Sandy:
When it comes to the dining plans, you need to ask yourself a few questions:
- Do we like to stick to a budget and know our costs upfront that any dining plan provides?
- Does my family enjoy a respite from the parks that table-dining provides?
- Do we want to experience a few Character meals that table-dining provides?
If you answered 'yes' to any of these, I'd seriously consider the
Basic Dining Plan. Disney claims that it can save you up to 40% on your food bill, and the times our family has used it, I would agree. The quick-service plan doesn't offer as much savings as the basic plan. PLUS: if your child eats one Character Meal buffet on the basic plan which includes table service, it's paid for itself that day!
The Deluxe Meal is a good recommendation if your family are BIG eaters or want to experience many of the finer, 2-credit restaurants. However, your question hints that you are budget-minded, so I would think it'd be overkill. (Our family has found that simply combining two table credits on the basic dining plan suffices for one memorable experience on most trips! And it gives you so much food, we've never missed the credits!)
Wishing you a magical vacation!
Whitney