Hi,
We often travel on the dining plan and almost always make a stop at Cinderella's Royal Table. I book the reservation using my dining plan, but then when we get there I asked that it be charged to a credit card instead. This way I don't have to pay in full in advance. If I don't cancel the reservations within 48 hours of the meal, credits will be deducted from my plan. The cost of a meal at the restaurant is not twice the cost of an average dinner at most other sit down restaurants throughout WDW, so for us it does not make sense to use the credits. We end up paying out of packet for at least two or three table service meals each trip anyway.
The last time I booked the
Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue, you could only reserve the best seats if you pay by credit card. The meal plan will only get you category two or three seating. Again we chose to pay out of pocket and use our meal credits somewhere else
If you think your family will not use all of your table service credits by the end of your trip, then you should use the credits for the establishments you asked about.
It sounds like you are planning a great trip. Have fun!!