Hi Daphne!
Well, the one thing that I tell everyone, is that EVERY Disney Resort is immaculately clean. The parks and resorts are all kept in pristine condition. The Value Resorts are no exception. They are more inexpensive because the rooms are less frilly, they are located farther from the parks, and there aren't any signature dining restaurants offered. The cleanliness, pools, and resort themes are on par with all of the resorts. Be confident that whichever you choose, it will be amazing.
For the dining plan, it can save you up to 30% off your dining, IF you use all of the credits. If we are taking a short trip and don't want to spend a lot of time eating, then we skip the dining plan. If we are going for a longer amount of time and want to have some table-service dining (especially character dining), then we always get it and know that we are definitely getting a good deal.
You can find more information about the different
dining plans on the Walt Disney World website.
Please let me know if you have any other questions!