We do Character Breakfasts because the mornings in the parks are when you can get the rides done quickly, but if we head in first thing in the morning little ones get distracted by the characters on Main street. So, we spend 15-20 minutes visiting with a character while the line for Dumbo grows exponentially every second.
By doing a Character Breakfast we not only get into the park before it opens and have WONDERFUL picture opportunities without all the crowds, but the kids can visit with their favorite characters and "get it out of their system" before the park opens. I can then keep to a strict morning schedule of doing rides and avoiding lines. All in all everyone is happy, and then we can head out of the park for a quiet lunch/nap.
I think our family gets an emotional, but not financial benefit, from the morning breakfasts together. Everyone is well rested and well behaved. We sit down, eat a wonderful meal, are visited by our favorite furry or tiara toting characters, and we get emotionally connected and grounded before the day begins. I find we are really in the Disney Zone after these magical breakfasts.
As to the Dining Plan, we will no longer be using it unless they offer it to us during the
free dining periods. After they took our beloved appetizers and then socked us with the tips, it just doesn't make financial sense for our family and the way we enjoy the parks. We will do our Character Meals and still pay for Le Cellier, but for everything else, we will do counter service or eat in our room.
--Eeyore's Wife