I can so understand your reaction to the children in your group.
Funny, we were there the same time as you and did a lot of the same things.
First time for us was Festival of the Lion King. We loved that show.
First time Living with the Land. We loved that too.
Speedway was great fun (after many years of ignoring it)
First time at 50's Prime Time. Was great fun.
We didn't have an issue with the dining plan because with the deluxe plan you can get anything you want. That can be a problem when you do what I did and that is trying to get your money's worth, so you order everything you can and actually eat it
I think the consensus is that the buffets are really going to h-e-double hockey sticks in a hand basket
They are certainly not worth the money.
It is always difficult to share a vacation with other people. I am always afraid of the outcome. It can destroy friendships.