I’m researching ready to book our holiday for this December. What’s the best thing to do re meals?

[Rescuer]

We did 11 nights over Christmas and I did a dining report. We paid for the dining plan for the first 5 nights and paid out of pocket for the last 6. It might give you a good idea of some of the things on offer.
It’s here

[wez]

It might be cheaper to stay off site & head for a breakfast buffet restaurant before you head to the parks. The ones that spring to mind are Golden Coral, Sizzlers, Ponderosa. They range from around $7-15 pp. They also do lunch & evening buffets. Disney breakfast buffets range from $24-35 pp (roughly).

[BebeYorkshire]

If you are willing to stay off site it is possible to find buffet breakfast included with the hotel. In 2015 we stayed at the Residence Inn, this had a hot buffet breakfast every day. It wasn't blow your socks off amazing but it had good variety and was tasty. It also started being served at 6am so you could eat and still get to the parks at a good time. The hotel itself was a bit dated decor wise but was clean, comfortable and had a nice pool area.

This year we are staying at the Hawthorne Suites, Lake Buena Vista and this includes buffet breakfast, some kind of happy hour reception most days and free hot drinks at all times via reception.