Hi Alexis,
I am sorry you are feeling confused about the Disney Dining Plan. Let me try to help by explaining two important things to remember about the Dining Plan. First, your daily allotment of Meal Credits (which varies depending on whether you choose the
Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan,
Disney Dining Plan, or
Disney Deluxe Dining Plan) are provided for each guest in your travel party based on the number of
nights you are staying. Second, all of your daily Meal Credits for each guest for the entire duration of your stay are available for use starting from the time of check-in until midnight on your departure day. You can use your credits in any way you choose; there is no daily minimum or maximum.
Therefore, in your case, since you booked a one-night reservation without purchasing the Disney Dining Plan, you will have no Disney Dining credits to use on your day of arrival. However, on the second day of your trip, once you have checked in with your second reservation (even if your room is not available), you will then be able to start using the Disney Dining Plan credits associated with that reservation. Your Dining Plan credits can continue to be used until they have all been redeemed, or until midnight on your departure day, whichever comes first.
Don't forget that each guest also receives two snack credits for each night of your stay, as well as a Resort refillable mug to use throughout your stay.
Alexis, I hope this cleared things up. Should you have any other questions, please let us know; we are here to help!
Trish