Hello, Abigail. Thanks for stopping by the Disney Parks Moms Panel with your question.
Going to
Walt Disney World when my daughter was under 3 was always great for my pocketbook because she was, in fact, free for most everything we did. When it comes to the
Disney Dining Plan, you are correct, children under 3 do not need to be included and are considered free. At all-you-care-to-enjoy restaurants like
'Ohana or
Cape May Cafe, just to give you some examples, your under 3 children can dine off of the buffet for free. You can absolutely make them their own plates at no charge to you. If you are dining at table services meals where you order an entree from a menu, your under 3 children can share off of your plate at no additional fee. If you wish to order them their own meal at these types of restaurants, only then will you be charged. Even though they are considered free, make sure to include them in any dining reservations you make. The restaurant will need to know exactly how many people to seat, paying or not.
Did you know that Disney has put together a
planning guide for parents of preschoolers? If you haven't checked out this resource, be sure to do so before your trip. It is super helpful. You can find attraction information and even a music playlist to get your littles pumped up for your trip.
I hope this helps. If you have any other questions, please come back and ask.