Hi Elizabeth,
Thank you for coming to the Disney Parks Moms Panel with your dining question. While visiting Walt Disney World, dining is one of my favorite things to do. I love trying new to me restaurants and also going to our favorite spots, too.
For children 3 years and under, they would not participate in the
Disney Dining Plan because they can eat for free in several cases. At
table service locations, where you order from a menu, little ones three and under can eat off an adults plate with no extra charge. The cast member can bring a small plate for this sharing. At
buffet locations, they may eat off the buffet at no extra charge. So, this is why they would not be included in the dining credits for the various Disney Dining Plans. However, if you do decide to order off a children's menu specifically for them, you will be charged for that meal. I have also found that my younger children will also share their menu selection with their younger (under 3 sibling), and of course there is no charge for this either.
I hope this clarifies the question for you. Have a magical vacation!
Bon Appetit,
~Allison L