Disney Hotel with Dining Plan or Swan/Dolphin for Location?

[Kruth]

We are taking our two kids (6 & 8) to Disney for the first time next year but we are torn as to whether to go for the Swan and Dolphin for the convenient location or a hotel like Old Key West where we could get the dining plan - any thoughts?

 

[BigRedDad]

We will never do the dining plans again. For us, it is a massive money waster. It requires far too much planning beyond what is already required and it forces you to order to break even instead of eating what you want. The 2 times we have had it we have had to get Mickey Rice Krispy treats to finish off our credits. Nothing like getting $300 worth of rice krispy treats that cost $10 to make. The DDP also forces you to only eat at WDW. The food served at WDW is not the highest quality or cuts out there. They simply charge you Filet Mignon prices for chuck steak. You can get much better dining off site at far more reasonable prices. Offsite dining options have Happy Hour as well/.

One more thing about Swan/Dolphin is the resort fees they charge. If you have a car, they charge for daily parking. You do not get the same benefits as Disney resort guests. I am not sure what you require or looking for exactly, but I know young kids love the Value resorts, especially Pop and AoA. Even a Moderate resort would work.