Well.. I have always done either the regular dining plan or the deluxe and I like them both , I probably spend same on eating for a week either way ...but the regular dining plan does give a little more flexibility because you can do some appetizer dining as noted above where the deluxe plan doesn't really allow that.. And yes if I purchase the deluxe plan I make a point of having a least 2 meals whether signature or dining show that utilize 2 credits..otherwise...it is way too much eating.. The regular dining plan is actually more how you kind of eat..and then you can supplement it with some meals/appetizer&cocktail dining that you pay cash for.