Dear Jessica,
Thanks for reaching out to us here at the Disney Parks Moms Panel with your great question about the
Disney Dining Plan!
The good news is that the Dining Plan credits are distributed per resort hotel room and are based on the number of NIGHTS that you are staying, so for example if you have 4 people staying for 7 nights and you are on the regular Disney Dining Plan, you would have 28 Table-Service credits, 28 Quick-Service credits, and 54 Snack credits. If you are on the Quick-Service Dining Plan, you would have 54 Quick-Service credits and 54 Snack credits for the room for the 7 nights. Of course, each person gets a resort-refillable mug for the duration of your stay as well.
Even if one member of your party leaves early, the remaining credits will remain on your "tab" for the room. Any time that you get a check at a restaurant, you will see the number of all types of remaining dining credits, and that can help you keep track.
Moms Panel tip - Save those Snack credits and stay hydrated - get free ice water by asking politely at any Quick-Service counter. The Cast Members are happy to assist you!
Hope that helps!
- Jan K.