Hello, Rebekah!
In case you haven't yet looked closely at
the Disney Dining Plan, I've embedded the link so that you can really take a look at the benefits of being on this plan. (Don't forget that, for 2012, each person on the Dining Plan receives a resort-refillable mug, which may be used for fountain beverages at your resort for the length of your stay!)
Personally, I always opt for the Dining Plan, which forces us to sit down for at least one hour each day, in air conditioning, with really fantastic food and refreshing drinks at each meal. (Otherwise, we'd be running all day and all night!) Moreover, we order whatever we like (entree, dessert, non-alcoholic drink) on the menu, which means that we've pre-budgeted and don't have to worry about ordering a really expensive entree. (Seriously, my 10-year old orders the $32 NY Strip Steak for lunch at Le Cellier and finishes the whole thing. No worries about that cost on the Dining Plan!) The Table-Service meal, one each day, is one of our favorite, most relaxing, highlights of each day.
You cannot, however, wait until check-in to add this option. I called Walt Disney World on your behalf, just to be sure to give you the right answer, and was told that you must add on this option
at least three days in advance of your check-in. Because of this, I suggest that you take the time now to decide, so that you'll still have the option to add it, should you decide to do so, before it is too late.
Bottom line? If you are planning on eating at the Table Service and Quick Service restaurants in Walt Disney World parks and resorts anyway, and may like to sample some of the pricier items on the menu, go with the Dining Plan. In the end, you will save money...deliciously!
Please send any additional questions as you think of them! I'd love to help!