I'd call and ask about the price difference for a package with free dining, assuming you're willing to be at a different resort on a reunion trip. (AKL was part of free dining. Are they out of those rooms? Did you ask if any free dining rooms were available in a different room category?)
Keep in mind, though, that an AP rate may be better than free dining at a deluxe. With the value resorts, for instance, the dining is a much bigger percentage of the overall cost and, in real dollars, the room discounts are small. Given the discount at the deluxe, and the fact that you'd only be getting dining for two people if you're only moving your parents, the savings might not be much at all. Also, if the rest of you aren't on the dining plan, and have already made ADRs that don't really suit the dining plan (i.e. multiple signature restaurants, more sit down meals than one per day, etc.), they'd still be paying out of pocket for that. I think it's hard to combine trips when everyone isn't on the same plan.
Good luck! You practically need a degree in physics to figure it all out.
