Welcome to planDisney, Laura!
One of the tips that I often share regarding the
Disney Dining Plan is to purchase Disney Gift Cards in the amount of what the dining plan would cost. You can
combine the cards online, onto 1-2 cards ($1000 is the maximum per card). Then, use those cards for EVERYTHING that your family eats or drinks. At the end of the trip, you might be pleasantly surprised at the money left on the gift cards; I know I was when I did this little experiment in 2014.
I recommend this as a budgeting tip. So many people are missing the Disney Dining Plan because their meals are all prepaid before their trip. Many guests like the ease of having this expense paid in advance. Also, I typically purchase my Disney gift cards at a store that offers a slight discount.
If you don’t mind coming home with a credit card bill, you can absolutely pay for all of your meals with your credit card. And, in some cases, doing that might earn you points as well.
I hope this helps to clear up any confusion that this recommendation has caused! Thank you for coming to planDisney with your question, and please ask us anything else that might come up as you plan your own Walt Disney World vacation!
Happy Traveling,
Tracy