Hi Dave,
Welcome back to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! Thank you for bringing this question to us. The Disney Dining Plans are one of my favorite topics to discuss - perhaps it is the delicious memories of food they inspire?
Currently,
Disney Dining Plan meal entitlements are non-transferable so you would not be able to use your plan to pay for another guest's dinner. The cast member who serves you will be able to deduct your meal from your dining plan and submit a separate bill for the other person who is not on the dining plan.
Also consider your dining venues carefully. Some locations require two Table-Service credits per person 3-years old and over on the dining plan. On a prior visit, I sent my girls to dine with another family member. Although we were on the Disney Dining Plan, I elected to pay for the girls' meals because the dining venue would have taken two Table-Service credits. It was more affordable for me to pay for that one meal out of pocket than to give up two meal credits per child for it.
To determine the number of meal credits a restaurant requires, find that restaurant on the
Dining List. Once you click on a specific restaurant, if the venue accepts dining plans, you will see an icon that says "Some Dining Plans Accepted." If you click on that icon, a pop-up window will appear that lets you know how many meal credits the restaurant requires.
As you consider your dining options, remember to make
Advanced Dining Reservations. Restaurants fill quickly. Reservations can be made 180 days in advance.
Happy Planning!
-Donyell