You really don't need a dining plan at DL. There just isn't the selection of restaurants that you have at WDW, and it's just as cost-effective to pay as you go. We generally stay at a hotel that has a free breakfast, within walking distance of the parks.
Sometimes we have a quick lunch at a counter-service in the parks; sometimes we leave and grab something at McDonald's or Whitewater Snacks (in the Grand Californian) or something in DTD. You can also get a cheap meal in the parks at places like Bengal Barbecue or get a bowl of clam chowder or jambalaya in New Orleans Square. We also like the salads in a bread bowl at the Pacific Wharf in CA Adventure, or a chili dog in the Hollywood backlot.
It's worth splurging on a couple of big meals while there. We generally take a nice lunch break at Blue Bayou (you can easily SPLIT a meal here--don't pay for the split plate charge, just split it yourself) and we've also really enjoyed BIG splurges at Napa Rose (Grand CA) and Steakhouse 55 (DL Hotel).
I generally use my Disney Visa card on big items all year round, and then cash in my earned Disney Rewards before a trip to pay for the splurge meals. Free food!
I hope this helps!
