Hi Jennifer!
I take when you mention Dining Card you're referring to the
Quick Service Dining Cards available at eligible
Disney World resort locations (i.e.
Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel,
Walt Disney World Swan Hotel, etc.). If the case, the
Quick Service Dining Card operates in similar ways to the
Quick Service Dining Plan, which is tied to the check-in/check-out dates of your resort reservation stay. So, for example, if you choose a 2-day Quick Service Dining Card option, but plan to stay at one of the eligible resorts, say, 4-nights and 5-days, you can use the card anytime between your 4-night/5-day stay. Disney calculates an approximate value for the average family in terms of cost, but once the dining card is issued, you can use it as you deem fit until your credit balance is used up. In other words, you can split it up over multiple days, or use it all in one day if needed! You can use it either consecutive or non-consecutive days; the choice is up to you! The key is to keep track of your Dining Card balance, so you always know how much you have remaining, and can effectively plan your dining options according to the credit amount on your card.
Hope this helps. Have a Mickey Magical Day!
Terry