Hello Angie!
If I had to choose between adding the Park Hopper option or the Deluxe Dining Plan to my Disney Vacation Package, I would choose the Deluxe Dining Plan because of the following:
1. Since this is your first visit, it is best to visit each Disney Theme Park one day at a time. This allows your family to map out the day in one Disney Theme Park instead of rushing through parts of one park trying to get to another park.
2. Park Hopping takes a lot of time and energy. It will typically take you 45 minutes to an hour to go from park to park, especially if you are traveling to Animal Kingdom. I would rather have the hassle of going through security to check my bags and entering the park one time than doing this multiple times in one day.
3. If your kids are not big roller coaster fans, then it would be great to focus on Disney Dining Experiences! There are some really fun character dining experiences that are so much fun, including Cinderella's Royal Table and Chef Mickey's! Also, the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Review is a MUST dinner show for your family!
With the Deluxe Dining Plan, your family will have flexibility to experience Disney World with THREE meals and TWO snacks a day!!!! Woo Hoo! Now, that is what I call awesome! For complete details about the Deluxe Dining Plan, click
HERE!
I sure hope this helps in your planning! If you have other questions, please let me know!
Have a MAGICAL day!