Kelly:
Thanks for coming to the Mom's Panel!
I always recommend considering any dining plan, including the
Quick Service Dining Plan, if you like to stay within budget and don't like a lot of unexpected expenses. However, the best value is the
Basic Dining Plan with its one table service credit, one counter service credit and one snack per day. Disney touts that this plan can save you 30% to 40% on your food bill (more than the 20% on the quick-service plan), and my experience mirrors that. This is especially true if you want to eat at a Character Meal where, for example, the Crystal Palace Child's Buffet costs more than a child's dining plan for a day!
The more-expensive
Deluxe Dining pays off if you are a family of BIG eaters (our family could barely eat our last table meal on the basic plan and had 12 snack credits left at the end of the week) or want to experience multiple Signature Dining meals or Dinner Shows.
My biggest tip: because even the Basic Plan offers plenty of food, consider doubling up your credits for one meal for a Dinner Show or Signature Dining Experience and use your snack credits toward the end of the week for the "lost" meal. You won't miss it!
Wishing you a magical vacation!
Whitney