We have a family of 4 and always saved money with the Dining Plan, went to signature resturants, character meals, hoop de doo, you name it we did it and on the dining plan saving money. Again just my experience, your results may vary...
Only two of us, and I agree that the
DDP can be a good deal for a couple who enjoy eating at upscale restaurants particularly.
We may do 4-5 character meals, 2-3 Signatures or more, eating 3 meals daily, almost entirely TS, due to preferring quality food as well as DH using a powerchair at WDW. It's difficult for him to juggle a plate while driving his chair. We're also "recreational diners," getting much of our WDW enjoyment from eating.
We've always gotten the Deluxe DDP which is 3 TS/QS credits per day and two snack credits. TS/QS because you can use your credits at either, although using a TS credit for QS is a waste when you can get so much more and more elaborate food at TS restaurants. We spend our snack credits the day before leaving on Disney-exclusive items like krispy treats and Werther's caramel popcorn to haul home, only occasionally getting a cookie or ice cream before that shopping spree. We're too stuffed while there!
Character meals can be a great deal on the dining plan because most require only 1cr per person and are all-you-can-eat. We don't do the dinner shows, don't care for the food offered at those.
It is true that the DDP is mostly for ease and convenience, not for the budget-minded. Which fits right into our WDW philosophy: We do NOT care. We are on vay-kay-SHUN.
As a result, I'd say if saving money or its being worth it financially is your primary concern, the regular dining plan or the Deluxe is probably not for you. The QS plan maybe. If, like us, indulging with a devil-may-care attitude is your approach, you'll probably love the DDP.