Hi Meghna,
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! Thank you for bringing this question to us!
I am so exited that you are bringing your 5-year old to the Walt Disney World Resort! We took our girls on their first trip when they were 5-years old so that age holds special memories for us.
My family loves the
Disney Dining Plan and the
Deluxe Dining Plan. My husband and I have chosen not to do a dining plan in the past, but we now opt for the dining plan. Food can be expensive, so we just prefer to have a good estimation of the cost prior to our trip. I also continue to price our trips with and without a dining plan and the dining plan generally saves us money.
Since we always fly from our home and stay on property, we prefer to eat at the resorts, in the theme parks or at
Disney Springs. If, however, you have a car, you can choose to eat off property. Be aware that it will take time to get to your car, drive to a restaurant off property, eat, and come back.
Remember that, on a dining plan, your meals and snacks are calculated per night of stay. So, if you buy the Disney Dining Plan for a six-night stay, each person 3-years old and over in your party receives 12 meals (6 quick-service, 6 table-service) and 12 snacks plus one resort refillable mug. As vegetarians, I think you will love the table-service meal options.
Meghna, I suggest that you check out restaurants on the
Dining List and scan some of the menus. There are lots of delicious options and you can review prices!
Magic, memories and Minnie Mouse hugs,
Donyell