First time - question about kids and dining plan

[glorib]

We're planning a vacation to WDW for December. We have 2 kids, ages 2 and 4. I see that the dining plan for kids is ages 3 and up. What do we do with the 2 year old? Is there way to add on an additional child's dining plan?

Also, any recommendations for places to eat with 2 small kiddos? We don't really do fancy. We're a casual kind of family. Thanks in advance for any info!!!!!!!!

 

[patsal]

Well, if your a casual type family the charachter meals my be a big thing for you. It is noce to catch the characters while enjoying a meal rather than to stand in long lines to see them so that is a plus. Children under 3 eat free at the buffets and any all you care to eat venue--'Ohana,Crystal Palace, Liberty Tree, Garden Grill, Hollywood and Vine, CRT, 1900 Park Fair, Donald's Breakfastasaurus, Cape May, etc. Kids can share from your plate at more traditional TS restaurants. I would forgo trying to wiggle the dining plan as it would mean you would have to pay for admission as well. It will cost you much less to purchase a few things for her a la carte. My sister had an 18 month and a 4yo she did not get eh 18 month old a plan--at TS she shared from her mother and sister's plate at buffets she was fine and at CS she did well sharing but my sister occasionally purchased her a kids CS meal--they are like $3.99 complete with drink--much less than a park ticket and DDP.

 

[glorib]

I would forgo trying to wiggle the dining plan as it would mean you would have to pay for admission as well. It will cost you much less to purchase a few things for her a la carte.

Yes, this is a good point! I hadn't thought about it like that. Thanks!

 

[brymolmom]

I have ds 5 and dd 3 - this will be our first visit with actual DP for the young one....up until now (2 trips on the DP) we have NOT gotten the plan for the under 3 year old and it has NOT been a big deal at all. 3 meals (with appetizer, drink, dessert) split between the 4 of us was usually FINE. We would occasionally use a snack credit to buy an extra order of fruit or somethign else on the menu, but that was usually not needed. Very rarely did we pay OOP for anything even with 4 of us eating on 3 credits.

As for places to eat:
Crystal Palace (Pooh characters)
Play N Dine at Hollywood & Vine (Jojo, Goliath, Leo and June characters - singing and dancing)
For CS - my kids like going to Pinocchio Village Haus and sit overlooking the Its a Small World ride.

 

[bicker]

Yes, why tie yourself down by purchasing more than you may need? While the young child Dining Plan is very inexpensive, so are child meals.

 

[mrsltg]

I agree with everyone else. My experience has been to share with the baby. Even at the buffets she usually only eats a handful of food. She will be 27 months on our next trip and I am wondering how she will be eating. If she's hungry we'll order something, if not, she's welcome to everyone's plates!

Have a great trip!