Hi Katie! Isn't it nice to have a Walt Disney World Resort vacation to look forward to while we are having this icky, snowy weather? You must be so excited to bring your children on their first Disney vacation! Kudos to you for taking advantage of the
Free Dining promotion!
You bring up a great question. I absolutely think you will want to plan at least some Table Service dining for your vacation. There are some really unique dining experiences in the Theme Parks and Resort Hotels, and
Character Dining is an iconic "must do" for a first trip. The question is, how many Table Service meals do you think your family will enjoy? I know when my kids were the same age as yours, they did not have much patience to sit still to eat; they would rather be out and about and snack along the way. I recommend browsing various dining options and securing dining reservations for meals you and your family would enjoy. Since you will not be in the Parks every day, perhaps you'd like to try some dining options at the Resort Hotels on your "off" days. Then calculate your out of pocket cost for those meals, compared to the cost of upgrading your
Dining Plan. You can view menus to get an idea of prices. Keep in mind your 10-year-old will be charged the adult price for both the Dining Plan and any buffet or prix fixe meals but is always welcome to order from the kid's menu. If you decide to pay out of pocket, Character Dining breakfast will more budget-friendly than lunch or dinner.
If you would like some specific dining location recommendations, please write back. We are happy to help.
Have a wonderful vacation!
Anne Marie