Hi Alicia,
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! My family has used the
Disney Dining Plan and the
Disney Deluxe Dining Plan. Both have been a good value for my family because, in addition to the meal entitlements, we love the snacks and the resort refillable mugs.
When I check online for vacation package pricing, I select a resort hotel, the dates of our visit and I indicate the number of people in our party (including ages of children traveling with us). After selecting park tickets, I also add a dining plan. When checking vacation packages online, you can see how the difference in pricing for the Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan, Disney Dining Plan or Disney Deluxe Dining Plan will affect the total price of your trip. When I called to confirm pricing with a cast member, she indicated that the Disney Dining Plan costs about $78/night per adult and $28/night per child (9-years old and younger).
Alicia, when I am trying to determine if a dining plan is a better value for my family, I consider the number of meals and snacks we plan to eat each day. I check restaurant menus online to get a better estimate of actual prices. One of our favorite restaurants, Be Our Guest, has menus online including those for
breakfast and
lunch. Remember to factor in the additional cost of drinks if not using a dining plan - they are not always included with a meal when not using a dining plan.
Finally, make dining reservations!
Magic, memories and Minnie Mouse hugs,
Donyell