Hi Jennifer,
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel!
Your question made me laugh out loud. Trust me, I have been there. On our last visit to
Cinderella's Royal Table, my husband had to sign for the check because I was with the girls in the restroom when it came. Fortunately, we were using the Disney Deluxe Dining Plan so he recovered!
If you are doing several character meals and/or signature dining experiences, I suggest that you consider the Disney Deluxe Dining Plan. For our family, it has been a better value than paying by the meal, especially considering the drinks, snacks and resort refillable mugs that are included. To determine the value, I always identify all of the restaurants we plan to experience, check the menus online and/or call Disney Dining at 407-939-1947 to get buffet prices. Then I estimate the cost of drinks (which are included with meals as a part of a dining plan) and the cost of snacks (two per night at $5 per snack).
To return to your immediate dilemma, however, I will say that our girls' grandparents always send our girls money for our trips to the Walt Disney World Resort. The girls use that money to buy their own souvenirs. Perhaps you could say that the meal is a treat from a loved one? We have also decorated savings jars before our Disney trips. The girls have saved all of their change prior to the trip, we deposit it and then use it to buy an extra treat. If you have time, start a savings jar and then use that money to cover or offset the cost of Cinderella's Royal Table. Our girls love feeling as if they are helping us to save for the vacations.
Jennifer, the experience is priceless so my guess is that after dining, your husband will be blown away and will be thrilled to pay - we can always hope!
Magic, memories and Minnie Mouse hugs,
Donyell