We did the deluxe
DDP on our last 2 trips. The cost of upgrading from the Plus DDP to Deluxe DDP was not much. Work the dollar calculations. When comparing costs, be sure to include tax (included with dining plan), and that the deluxe plan includes refillable mugs, appetizers, and more snacks.
For us, if we did Plus DDP, it was not enough to cover all the table services we wanted to do. So, we would still end up paying extra to cover a couple table services and some appetizers, and the refillable resort mugs. The additional out of pocket was equal to the cost of just going deluxe.
Most days, we just had 2 meals (breakfast and lunch). But, we used dining plan credits on our arrival and departure days too. And 2 credit signature meals and shows. So, it ended up not robbing too much time from the parks. I can see that point though... but we enjoy the dining and welcome the break from all the walking. There were some days when we had 3 meals -- an early character breakfast (8am), lunch around 1 or 1:30, and dinner at 7:30). That worked fine for us. We are not big breakfast eaters anyway. And calories don't count when you're on vacation!
We pretty much used snack credits just for drinks, popcorn, stuff like that. Not very hungry after appetizers, entrees, and desserts! Lots of extra snack credits at the end of our trip for treats to take home.
The best way to use the dining plan credits on deluxe is to do all (or most all) table service. You can use the credits for counter service if you want. We do all table service because we like it... We like the themed restaurants and character meals and signatures and shows... we consider it part of our "park experience".
For us the average cost of a signature dinner was pretty much twice the average cost of a 1 credit lunch/dinner. But, it's nice that everything is prepaid. The deluxe plan includes appetizers so that was nice because we like to try different foods.
