Hi there, Catherine, and welcome to planDisney! I'm so happy you're here with this great question about your upcoming Walt Disney World Resort vacation! It sounds like you're counting down to a fun holiday with lots of family members - this is my favorite way to enjoy a visit to the Most Magical Place on Earth!
Catherine, you'll be happy to know that your kiddos should be able to use their
dining plan while with their grandparents. When you check in at your
Disney Resorts Collection hotel, stop by the Front Desk and chat with them about which members of your family will be allowed to charge purchases on their Disney Band or Key to the World Card. You could extend this privilege to as many of your children as you see fit. As long as the children are registered Guests in the same room, one of them could make the purchase on behalf of all of them. The Grandparents could, of course, help guide them and facilitate the purchase by managing the Disney Band or Key to the World Card. You'll just want to be sure that the person who will be making the purchase has set up a PIN and can remember it.
Whether you're planning to use a Disney Band or a Key to the World Card (which is a complimentary option), I highly suggest using
Disney MagicMobile Service during your visit. This allows you to save your Disney Theme Park ticket to the wallet of your smartphone, just like you would with a boarding pass or credit card. It's helpful in case you misplace your card or forget your Disney Band. You can do this for yourself as well as anyone else whose account you manage, like your children. It has come in handy for me many times!
Catherine, I hope this is helpful as you continue to plan your vacation! Please stop by planDisney with any other questions you have!
See ya real soon!
Jennifer