Hi Judy,
Thank you for stopping by the Disney Parks Moms Panel with your question. My family and I love the
Disney Dining Plan, there is so much flexibility that comes with your plan it really offers the best options for experiencing the best dining at Walt Disney World Resort.
With the Disney Dining Plan, each guest is given a number of credits based on how many nights you are staying. These credits become active at check-in and expire at midnight on the night you checkout. During your stay you are free to use these credits however you wish, whenever you want. You are also able to use some credits while using cash for the other if you choose, during your dining experience. My family and I usually add a few extra Table-Service Meals during our stay and have to pay our of pocket for these extras. All you need to do is tell the Cast Member that you are planning on paying out of pocket for the meals that you do not have enough credits for, and the Cast Member will calculate your cheque accordingly. We have also used our Disney Dining Plan to pay for one meal and paid out of pocket for the others during the same sitting, it was quick and easy.
The only way that you cannot split dining credits are at Signature Dining Locations where you need two credits for one meal. Disney cannot use one credit and then have a guest pay the difference for the second dining credit for the same meal, it gets too complicated.
I hope you have a fantastic time at Walt Disney World Resort, Judy. Please let us know if you have any other questions, we are always happy to help.