The math might work for people who would like to do several character buffets and likely buy some alcohol/specialty drinks with some meals regardless.
Plus you’ll get the kids 3-9yo free which helps (under 3 does not get credits; over 9 considered adult).
How long is your trip?
We tried it a bunch of times but not since 2019 when
DDP was easier to make worthwhile. It was alot of fun trying to maximize it and we got to experience more places and items than we would’ve otherwise. The tradeoff was having to plan around that.
The nice thing about character buffets is efficiency. I think the value is in being able to start eating immediately, having a wide array so everyone is getting fueled up, some easy character interactions, all in a short time. But they’re expensive lol.
Take Tusker House for instance. It’s $64 adult ($42 3-9yo). On DDP the adult would also be entitled to say a $17.50 Cold Brew Martini. After tax you’re talking over $85*. DDP is $98.59 with tax. $14 difference and you’ll still have a QS credit that also includes alcohol or specialty drink and a snack credit (plus ongoing resort refill mug). Satuli is mostly $14-$19 entrees and can choose a $5-$17 drink, after tax between $20-$40 (so I’ll estimate as $30/adult, $10/kid). And snack credit has plenty of choices $5-$10.
*Keep in mind this table service at 18% pre-tax tip is $15 just for that one adult.
I’m not sure the ages/# in your family, but if we order like that for 2 adults and match 2 3-9yo kids eating off same menus:
$275 Tusker, $80 Satuli, $30 snacks = $385
Paid $197 DDP + $43 TS tip = $240
BUT - do you want to eat like that?
AND - this is one of the best case scenario days.
