Hi Mary Jane,
You must be one cool grandma! I'm sure you and your grandchildren will have the adventure of a lifetime in June. I think you're really going to enjoy the flexibility and savings that come with the Disney Dining Plan. I definitely believe it is the most cost-effective way to feed a family at Walt Disney World.
You have selected the Disney Dining Plan my family typically uses while we are on vacation at Walt Disney World. In order to get the most out of this plan, look at
the list of amazing restaurants on property and plan where you wish to dine during your trip. Then, 180 days before your arrival, call (407) WDW-DINE to make reservations at the table service restaurants that have caught your eye. Popular restaurants book up quickly so calling early is a great idea.
If you find that you wish to dine at more table service restaurants than you have credits for, plan to pay out-of-pocket for the least expensive meals. For instance, if you have breakfast planned at a table service restaurant, it is likely that this will be one of your least expensive meals. Don't waste a Disney Dining Plan credit on this meal if there are other, more expensive meals that you can purchase with your credits instead.
Also, as your vacation progresses, be sure that you keep track of how many credits remain on your account. A tally of remaining credits will appear at the bottom of your dining receipts. You will certainly want to use them all before you return home because all credits not used before midnight on your last day will expire.
Let us know, Mary Jane, if there is any additional advice we could provide as you plan your magical Disney adventure. We'd be happy to help.
Jill