Hi Angela!
So nice to hear from a fellow Ontarian here on the panel!
I LOVE the Disney Dining Plans and couldn't dream of visiting Walt Disney World without one.
Most people do find them to be a great money saver but they aren't necessarily for everyone.
Given that you don't plan to be sitting down often for multiple 'reserved' meals per day, but that you WOULD like to enjoy character dining, I think you'd find that the regular Dining Plan would suit you well and save you considerably. The Deluxe Plan really requires 2 sit down meals daily to be cost-effective & the Quick Service Plan would have you paying out of pocket for Character meals. You'll also be pleased to know that your 2 year old would not be charged for a
dining plan and would instead eat from the rest of your family's
meals. Your children are at great ages to make the dining
plan very cost effective due to their ages. Since
they're all 9 yrs old or younger, you'll be paying the child price
rather than the adult fee which begins at age 10.
On the
Disney Dining Plan you're entitled to 1 snack, 1 Quick Service & 1 Table Service Meal per person per night of resort stay. In addition, each person on the plan receives a Resort Refillable Mug to use in your resort hotel throughout your stay. You can use the meal & snack credits as you wish throughout your stay, any time of day, and the credits can be thought of as a 'pool' than a daily ration. You'd be able to enjoy several character meals using the plan at your choice of meal time each day.
If you'd like recommendations for Character dining or sit-down family restaurants, please contact me again with your kids' likes, dislikes & favourite characters and I'd be thrilled to assist you further!
Wishing you a Magical time with your planning Angela.
Kirsten