Hiya, Chelsea! Welcome to planDisney!
Thanks for stopping by with your delicious dining plan question. I’m a big fan of the
Disney Dining Plans when preparing for a family vacation. Not only does it help us plan out our snacks and meals, but it can also be a great value if restaurants and dining are part of the Disney magic for you.
While beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages are included in the Disney Dining Plan for guests over 21 years old, they are by no means the only options available to adult guests. I checked the dining plan page and it says that guests 10 years of age and older can choose one non-alcoholic beverage with their meal, including specialty beverages where offered. Single-serving non-alcoholic beverages include items such as milkshakes, fresh smoothies, premium hot chocolate, soda, coffee, or tea.
Don’t hesitate to ask a cast member if you’re unsure if a particular beverage is covered by the dining plan. I know some specialty drinks are served in souvenir mugs, and the dining plan page specifies that souvenir containers are not covered.
I’ve always found buffets to be a good value when using the Disney Dining Plan. Not only do you get a lot of food, but there's so much variety! My family especially loves
Boma at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, which features a range of African dishes, as well as several specialty non-alcoholic drinks and zero-proof cocktails.
Chelsea, I hope this helps with your dining plan decision. If you have any other questions or are looking for recommendations (dining, rides, or other), come right back to planDisney and ask away!
Cheers!
Matt