Hi Gail!
Looks like your vacation is almost here!
I always say, make sure you've exhausted all your meals, whether you are on the Standard Disney Dining Plan or Deluxe. If it appears that you'll have meals remaining on your plan if you eat at non-covered restaurants, I would make sure to cancel those right away.
If your Dining Plan won't cover all your meals, you may look to consolidate. Meaning, eat a late breakfast (perhaps a buffet), and eat A LOT, so that way your family isn't even hungry around lunch time, or just need a snack for lunch. This sometimes saves us from having to pay for a meal out of pocket.
Most counter service restaurants serve "fast food" type food (hamburgers, french fries, etc.) To my knowledge, there isn't, say, a McDonald's on any of the properties. No reservations needed for any counter service, or walk-in's at table service.
Counter services are less expensive than table service, but again, the key is making sure you've used all your meal credits, which is where you're saving money.
Hope that helps. Have a good one!