I don't know about the 717, but the MD-88 has no pre-flight drink service, at least on ORD-ATL. You actually have to wait around a while for them to pull the carts out for econ before you can get anything. I flew this yesterday on an 88 and it was probably 30 minutes out of the gate before I was offered anything.

Both should have 110 in FC if you're worried about a dead laptop or something. The 717 holds ~40 less pax so you should board a bit faster.