Hello Nick,
First, let me thank you for your service. I'm glad you are getting to take a well-earned vacation with your family. If you click
here, you can see the restaurants that are currently on the Disney Dining Plan (there are sometimes changes made, however). You will also see on this link an explanation of how the dining plan works. Basically, you will have one table service meal and one counter service meal a day. If you click
here, you can also explore many of the restaurants. When you are 180 days out from your arrival date, you can begin making reservations. I also really like www.disneyfoodblog.com and www.allearsnet.com (Look under
Dining listed under
Walt Disney World at the top menu bar) for further dining information.
I'm actually not sure about the second portion of your question about surprising your wife -- with the trip? a romantic dinner? just a surprise on the trip? Do you mind sending another question our way; we'd love to help you out!