Hi Beth,
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! When we first started purchasing a
Dining Plan, I had the same question. Since that time, we have always purchased a dining plan.
We love using Quick-Service meals for lunch and Table-Service meals for dinner. On the Deluxe Plan, we enjoy more Table-Service restaurants. We use most of our Table-Service Meals for
Character Dining. Given the prices for food, the Disney Dining and Deluxe Dining Plans have been a great value for us. You can check the restaurant websites to review the dollar sign estimates and get an idea of the prices or call 407-939-5277 to speak to a Dining Cast Member to get specific pricing for restaurants you plan to visit.
Our character meals have usually been between $140 and $200 for our family of four. Since the price of the dining plans can change depending on the dates you plan to visit, I cannot offer exact estimates. Once you know how much you would pay to add a dining plan, you can check menus for certain restaurants to get an idea of how much it would cost at each venue. One of our favorite restaurants is 50's Prime Time Café. The
Dinner Menu includes prices.
The two snacks per night and resort refillable mug add value to the plans. In planning one of our trips, I estimated the value of eight snacks per night to be $40 per night for our family of four (at $5 per snack).
If you really would like a fabulous food experience, would enjoy signature dining or plan to do several character meals, I would suggest the Deluxe Dining Plan. Otherwise, the Disney Dining Plan is a great option.
Happy Planning!
-Donyell