Dear Ann,
So glad that you've stopped by to visit us here at the Disney Parks Moms Panel with your terrific question about planning for your upcoming Walt Disney World Resort vacation with your darling grandson!
With the
Disney Dining Plan, children under age 3 are not included in the meal credits, no. At a buffet or character meal, for example, they are allowed to eat off of an adult's plate and do not need a meal credit.
If your grandson is a big eater, you can certainly purchase meals for him (at locations where he wouldn't qualify for eating off of your plate), such as at a Quick-Service location. At that age with my children, we typically found that the adult meals were plenty big enough that we would have enough to hand over to our hungry toddlers, especially in your case where you have plenty of adults.
Hope that helps with your magical planning!
- Jan K.