Hi, Debbie!
You have asked an excellent question. It is difficult for me to answer this for you, as whether or not the Disney Dining Plan is right for you depends on your family's appetites and how you would like to budget. However, let me help you make the decision right for you.
My family has purchased the Disney Dining Plan nearly every time we have vacationed at Walt Disney World Resort. The number one reason I love it is I can easily budget how much we are spending on food. I do not like having to watch and count every dollar I am spending while on vacation. After all, budgeting is a stressful thing and the last thing I want is stress when I am in my happy place. It is very easy to track how many credits you have. You receive a set amount of snack and Quick-Service and / or Table-Service credits depending on the Dining Plan you select and how many nights you are staying. Each time you use a credit, you will be given a receipt showing how many you have remaining. Another reason I love the Disney Dining Plan is when I am home in the 'real world' I look at a menu and my eyes go immediately to the prices. Sometimes I really want the steak but settle for the chicken due to mom guilt. At Walt Disney World Resort, a credit is a credit at any of the restaurants that accept the Disney Dining Plan. Therefore, if I am at a Table-Service restaurant and my Disney Dining Plan has Table-Service credits I can have the steak, the chicken, a salad - whatever my tummy wants!
My son and husband are very big eaters. However, if you are a family that normally would share meals it may not make financial sense to purchase the Dining Plan. You could end up at the end of your trip with extra credits you are scrambling to use, as they do not carry over for any future visits.
Have a magical day!
~Rachel