Hi Robin,
Thank you for sending your question to the Disney Parks Moms Panel. There are a few changes to the 2018
Disney Dining Plan, I am glad to see you are doing some research before leaving!
In terms of your Disney Dining Plan entitlements, they will become available to you and your party once you check in and they will expire at midnight of the night you checkout. So in other words you have all day on the day you checkout to use the remainder of your Disney Dining Plan entitlements. I like to save some of my snack entitlements and on the last day purchase some snacks to bring home with us. I put them in my daughter's lunch as a magical surprise, which she loves.
Also, please be aware that with your entitlements, you are free to use them whenever and however you want. I like to use two Table-Service entitlements at a Signature Dining Location for a delicious meal with great service. Just make sure to plan ahead so that you have enough entitlements to last your entire vacation.
The biggest change to this year's Dining Plans is the addition of an alcoholic beverage or specialty beverage included with your meals. My daughter took full advantage of this during our recent visit and ordered milkshakes and smoothies for almost every meal!
I hope that answers your question, Robin. Please let us know if you have any other questions, we are always here to help.
Stephanie