Hey there, Julie! I'm so glad you stopped by the Disney Parks Moms Panel with your question about the Disney Dining Plan.
If you have purchased the
Disney Dining Plan for your family, then children between the ages of three and nine will be able to use their meal entitlements by ordering from the children's menu. Of course, you are welcome to use some of your adult entitlements for them if they wish to order an adult meal. When my son was nine, occasionally he'd order from the regular menu at a quick service restaurant and I'd get something lighter from the children's menu. You can distribute the use of those credits among your travel party as you wish.
One way of making sure your children between the ages of three and nine can eat whatever they want from the offerings at a restaurant is to take them to one of the fabulous and delicious buffets on Walt Disney World Resort property. Then adults and children are each accessing exactly the same variety of food.
Boma - Flavors of Africa at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and
1900 Park Fare at Disney's Grand Floridan Resort & Spa are two of my favorites.
No distinction is made between children and adults with regard to snack credits so anyone can order any item designated by the square purple snack credit icon found on menus throughout Walt Disney World Resort. Searching for the best snacks on Disney property is one of my family's favorite pastimes.
Let us know if you have any additional questions about the Disney Dining Plan. I think you're going to enjoy its value and flexibility.
Best wishes,
Jill