Virgil,
Thank you for your question to planDisney!
With theme park tickets (as well as water park tickets), an adult is someone 10 years old and older. A child is considered someone between the ages of 3 to 9. Children from 0 to 2 therefore can enter without a ticket.
As for dining the same ages apply. So for instance if you want to enjoy the buffet at such personal favorites like theBiergarten Restaurant, or 1900 Park Fare, members of your party that are 10 years old or older pay the adult price, the kids who are anywhere from 3 through 9 years old pay the child's price, and little ones under 3 can eat for free.
BONUS TIP
I love that Disney lets kids under 3 eat free at the buffets. They share your spot at the table, but this shared dining is not just allowed by Disney, but encouraged. Having been there with my girls when they were that age, I did not want to pay for a meal for them, knowing they likely would down just 2 or 3 bites and then be done.
Write us back if you have any other questions.
Have a Magical Vacation!
Doug
