Welcome BACK, Marie!
Thank you again for asking another great Walt Disney World Resort vacation planning question to us hEAR at the Disney Parks Moms Panel!
I had this very same question when I planned my very first visit to Mickey's house after the
Disney Dining Plans were introduced. I do agree with you that the terminology can be a bit confusing, especially when combined with all of the other Disney dining lingo that's out there. But I'd love to clEAR things up for you so you can plan the Best! Vacation! Ever!
95% of the time when you redeem a Disney Dining Plan Meal Entitlement, for both a
Quick Service as well as a
Table Service dining location, you'll get a full meal which includes an entree, a side or two, and a brand new beverage. It does depend on the dining location and the specific item you choose, but as you start looking over individual menus of the various
Disney Dining Locations, you'll see that they are usually divided up between 'Appetizers' or 'Snacks', 'Entrees', 'Sides', 'Desserts', 'Drinks, etc. If the main part of the meal, or the "Entree", is listed as "pizza served with salad" or "sandwich served with carrots", then that side is included. Very few locations have entree-style items that come without a side, but there are a handful. And once you're actually enjoying your vacation, don't be afraid to ask 'what included with a meal credit here?'.
You mentioned a burger and fries as an example, so check out this menu for
Cosmic Rays Starlight Cafe in Magic Kingdom Park. Almost everything is served with fries included, the exception being salads. Some of my favorite meals I spend my entitlements on are the grilled salmon with rice and veggies at
Columbia Harbour House and Mom's Favorite Recipe Sampler at
50's Prime Time Cafe. And Pro Tip: if you ever don't like the included side option, ask if there are any substitutions available, kids' meals included!
About your beverage options: When you pay out of pocket for a meal and do not use your dining entitlements, beverages are only included at
full buffets and family style meals. When using a meal entitlement, you'll receive a brand new beverage that can be anything from a soda or coffee to a specialty option like a milkshake or smoothie where available. Those over the age of 21 can even select something from the adult side of the menu! The mug that you receive with your Disney Dining Plan is what's known as a Resort Refill Mug that is only valid at the Disney Resort Hotels. These are great when relaxing by the pool or if you're like me and need a literal pot of coffee to get going in the morning. But when using them in addition to redeeming a meal entitlement at the food court or Quick Service Dining Location at your hotel, you will end up with two drinks, one being the mug and the other is the included meal beverage. But pro tip: you can select a bottled beverage as the drink that's included with your meal and save it for later.
I hope this helped, Marie, and We'll See You Real Soon!
~Kristen