Hello Kathryn! Thank you for visiting us here at the Disney Parks Moms Panel. I am a huge Disney Dining Plan fan, we purchase the regular plan each trip we take to Walt Disney World.
I always recommend, to friends, to purchase the regular Disney Dining Plan which includes 1 Quick Service Credit, 1 Table Service Credit and 1 Snack Credit per night stayed at a Walt Disney World Resort. The regular plan is a lot of food and I love having one nice sit down meal a day. Because this is your first visit to Walt Disney World, you will probably want to pack the days full of adventure. Taking the time to have multiple sit down meals a day with the Deluxe Dining Plan would really cut in on your park time so I don't recommend it.
For us, a typical day with the Disney Dining Plan looks like this:
- Wake up and enjoy breakfast in the room with the breakfast items I brought with us or pay for something out of pocket at our resort food court
- Head to the parks
- Use a Quick Service Credit for an early lunch which usually includes an entree item with side, large soda and a dessert
- Enjoy a snack in the mid afternoon using a Snack Credit on items such as a Dole Whip Float or Carrot Cake Cookie
- Use a Table Service Credit for dinner
The only time this schedule is different is when we do a character breakfast, which is once or twice during our vacations. By breaking down the credits this way, I am able to maximize their value. Quick Service breakfast items are always less expensive so I never waste a credit on them. The Disney Dining Plan always saves us a lot of money but I am always trying to use our credits wisely.
If you have any other questions about the Disney Dining Plan, please feel free to let me know. Have a magical vacation.