Hi, Brenda!
Let's start with what is easier when it comes to the
Disney Dining Plan: Quick Service. With these credits, you can use them whenever and however you want. Credits are not tracked between adults and kids, so order whichever meals you want, share, eat two at a time, your choice!
Your Table Service credits get a bit more complicated. If you are dining at a
character meal, buffet, dinner show, all you care to eat, or family style dining, every guest (age 3 and older) must pay for a meal whether with traditional payment methods or dining credits. There is no getting around this.
If you are eating in a regular sit-down restaurant, generally you do not have to order your kids their own meal, and they can share with you. Some locations may press the issue to have them order, but usually they can share a meal with a parent. Here is the downside of this: Adult credits and child credits ARE tracked for Table Service credits, so you really will not be saving anything. You will probably just end up with unused child
dining credits at the end of your vacation.
And my final thought on sharing meals with my kids...I spend most of my year cooking dinner for my family, usually the last to sit down to eat. When I am finally on vacation, it is nice to have my own plate without my kids sticking their fingers in my food! I am happy to let them get their own order of chicken fingers while I enjoy a delicious meal that I did not cook nor do I have to clean up afterward. This is YOUR vacation, enjoy it!
Cathy