Tips for 2 year old not on DDP

[mnosky]

I know a 2 year old can eat "free" but that would just be if she eats off our plates or at buffets, right?
Last time we went with her she was 14 montsh and we were on the DDP - they'd often bring out a drink plus a kids meal or a side dish of something for her and not charge us. We'd normally order her just a milk (sometimes a meal) and expect to pay for it but I don't think we ever did.
This time our DD will be a couple weeks shy of 3 years old and we are not on DDP. What can we expect to pay for (not that it matters much, just curious what "under 3 eats free" really means) Any tips for disney dining at this age? Sometime she'll eat 2 bites (literally) and other times will eat an entire resaturant kids meal and then more off our plates.
Michelle

 

[danielle782001]

She can have her own plate at all buffets and all-you-can eat places. And she will be FREE.

She must eat from what your plates if it is a menu/ sit-down restaurant in order to be free. They will give you a clean plate for her. You will be charged if you want to order a specific meal for her. Kids meals are pretty cheap and may be worth it if there is something you really want to order that your child won't eat. That aspect of free can be a pain. Meals are usually under $10.

Buffets and all-you-can eat restaurants are great with kids under 3. They can have their own plate with all the things they want and you can have what ever you want. And again they are totally FREE. I recommend trying to stay with these types of restaurants with kids under 3.

Most places are very good about giving beverages free of charge.