The WDW Today podcast went on a rant today about how expensive character dining is and what a bad value it represents.

Since a character buffet like Crystal Palace and 1900 Park Fare are one table service credit, it strikes me that the dining plan is THE way to do character meals.

When I mentally compare breakfast at the Crystal Palace to breakfast at Whispering Canyon... it seems on par, value wise. One might have a preference for one or the other, but that's different.

...or am I way off base? The last time I did the dining plan was just after they stopped including gratuity.