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  • On Oct 19, 2018
    Stephanie from NL Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Special needs on the dining plan: My son has autism and I want to know if we have to use his table service credits if we are eating somewhere. He won’t eat in any restaurant (we bring his own food). Thanks !

    Hi Stephanie!

    Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! I have a three-year-old who is in that stage of not-eating where one chicken nugget seems to hold him over for multiple days at a time, so I completely understand your desire to not waste precious Disney Dining Plan entitlements on un-eaten meals.

    The answer to this question comes down to the type of Table-Service meal your family is planning to enjoy. Non-buffet and non-family style dining locations, where each guest orders an individual entree from a menu of many options, are locations where you only pay for what you order. Some of my favorite 'Menu Table-Service' locations are 50's Prime Time Cafe, Sci-Fi Dine-In Theatre Restaurant, Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria, and Whispering Canyon Cafe. You can go ahead and reserve any of these locations without a second thought.

    Character Dining, Dinner Shows, Buffets, Family-Style Meals, and Dessert Parties usually do charge by the head as these locations are more than just refueling and resting. Accommodations of all kinds can made for those with special dining needs, but exceptions do require advanced notification of the special need. Your best bet would be to call Disney's Dining Reservation Line when booking any of these. Their number is (407) 939-1947.

    Definitely stop by Disney's Baby Care Centers where you can find a microwave and an oven to prepare any part of your son's meals. And check out Disney's info page for Autism & Cognitive Disability Services.

    We'll See You Real Soon, Stephanie!
    ~Kristen
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Meet the Panelist: Kristen, Texas

Hi, I'm Kristen! I am a preschool mom and military wife who loves keeping up with the latest Disney Parks news. Trips to Disneyland and Walt Disney World have always been fun, but now that I'm the parent AND the planner every moment is that much more treasured.  I am so honored and excited to be able to share tips I've picked up, pass on fun factoids I've learned, and help create magical moments for your vacation of a lifetime!  Learn More About Kristen

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