Hi Michelle! The Disney Dining Plan can seem a little confusing, but once you use it, I think you'll find it's super easy! On the regular plan, for each night of your trip, you'll receive one counter-service, one table-service, and one snack credit. You can use your table-service credit to dine at any of the sit-down restaurants, including character meals. A handful of the fancier, more expensive table-service restaurants are designated as "Signature Restaurants," and a meal at one of them costs two table-service credits. Click
here to see a list of all the restaurants where you can use your Disney Dining Plan.
Cinderella's Royal Table is a signature restaurant requiring two table-service credits, but all the other character meals cost only one credit. If you are paying out-of-pocket, dinner is more expensive than breakfast at a character meal, but on the Dining Plan, both meals will cost you the same, generally one table-service credit. If you want to get the most bang for your buck, use your credits to pay for dinner rather than breakfast.
Hope you have a wonderful time this December! If you have more questions, please don't hesitate to visit us again at the Moms Panel!