Denise:
I'm not a big fan of the Deluxe Dining Plan--
especially for first-time visitors or those bringing kids.
My #1 reason: the Basic Dining Package alone offers
A LOT of food--and it only includes one table service a day. If you choose the Deluxe Dining Plan for your stay, you will receive 3 table service credits
a day per person—that's
24 sit-down meals for your vacation!
In addition, to eat all of those meals, you have to take time out of the parks (an average table service meal takes about 1 1/2 hours....). Couple that with the fact that you may get frustrated making reservations for all those meals, possibly leading you to consider "winging it." But I can tell from your question, you care about value, and you certainly wouldn't want to find yourself in a position of "downgrading" some meals to counter service because you can't get into any table restaurants or your schedule has become so regimented just to eat!
In my opinion, the Deluxe Plan is best suited for either high school
football players who want to eat every meal at a buffet or for
gourmands who have been to Disney many times before, desire to relish multiple
Signature restaurants, and who are at Disney not
necessarily for the park attractions....
Click
here for my thoughts on doubling up table credits. And then click
here to see my answer to another family who wanted to know my thoughts on the value of the Basic Dining Plan vs. the Deluxe Dining Plan.
Wishing you a magical vacation!
Whitney