Hi, Mark!
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel. I’m glad to hear you’re planning a trip to the Disneyland Resort this fall! September is a wonderful month to visit.
You don’t need dining reservations for every meal. There are many quick-service dining options throughout the resort. However, if you plan to enjoy any table-service or character dining meals at places like Blue Bayou, Carthay Circle Restaurant or Goofy’s Kitchen, I do recommend you make reservations. They can be made up to 60 days in advance by calling Disney Dining at (714) 781-DINE (3463).
The dining plan’s snack and meal vouchers are redeemable at dozens of cafes, snack spots and restaurants throughout the Disneyland Resort, including the theme parks and hotels. However, be aware that the dining plans available at the Disneyland Resort are based on a pre-paid meal voucher system that is designed more for convenience than money savings. Change isn’t given when the price of your meal is less than what the voucher is worth.
The Premium Character Dining voucher may be used at Ariel’s Disney Princess Celebration (for lunch or dinner) at Ariel’s Grotto in Disney California Adventure Park, or for the character breakfast, lunch or dinner buffet at Goofy’s Kitchen in the Disneyland Hotel. This voucher varies from the Character Dining voucher, which is for breakfast only and valid at Minnie & Friends Breakfast at Plaza Inn in Disneyland Park, Surf’s Up! Breakfast at Disney’s PCH Grill in Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, or Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Critter Breakfast at Storytellers Cafe in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.
I hope this helps, Mark, and that you have a perfectly pixie-dusted Disneyland Resort visit! Please write back with any other questions you may have as your planning continues.
Wishing you magic,
Courtney