Hi, Patti!
Welcome back to the Disney Parks Moms Panel. I’m glad to hear you’d like to learn more about planning a vacation to The Happiest Place on Earth!
You don’t need dining reservations for every meal, as there are many great quick-service dining options throughout the resort. However, if you plan to enjoy any table-service or character dining meals at places like Blue Bayou, Carthay Circle Restaurant or Goofy’s Kitchen, I do recommend you make reservations to make the most of your time in the theme parks. Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance by calling Disney Dining at (714) 781-DINE (3463).
The dining plans available at the Disneyland Resort can be purchased as part of a Walt Disney Travel Company Vacation Package and are based on a pre-paid meal voucher system that is very different from the Disney Dining Plans available at Walt Disney World Resort. The meal or snack vouchers are redeemable at cafes, snack spots and restaurants throughout the Disneyland Resort, but the system is designed more for Guests’ convenience than significant money savings, which is often the goal of purchasing Walt Disney World’s dining plan. The Disneyland Resort’s plans don’t necessarily offer any savings and can actually cost more than buying a meal outright because change isn’t given when the price of the menu items is less than what the voucher is worth.
I hope this information helps, Patti, and that you enjoy a perfectly pixie-dusted Disneyland Resort visit in the near future! Please write back with any other questions you may have as your planning continues.
Wishing you magic,
Courtney