Hi Howard!
Thank you for bringing your question to the Disney Parks Moms Panel!
My family almost always gets the
Disney Dining Plan. If used correctly, it can provide a nice savings over paying for each meal. However, my favorite part of using it is knowing that it's all paid for in advance. For me, that makes the vacation much more enjoyable.
Here are some tips to getting the most out of the Disney Dining Plan:
1. There are three levels of
dining plan choices - Quick-Service, Disney Dining Plan, and Deluxe. We get the regular Disney Dining Plan. Explanations of the different plans can be found at that link.
2. The credits on your plan are "pooled" together and may be used at any time by anyone. They're not only usable per person/per day. Use the credits at any time over the course of your reservation.
3. Using credits for buffets and
character meals adds the most value to the plan. Breakfast (other than character breakfasts) are usually not a good choice for credits because it's relatively inexpensive. We often use a snack credit for breakfast on muffins or pastry items. We also like to make late breakfast buffet reservations, around 10:30-11:00 a.m. that serve as breakfast and lunch for the day.
4. Any leftover quick-service credits can be used for three snacks.
5. Adults can share meals using one credit at most table service restaurants. Buffets require using credits for each person.
I hope these tips help with your decision! Please let me know if you have any other questions.
~Lori