Yes, children were included in the buffet and the live music/dancing later in the evening. Our children are 18,15 & 8, they had a blast. The buffet was by reservation only, we made our reservations through Disney Dining about a month or so before. The live music and dancing later was for anyone in the park. I found out about the buffet through these boards. Disney didn't make a big deal advertising it, in fact when I did call to make my ressies, I had to insist with the CM that I knew what I was talking about until she found it.