Hello Eric!
Welcome back to the Disney Parks Moms Panel with a great question about Disney Dining Plans!
If you want to turn your visit to the Walt Disney World Resort into an all-inclusive experience, I highly recommend adding a Disney Dining Plan to your vacation package. I really appreciate not having to worry about our meals while we are enjoying the magic at the pleace where dreams com true!
Children 3 to 9 are welcome to order from a children’s menu where available when using a Disney Dining Plan. My personal experience traveling with my 7-year-old daughter is that she has not been allowed to choose a meal from adult menus. This is possible if you choose to pay for the adult meal out of pocket. Sometimes the opposite happens: adults ask servers if they may order from the kid’s menu, which may be allowed - I recommend talking to your server before placing your order. Please note, however, that adults cannot use children’s leftover entitlements to purchase meals on the Disney Dining Plan. The first time we used the Disney Dining Plan I paid out of pocket for my daughter at a Table-Service location so that I could have an extra credit to use for signature dining. I was then informed by our server that I could not combine one adult table-service entitlement and a child entitlement to pay for a meal.
Moms Panel tips: did you know that you can start booking your favorite restaurants up to 180 days in advance? Reservations are highly recommended and can be made online, using the My Disney Experience mobile app, or calling (407) 939-3463.
Thank you very much for stopping by! I hope this helps you plan magical dining adventures.
Best Disney wishes,
Thiana