Hi, Jamie! Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! How exciting you are just a few months away from your trip!
Buffet style meals do require the payment of the 18% gratuity for parties of 6 and more. Even though you will be serving the food yourself, a server will continuously bring drinks to your table, will check to see if you need anything, will collect used plates and glasses, and will finally bring the check at the end of your meal.
Children under 3 years of age do not need to order their own meals and are welcome to share from an adult's plate.
Some of my favorite buffet style restaurants are
Chef Mickey's at Disney's Contemporary Resort,
1900 Park Fare at Disney's Grand Floridian, and
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot. They all include magical encounters with beloved Disney characters that you should add to your must-do list.
Jamie, thank you for bringing us your question. Please come back as many times as needed, we'll be waiting hEAR for you!
Happy Disney Dining,
~Desiree