entitlements will be loaded onto your account. A cast member will also direct you to the location to pick up your resort refillable mugs. The number of meal entitlements you receive is calculated by night of stay. So, a family of four staying 6 nights on the Disney Dining Plan receives two meal entitlements per person 3-years old and over per night. That family would receive a total of 48 meal entitlements - 24 quick-service and 24 table-service. That same family of four would also receive 48 snack entitlements.
I always create a chart to map out our dining plans and the number of meal entitlements required for each meal so that we do not run out of meal entitlements by the end of the trip. We typically do dinner on the day we arrive, breakfast or lunch on the day we depart and the remaining meals on the days in between. Also be sure to verify the number of meal entitlements required at each restaurant. To do so, go to the restaurant's home page, click on the link that says "Some Dining Plans Accepted" and a popup menu should appear that indicates the number of entitlements required.
Robin, I also suggest, if you have not done so already, make advanced dining reservations. Character meals especially get booked quickly. We always make reservations for The Crystal Palace, Be Our Guest Restaurant, 'Ohana, Chef Mickey's, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, 1900 Park Fare and California Grill. I love dinner at 'Ohana during the Happily Ever After fireworks!
Magic, memories and Minnie Mouse hugs,
Donyell