Hello again Michael! If you plan on making a reservation for at least one table service meal per day (such as a character meal) and you also plan on having your other meals as quick service, you may be able to save money by using the dining plan. However, if you think that two quick service meals are too much for your wife and daughter (in fact, it sounds like they may end up sharing a quick service meal), then it might be better for you to not use the dining plan. You do have the option to pay for each meal vs. using the dining plan.
That being said, you will want to keep an eye on the
Special Offers page. Although past promotions are not a guarantee of future promotions, Disney has offered a very popular free dining package the last few years for this time frame. If that is offered again, it might be a good idea to use that promotion.
In case you didn't know, you can
make your dining reservations 180 days in advance. So you'll want to start thinking of any table service restaurants you might want to dine at. Believe me, people do make their reservations at the 180 day mark so for the best availability, you'll want to do the same - especially if free dining is offered during your vacation dates.
A couple of my favorite places to dine are: Crystal Palace for breakfast (try to get a reservation around 8:00 a.m. on a day where the park opens at 9:00 - it will give you a jump on your day), Chef Mickey's, your daughter may enjoy 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian. Some fun non-character meals include: Whispering Canyon for dinner, 'Ohana and 50's Prime Time Cafe.
Michael, I have enjoyed answering your questions - please let me know if you have any follow-ups.