And did you like being on the plan? We usually eat breakfast in our room (usually a studio, just me and DH), use a quick service dinner, but have table service as our lunch. I think it may make sense, just for convenience alone. Also, can I give the front desk cash up front and that would go toward tips at the restaurant, I just don't want the credit card to be hit for them?
As some have said, yes, you can choose any entree. There are "enhancements" that are not part of the plan. But those should be clearly marked on the menu.
When we used the plan, yes, I liked it. When we used it, we saved money. But we aren't tiny and we like dessert.
We don't get it every time. There are some trips where it makes sense. When that happens, we get it.
Yes, it can be a convenience. But if you are using it like that, you will probably pay more than if you paid out of pocket. But of course, most times you purchase something out of convenience, you pay more. Think about cut veggies or shredded cheese. Those are convenient, but they are more expensive than their whole counterparts.
There have been stories about the ability to put cash on your magic band. It sounds like it is very much up to the cast member. Some will do it, some will claim it can't be done. But if you really don't want to have them hit your credit card, and you don't want to carry cash, you could put that cash on a gift card. Or, you could charge it to your band, then pay it every night at the front desk. Disney doesn't charge your card for each purchase, they do it in batches, once you have hit their limit. So if you pay off your charges each night, it won't hit your card.