Let me try to explain your options when booking the popular meals at
Cinderella's Royal Table.
For guest on the dining plan, you will still need to leave a credit card to guarantee your reservation. However, you will not have to pre-pay for the meal. No charge will be placed on your card unless you fail to cancel your reservation within the specified time. A charge is also placed when a family is a "no show".
If you are on the dining plan but do not wish to use your table service credits at Cinderella's Royal Table, then you will book the restaurant as if you didn't have the dining plan. Do not connect your reservation to your dining plan. Then follow the instructions below.
For guests not on the dining plan, you will need to pre-pay for your meal including tax and gratuity.
I hope this helps. Cinderella's Royal Table is a difficult reservation to obtain so be sure to call at exactly 180 days prior to your arrival date!