Jordan,
As long as you know what you want to eat, budget for that accordingly, then stick to the plan, you will be fine, even without a dining plan.
As for your specific point about using a snack credit for a meal, yes, that can be done. This based on two basic realities.
- During most Walt Disney World vacations we all end up eating way more than we need.
- Many (not all) snack options at Walt Disney World are sizable and satisfying, and can replace some meals.
What we have often done is use a snack credit in the morning at our resort food court to get something that really serves as our entire breakfast. There are plenty of choices, healthy and otherwise, with us usually going for something like fruit or a pastry. Because we pair that with either quick service meals for lunch and dinner the rest of that day, or perhaps a quick service lunch and table service dinner, we always end up with more than enough food to eat in a day.
Beyond that, to save money look at what you get. See what comes with your purchase at different restaurants. As an example, many people chafe at the high platter costs (between $12 and $15) at the
Tangierine Cafe in Epcot. But when you see all that you get with that, you realize two people could share a platter and each get a pretty hearty meal. A different example are the savory waffle sandwiches at Sleep Hollow Refreshments in the Magic Kingdom. Nothing comes with them, but for around $7, you get a HUGE sandwich that is a great lighter meal when split between two people.
Write me back if you have any other follow up questions, or need some good restaurant recommendations by park.
Have a magical (and delicious) vacation!