Hi Melissa,
I definitely like to start my Walt Disney World Resort vacations just like you...as early as possible! In my house, no matter how early we get up to head to the airport, there is nothing but excitement and adrenaline running when our departure day arrives.
Melissa, you will certainly be able start using your
Disney Dining Plan credits as soon as you check in to your
Walt Disney World Resort hotel. Even if your room is not ready, you will still be able to access your Disney Dining Plan credits from a tap of your
MagicBand. In fact, upon check in, you will have access to all dining credits allocated to each guest in your party for the entire duration of your stay. You can use the credits whenever you wish up until midnight on the day of check out. There is no minimum or maximum number of dining credits which you have to use on any given day.
While you can use your dining credits from the day of check in until the day of departure, remember that each guest's daily dining credit entitlement is based on the number of nights you will be staying. Therefore, while you will be able to use your dining credits up until midnight on your day of check out, you will not receive a daily dining credit entitlement for the day of check out.
Remember that
Disney dining reservations can be made as early as 180 days prior to your day of check in. I encourage you to book early as many popular restaurants fill up quickly.
Should you have any other questions about the Disney Dining Plan, or anything else, please be sure to let us know. We are here to help!
Bon Appétit!
Trish