I have a friend that just came back from Disney. She has a family of four. She did a lot of research. and then passed on the dining passes. She says that she is glad that she did as there were too many restrictions and it costs too much. They ate well (enjoyed many of the Disney restaurants), but she figured that they still spent less money. She did make reservations about a month before their trip for a retaurant in each park they visited. they particularly liked the African restaurant and buffet in their hotel. They also took breakfast bars and snacks with them to cover some of their meals. They also took water bottles and bought rain ponchos at the dollar store before leaving.

They stayed at Animal Kingdom ( on the Savanah) and she says that it was great. They could see giraffes, elephants, etc form their balcony. The room had bunk beds for their two kids and then a queen size bed for them.