The fee is for your entire stay, and covers your entire party. There are some here that feel you shouldn't have to pay the fee in that on exchange you ought to be treated like an owner would be (owners don't pay this fee). I believe this is the reason DVC no longer exchanges through RCI.
All that said, I stayed at a DVC this past spring and was pleased with the resort (Saratoga Springs). We didn't need a car, had groceries delivered before our arrival and did the meal plan. My only complaint about the meal plan was that it really turned out to be too much food, but from a dollar standpoint it paid off. One thing to keep in mind is that in another Orlando area resort (that is not a DVC) you'd pay a lot less for food as you woudn't have to pay park prices. You'd have to decide what's worth what to you, as outside the resort you'll need a car, so savings on food may get eaten up by the cost of the car and gas.
If you do get a meal plan it is VERY important that you make reservations as soon as possible...some of the resturaunts book 6-months out.