Hi, Teresa!
Getting the biggest bang for your Disney Dining dollar is right up my alley, so I am happy to help you do the same.
First, with the
Disney Dining Plan, you should really maximize your purchasing power by reviewing the menus of the restaurants you'd like to sample as soon as possible. Some of the most popular locations book up at 180 days in advance of check-in, so do this sooner rather than later. Check out what menu options you'll have to be sure that everyone can find something that he or she will love as well as the pricing on the menu. Because your DP meals have been prepaid, you can order any entree on the menu at participating locations, regardless of cost. As such, I'd much rather order the Grilled New York Strip Steak ($32.99) at Epcot's Coral Reef Restaurant than a turkey sandwich ($12.99) as my entree, simply because I can do so on the DP.
On that note, try to book a
Fantasmic! Dinner Package at Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano. Guests who can snag this great deal AND who use their Disney Dining Package to "pay" for the reservation will each get a complimentary appetizer. When you look at their menu, you'll see why this is such a mouthwatering deal. I just checked to see if any of these packages are still available during your stay (I picked 7/1) and there are some, as of right now. When it's time to view Fantasmic! you'll get to enjoy VIP seating that night, a perk that's also very popular, so grab it if you can!
Send me another question, if you'd like, about what to keep in your room (food-wise), as well as how to make the most of your Quick-Service and snack entitlements, too. I'd love to help you squeeze every last drop of dining goodness out of your plan, Teresa. Can't wait to help some more!