In retrospect CRT dinner was a huge waste of money for us...but it's hard to tell people not to try it once for themselves. In my opinion the food was not nearly the quality that it should have been. If you have girls it might be worth it to dodge princess meet and greets, but that's the only scenario where I could envision someone walking out of there and saying to themselves "you know, I feel like I got my money's worth..."
I agree. I think it may be worth doing once- I've actually done it a few times ( since the 1970's that is), and almost every time we had the same thought. Pre DDP, one lunch was okay there.
We MUCH prefer the character meal at 1900 Park Fare. The food is way better, and the characters there are the best of any at any meal on property. the host staff can be a little less than stellar, but the food is the best character meal anywhere by a mile.
I also second the poster who said you'll be better off doing your own version of BBB. PLEASE though, have an alternate outfit on hand that is PRACTICAL for that day's weather. I've seen many little girls crying because an adult FORCES them to wear a costume. (especially the Etsy kind.) The plastic costume shoes are horrible in the parks. Unless you kid really begs for a costume, plan only one partial day wearing one- like the meal and a few photos on the Carrousel, then change.
We often bring glitter hairspray and call it pixie dust. Easy to find until Halloween. DO step outside your room to spray it. DO know it will stick in hair past bedtime.
Then again, we get huge mileage from just one can of glitter spray- and they are only $.99! Kids' Pedi's and mani's before the trip are inexpensive.
Also, in the list of regrets- maybe not so much of what we spent $ on, but what we didn't bring. If you regular need certain medicines, be sure to pack them. Many are NOT sold at WDW. Maybe not everything under the sun packing, but DO bring things like swim diapers, swim suits, and sunscreen. Items like that can be $$$ at WDW. If you have a car though, the area has tons of Walgreens, Walmarts, grocery stores, etc.
If you are onsite, and you like table service meals- eating at your hotel s often a great idea. Even the food courts at the values are decent for meals. We love dinner at AoA, if we are staying there. It is also fun to visit a few of the deluxes- and that doesn't cost anything. We LOVE visiting the Boardwalk area. It is very pretty at night.