Under 3 free

[Britt7]

Just got to thinking about my ADRs. When making our reservations for several character meals, our daughter was not included. She will be 2.5 years old. How does this work. Will she still get a meal or just share mine (which she usually wants to do). This is fine with me, but I am afraid that she might see other kids with their "kids meal" and want one too. This could make for some potential meltdowns.

 

[Mom2JoeyandBen]

If it's a "buffet style" restaurant, you are able to get her a plate for herself and there is no charge. Considering the amount that a child under the age of 3(most children that is) eat, Disney is nice enough to not charge.

Now if you go to a counter service place, or even a table service place that is NOT a buffet, then it doesn't matter the age of the child. Whatever you order for the child, you will have to pay whatever the menu price is. Unless of course you are going to share some of mom and dad's meal with the child, then there would be no charge.

 

[wilsoncj14]

I'm in the same boat. We're going on 12/1 and my youngest in 2.5. We didn't buy DDP for the 2.5 year olds. The way I understood it is that at buffets, kids under 3 eat free. For table service, if we want something for them (i.e. a kids meal) we can pay for it out of pocket.

However, this is only what I've read and been told. I'd love to hear form someone who has done it.

24 days.

 

[Mom2JoeyandBen]

However, this is only what I've read and been told. I'd love to hear form someone who has done it.

24 days.

Been there, done that! We've done that for the past 3 years with our now 3 year old. Buffets actually turn out to be a great deal, because you save money on their meals which really makes it a better bargain for Mom and Dad at the buffet restaurants. Cape May and Crystal Palace are our 2 favs!

 

[SnoWhiteRabbit]

In addition to buffets, if it is 'family style' or 'pre-plated' your little one will be given a plate free of charge. The character meals that are not buffets are usually family style or pre-plated. The it is free of charge...if it's a table service or counter service restaurant where you need to order individual choices from a menu, then you can either share your food with your child or order something from the children's menu. This will be my first trip where all three of my kiddos are over 3 -- and it makes a big difference to the budget!!

Enjoy!

 

[Jack&Ryan'smom]

We were there in Sept. with our DS who is 2.5. I t was great because at all our character meals he ate free (Chef Mickey, Crystal Palace & Play & Dine). Also at Hoop Dee Doo he got his own plate and could eat whatever he wanted. I think we only paid OFP at 2 TS's. We were lucky at Kona. DS just wanted a bowl of pasta and they did not even charge us. We also paid for a few meals & chocolate milks at our CS's. It is great to go before they turn 3!!

 

[Pumbaa_]

When you say your daughter was not included, does that mean you did not include her in the head count for your party size

 

[kaytieeldr]

Funny, Pumbaa - I was wondering the same thing.

OP - MUCH more important than what meal your daughter will get is, will there be room for her at your table?

Reservations are a separate issue from the DDP. While you didn't need to purchase the Dining Plan for your daughter, you DO need to include her in the count for dining reservations.

 

[disneygrandma]

When making an ADR, every person, no matter how young they are, needs to be included in the "head count".

Children under 3 eat free at the Buffets. At the regular TS locations, we would always ask for an extra plate for the "under 3" child, and then share food with her. We would order a drink for her, and some times that was given at no charge. As far as the CS locations go, you would pay for what ever is ordered. We would usually ask for an extra cup/glass, and then share a drink, as well as sharing some of the food.

 

[Maggi May]

Yep, buffet and family style meals are the way to go when the kids are under 3. My DS just turned 3 before our last trip and between park tickets and dining he just got a lot more expensive. Good thing he's cute!

There's so much more variety, too, when you can pick from a buffet. Rather than order 1 kids meal (Chicken Strips), you can get a nice assortment of foods from the buffet that your child might be in the mood for.

As PPs mentioned, be sure that you include all members of a party in your ADRs. You can also ask them to make a note that you will need a booster seat or high chair.

 

[Britt7]

I hope they included her. I just meant that we were only charged for two adults. I said two adults, one child age two. Now you have me worried. I think I'll call and double check that they counted her. I made several other reservations on the same phone call so I hope that they counted her!!