For us the big selling point for the character meal was that you could see many characters in a short period of time, all while eating a meal. I mean, you gotta eat anyway, so why not make the most of the time?
You're right, it is expensive. But it sounds like the lines to meet some of the characters are very long, and I just don't know how patient DS2 would be...or DS6, for that matter. I can't think of anything we've taken them to where they had to wait in a
really long line. They whine at the 5-minute line for the bank or post office, for pete's sake!
I'm hoping that spending a little hard-earned cash will reap rewards of meeting lots of characters, getting autographs and photos, some fun and food while we're at it, and more time spent seeing the rest of the park. Besides, it's our FIRST TRIP, so this is something we're willing to splurge a bit on.
When DS6 is older, he probably won't be so interested in meeting characters, so I'm sure we'll skip that, or maybe only do one. (Though I have read hilarious trip reports about the characters engaging bored teenagers and actually getting them to laugh and have fun!)
I say ask your daughter. If she says, "No way!" then skip it. If she wanted to do it and you don't mind shelling out the $, then go for it!