Hi, Aimee! Thanks so much for coming to the Moms Panel with your question.
The
Disney Dining Plans offer a great way for families to plan and budget for meals during a Walt Disney World vacation. When you think of the dining plan, you have to remember the movie High School Musical - We're All in This Together. Either everyone on the reservation has to participate in the dining plan, or no one is eligible to participate.
So let me offer you this alternative. If you are a Disney Vacation Club member or an annual passholder (or a Florida resident, which it doesn't look like you are), you can purchase a
Tables in Wonderland card. This card is good for 20% off at more than 100 Walt Disney World restaurants, and covers food and beverages (including alcohol). The card is good for up to 10 people, as long as everyone is on the same check, and is valid for a year.
We always find the card more than pays for itself over the course of one vacation and some nice meals, but if you travel more than once a year to the Walt Disney World resort, you can use it when you come back. Another good thing is that you will receive invitations to special Tables in Wonderland dining events and offers, and I'm not gonna lie, I've built more than one vacation around a Tables in Wonderland special event.
You can still purchase the dining plan for the second part of your stay. This ultimately might be the best option for your family.
Whichever way you go, have the most magical vacation and the most amazing meals!