Hi Greg,
Here's a handy brochure of the
2012 Disney Dining Plan. With the standard Disney Dining Plan, you will receive one quick service meal, one table service meal, and one snack per person, per night of your vacation package. In addition, each person will receive a refillable resort mug.
Therefore, for your 5 night stay, you will have 5 quick service meals, 5 table service meals, and 5 snacks per person.
You can redeem your credits up until midnight of your departure day. If you choose to use no quick service meals on one day, you'll then have two to use on another day.
Your can use your meal credits whenever you want. I would recommend using a table service credit on arrival night, then save a quick service credit for your meal on the day of your departure.
Look over the brochure for examples. And let us know if we can help any further!