Hey Mary-
Welcome back to the Disney Parks Moms Panel. I am so glad you asked this question because the answer lies in how and where you want to spend your time. When my family makes a short stay (three days) we do not purchase a
Disney Dining Plan. We want to spend as many magical moments as we can exploring the Haunted Mansion, smelling the fresh mountain pine on Soarin’ and floating on the Kali River Rapids. With our park focused pixie dusted plan we just buy counter/quick service meals. If your plan is to avoid the theme parks and explore the magically tempting and ever delicious restaurants at the Walt Disney World Resort hotels and Downtown Disney Area (Disney Village is at Disneyland Paris in France), then you may price it out according to the specific restaurants and dishes you want to experience. Every restaurant has a full menu with prices included on the
restaurant webpage to help you. Just know that without a theme park ticket you will not be able to use the meal plan for restaurants inside the theme parks.
Disney Dining Plans may only be purchased for Guests three years and older with a valid Walt Disney World Resort hotel reservation. No theme park tickets are necessary.
There are many websites that discuss whether or not a Disney Dining Plan is a good value. www.disneytouristblog.com has a wonderful analysis of this topic.
I hope this helps you, Mary and please stop by again to visit us.
Enjoy making many Magical (and delicious) Memories!
-Jason °O°