I actually got the not only the Meal Deal, but the Drink Deal, and the Front of the Line pass when I was out there for my honeymoon a couple of months before they announced the original Harry Potter. The trip was for the middle of November, but I wanted the trip to be completely worry free, and having all of those deals and passes did just that, we were completely free to do whatever we liked. We did have to manage the Meal and Drinks Deals just a little bit, I used mine in IOA and my wife of 2 days at that point used hers at the Studios.
So far as our trip went, we would have saved money and had better food if we had not bought the food and drink passes and in November there was very little need for us to have the front of the line pass, but so far as a worry-free vacation, it was really nice to have all of that.
If you want to check out one of the best restaurants in any amusement park in the world, Mythos, your meal pass will not work there (at least it didn't used to).
When I went back to Orlando a little over a year ago, I once again did both parks but without all of the passes and deals, and wound up spending much less on the trip. In this case, knowledge is definitely power, and knowing how to manage the lines of the parks, which attractions to avoid, which ones would take a while, and where to eat, I had a really good time even though we were sharing the trip with another couple and more or less playing tour guide for them.
Another FYI, I don't think the meal pass works for any restaurants in Harry Potter Land, and certain not for any Butterbeer. Check that just to make sure, but if it is as I remember, then I would avoid the meal pass in order to partake in some of what Hogsmead has to offer.
Another FYI, If you want Butterbeer, don't wait in line for the street vendor, go into the Three Broomsticks and buy it there (if the line is not that long).
We usually just pick up some water bottles, nuts, granola bars (etc.) at the WalMart and then grab something light in the park (split a turkey leg) and then go out for a nice dinner.
