Hi Kevin!
Thank you for sending in your question to the Walt Disney World Moms Panel. If you are staying at a Disney owned and operated hotel, you can purchase a Disney Dining Plan. You can get more information on the various
Disney Dining Plans here. Just click on the various plans at the right side of that page to review them.
In general, there are two types of dining establishments at Walt Disney World: Table Service and Quick Service restaurants. Of course, there are also various snack and drink carts located throughout the theme parks. Table Service restaurants are like full service restaurants back home; you can either order off of a menu or it will be a buffet. Generally speaking, Quick Service restaurants are like fast food places back home. You can use Disney Dining Plan credits to purchase meals as well as credit cards and good old cash!
You really do need a reservation for a Table Service restaurant. A lot of them won't take walk ups, especially during the busier times of the year. Advanced Dining Reservations (ADRs) can be made up to 180 days in advance, and they can be made on-line or by calling (407) WDW-DINE. Make your reservations as soon as you can, because a lot of reservations book early, especially the most popular ones! You need to make reservations regardless of whether you will eventually be on a Disney Dining Plan or not.
I hope this helps to get you started! Write back with more questions!