New to Dining Plan - need HELP...

[Eno]

Haven't been to Disney for 7 years - going in Sept Fri - Mon (had unused Southwest credit that covered flights for the 3 of us, DD is 17)
Going to make reservations Saturday at 7:00 am (or online) at my 90 days.
If I do deluxe doing - California Grill, Citricos, Narcoossees for Signatures and Mama Melrose for lunch when in DHS, Tony's lunch in MK and last day (flight at 6:30 pm) Capn' Jacks for lunch DTD. Worried that for the lunches too much time for a sitdown and still do the parks. Signatures planning late dinners first night and when going to DHS - will take bus to Grand Floridan after leaving DHS. Narcoossees planned during MK EMH night hours - leave for 6:00 pm reservation, eat and return since park open till 11 pm Only 3 of us for 3 nights so 288.00 to upgrade and get to try three great restaurants - will appitizers...
On the other hand - for free could do - The Wave, Boatrights (staying at POFQ) and Crystal Palace. Counter service planned for lunches in DHS and MK and last day Wolfgang Express at DTD. How bad is it getting a seat and the lines for CS during free dining - going Sept 18 - 21. Will I end up spending as much time in line and searching for a seat than I would taking the time to eat at TS for lunches...... can't belive the planning that I have put in for what to eat.

 

[Mickey country]

That is alot of eating for a short amount of time. Since you have not been to Disney for quite a while, I would stick with the free dining. CS are not bad during free dining, try to eat at off times, like 11 am, or 2pm. that seems to work for us. Also you can send one person to order and the 2 others to find a place to sit. I made reservations this morning online for my 90 day mark @ 5:58 am. It was awesome, and I got everything I wanted!

 

[sdchickie]

I guess the question you have to ask is if you really want to eat at the signature's. I'm booked with the DDX plan in August and can't wait to try all the nicer restaurants at Disney, but I am also an AP holder so I go there all the time and don't worry about what I might miss. It does take longer to eat at a table service, but I think the crowds will be ok in Sep. so it shouldn't take as long in lines for the rides. You should be able to do both. If you are only planning on doing one park a day you should be ok with table service too. The lines for CS shouldn't be that long in Sep. either so if that was your main concern don't worry about that. The other thing you have to consider is weather you want to be running around trying to make that scheduled reservation. When we went as a family last Sep. that drove my husband crazy, we'd be in the park and I'd say "time to go we have to get over to DTD". So now I just leave him at home.