I was just told that a child under 3 can't get a free dining plan? Is this right?

[Bete]

I was in a chat session with a Disney CM and was told that children under three years old are not eligible for the free dining plan.

I was told they could plate share with an adult, but they could not get their own meal.

Can I pay to get them included in the dining plan, too?

Do I need to pay as I go?

How does this work, please?

 

[ses1230]

I was in a chat session with a Disney CM and was told that children under three years old are not eligible for the free dining plan.

I was told they could plate share with an adult, but they could not get their own meal.

Can I pay to get them included in the dining plan, too?

Do I need to pay as I go?

How does this work, please?

The dining plan (paid or free) is only available for guests 3 and older.

For an under 3, you can buy a meal OOP or they can share from your plate. At buffets, family style/aycte restaurants they can get their own plate with no charge.

 

[darnheather]

If you increase their age on the Disney website to 3 they will get free dining but then you have to buy them park tickets and they count against room occupancy. It would be better to have them share meals with you and if still hungry pay out of pocket.

 

[Bete]

The buffet style sounds good if the child can have their own plate. It makes sense in that case, too.

 

[Candl]

We have traveled with a group of 8 (6 Adults & 2 Kids 2&1) without a dining plan, and could order kids meal for free. No problems.

We have traveled with a group of 10 (6 Adults, 4 Kids 6,5,2&1) on the dining plan, and would have paid OOP for the 2 youngest. At CS, not a big deal to share meals if you planned what you ordered. We found that most CS meals felt rather large. At TS, it felt like the meals on the Dining Plan were not as substantial.

Alas, the troubles of traveling with children under 3 are behind us now. My issues now are trying to explain to my 10yr old that just because I have to pay for her as an adult, does not make her an adult!

 

[jimmysmom74]

When you plan your TS, plan buffets and family style. They will not charge the <3y/o at either locations.