Hi Maggie!
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! How exciting that you're planning on bringing your Mouseketeer to meet Mickey and his pals! I was in your shoes two years ago with my now three-year-old's first visit to The Most Magical Place on Earth. Here is everything I learned about '
How to Disney with a Toddler':
~ Children under three years are not required to purchase a Theme Park ticket. This means that they cannot book FastPass+ experiences as those are linked to valid admission tickets. BUT, children without tickets are more than welcome to enjoy the same
FastPass+ attractions with their family members, as long as they meet the height requirement, simply by going through the FastPass+ line with those who do have FP+ reservations and they too will be allowed to ride.
~ Children under 3 are not required to purchase a
Disney Dining Plan with the rest of your party. They are welcome to share food items off the plates at your table, or you may pay out of pocket for a kids meal at both Quick and Table-Service restaurants. My suggestion is to book
Buffet or Family Style meals where they will receive their own plate as well as beverage. Do note that while you won't pay for preschoolers at Table-Service meals, they must be included in your initial reservation head count.
~If staying at a Disney Resort Hotel, your tot will even receive a complimentary MagicBand! Since this band won't be linked to a ticket or to FastPasses, it can be left in the room. But it's still fun that they can feel like a big kids by having a band.
I hope this helped, Maggie, and We'll See You Real Soon!
~Kristen