Welcome to planDisney, Stephania! I'm so glad to be able to answer your question today. You're not alone in wondering how it works for the littlest eaters in your travel party, and I'm happy to break it down for you!
At Walt Disney World,
children under the age of 3 aren't required to have a dining plan, and they aren't charged for meals in the traditional sense. That doesn't mean they can order their own entrée for free, but it does mean that they can absolutely share off your plate or from anyone else at your table at no additional charge. It's a great perk for families with toddlers who tend to be light or picky eaters.
At buffets and family-style restaurants, your little one can enjoy their fill without needing to pay anything extra. So places like
Chef Mickey's or
Garden Grill are perfect if you want to enjoy a fun character meal and let your toddler try a little bit of everything! At Table-Service and Quick-Service restaurants, they're welcome to eat from your plate. If you'd prefer to order them their own meal, you certainly can, just be aware that you'll need to pay out of pocket for it.
And just a heads up: if you do decide to get the
Disney Dining Plan for the rest of your group, your under-3 Mouseketeer still won't need one. It's just one of the ways Disney makes it easier (and more budget-friendly!) to bring your littlest kiddos along for the fun.
I hope this answers your question, Stephania, and please let us know if there's anything else we can do to help you plan your magical vacation!
Jessica