Disney Dining Plan Question

[UKDisneyWorldFan]

Hi, we are coming to the USA from the UK in Summer 2007, and are looking in to booking the Dining Plan as we think it will save us money. We are 2 adults and 2 children, and I have read a tip that says you can sometimes pay for your kids meals with cash, and save their Dining Plan meals, which the adults can use later, does this work? I just couldn't see Disney allowing this 'loophole' to continue, surely?
My main question though, is whilst you are using up your Dining Plan Meals, Snacks etc, is there any way of knowing what/how many you have left on your key card if you lose count?

[boswellnakia]

I beleive on each receipt from a meal, your remaining balance is listed. I hope the sharing/paying with cash works. Many people report that it does on places that don't include buffets nor shows. So if you order off a menu, then the unofficial word is you can pay for some and use the dinning plan for others.