Infant and toddler meeting with Chef Mickey; mother
  • On Aug 22, 2026
    John from NJ Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    We have the Disney dining plan. We have a 6,4,2, and newborn. How doesbuffet work for the two litttle ones that aren’t technically on the plan. I just want to make sure I have the right info. For buffet are they allowed to get their own food and drink?

    Bon appétit, John, and welcome to planDisney! Your Walt Disney World Resort visit is hours away, so tie a napkin 'round your neck and prepare to discuss delectable dining plans for your family. Course by course, one by one, we'll find answers to your questions.

    You're correct that guests under 3 cannot be added to your dining plan, but the good news is that most buffets allow those wee ones to enjoy their own plate of goodies. I chatted with a friendly Cast Member who said many restaurants will offer them milk or juice, but that policy varies by location. Feel free to ask your server for details when you arrive, and I feel certain they will do all they can to make your kiddos feel more like Beauty than the Beast!

    This typically holds true for family-style dining experiences like Garden Grill Restaurant. Servers bring main dishes and sides as needed, and Mickey's youngest guests can eat to their hearts' content. For table-service locations where you'll order from a menu, adults are welcome to share their meals with toddlers, but you might be asked to order a drink separately. 

    The key to a magical experience is to ask your server at each location how the dining plan will work with your toddlers. Since policies vary by restaurant, you'll know what to expect before placing your order. In my experience, I've never left a Disney restaurant hungry; I think you're going to have a fantastic time!

    Before I let you go, I wanted to share that the planDisney website has several helpful videos for families with little ones. My main tip is to check out the Baby Care Centers when you need a moment out of the theme park hustle and bustle. These oases offer quiet spots for toddlers to decompress, and you can purchase essentials like diapers there, too. 

    John, I hope you try the Grey Stuff this week...figuratively and literally! Like Lumiere, we only live to serve here at planDisney, so you can be our guest anytime. 

    Magic awaits,
    Elaine
thumbnail image for Elaine

Meet the Panelist: Elaine, Florida

Bright Suns! I'm Elaine, a retired teacher dividing my time between my home state of Kentucky and the Sunshine State. I married my college sweetheart, and now that our only son is grown, we are exploring the empty-nest life. My family has been visiting Walt Disney World Resort for over 25 years, so if you have questions about adult-only visits, plant-based meals, thrill attractions, and Florida-resident perks, I'm here for you in full Force. Like Yoda would say, "Trips, we will plan!" Learn More About Elaine

Related Video

  • thumbnail image for Tour of Baby Care Centers at Walt Disney World

Didn't find what you were looking for? Click the Ask a Question button to open the Ask a Question dialogue box. If you are not logged in a dialogue box will appear to signin in order to ask a question.

To submit your question, please log in now if you have not already done so.

Ask a QuestionOpens the Ask a Question dialog box.
x

Update Browser

For a better experience browsing this website, please download an updated version of Internet Explorer.


Or you can continue browsing without updating.