Hey Jean! Thank you for bringing me your question!
There are MANY variables which go into comparing the different
Disney dining plans to paying as you go. These variables include how many people are in your traveling party, where you plan to dine, the types of restaurants you would like to dine in and many more.
In my planning I have found a great website which has always helped me make my comparison. It is called Distripplanner.com. They ask you to input variables such as number of travelers down to where you are planning on eating. They will then give you the amount these meal will cost out-of-pocket versus the cost of each of the dining plans.
One thing this calculator doesn't take into consideration is convenience. Any of the dining plans bring with it a level of convenience you won't have if you chose to pay as you go.
I hope this helps with your planning. If you have any more questions about dining plans or any other aspect of your Walt Disney World vacation please come back and see me.
Wishing you a
*MAGICAL* vacation and a pixie-dusted day!
Sue N., IN