Charissa:
The
Disney Dining Plan makes "cents" for some families and for others, it's more of a convenience than a budget help.
In your case, though, I really feel it would be cost-effective if you are considering Character Meals for your children. Because the
Basic Dining Plan provides one table service meal a day along with a quick service meal, spending your table service credit on a Character Meal alone can more than pay for the price of your child's dining plan for the entire day which also includes a snack and a refillable mug.
TIP: I suggest getting the most value out of the plan by making reservations for Character Meals for dinner. These are much pricier. For example, a dinner at
Akershus where you'll meet many of the princesses costs more than two times as much as the breakfast Character Meal at 'Ohana to meet Stitch and Mickey.
Wishing y'all a magical vacation!
Whitney