Hi there, Carol! You have come to a panel of planners to ask if you should forego planning? I like your style.
It seems that a trip to
Walt Disney World is all about reservations and schedules, and while some of us (me) thrive on that kind of vacation, others (the whole rest of my family) prefer to be spontaneous. Whether or not you purchase one of the
Disney Dining Plans has more to do with how committed your are to your spontaneous plan.
Even on Christmas day, I have been able to find last minute reservations SOMEWHERE at Walt Disney World. I may not get a time I want or a restaurant I prefer, but with your
My Disney Experience phone app, you can do a quick search for available restaurants. If you're okay with not getting into a specific restaurant, and you have the flexibility to travel to a resort for a table service meal, I would say the dining plan might work for you.
If, on the other hand, you are committed to staying in, let's say, the Magic Kingdom, you may want to consider if the dining plan is right for you. Unlike Epcot, table service options are more limited here. If you haven't made an advanced dining reservation at the Magic Kingdom, you may end up at a counter service location, which may throw off your dining credits elsewhere during your stay.
This is not to say the plan is not workable regardless. If you're willing to be flexible, maybe travel to a resort for a table service meal, and don't mind waiting for a table, go for the dining plan!
Have fun!
Anna