Hi Tiffany,
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! It sounds as if you are considering purchasing one of the Disney Dining Plans. My family loves the dining plans and I am always happy to discuss them.
Let me first say that our decision to purchase a dining plan is based on three factors, 1) we love to eat well on vacation, 2) we rarely have a car so we rely on Disney transportation, and 3) we love all-inclusive vacations. When we are not on a dining plan, we pay separately for drinks, desserts and snacks. And, when eating outside of the parks, we lose valuable time.
On our last visit we did not buy a dining plan and we spent about $2100 on food for our family of four for a six-night vacation. And that was without enjoying the desserts, snacks and drinks we would have enjoyed on a dining plan. When I just did the math for a hypothetical stay in July of 2018, the
Disney Deluxe Dining Plan would cost my family about $2790 for a six-night stay. The
Disney Dining Plan would cost my family about $1812. To offer another perspective, we love to do character meals. Our breakfast at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall on our last visit cost about $200. The resort refillable mugs also are a great value because we use them to get drinks while we are just relaxing at the resort.
Tiffany, I suggest that you price your trip without a dining plan and with a dining plan. Then check out some of the menus of restaurants you might visit.
Be Our Guest is one of our favorites. Looking at menus will give you a better sense of prices! As always, remember that prices are subject to change.
Magic, memories and Minnie Mouse hugs,
Donyell