Hi Lisa,
Welcome back to the Disney Parks Moms Panel, and thank you for your question. I recently had a fabulous stay at the Walt Disney World Resort, and my family just loved being on the Disney Dining Plan. I made it my mission to try as many new things as possible, all in the name of resEARch!
The
2018 Disney Dining Plan features expanded beverage options, including the option of an alcoholic beverage (where available) for Guests aged 21 and older, as well as eligible non-alcoholic drinks like smoothies and milkshakes. On this year’s plan, substitutions are not allowed for the included drink. One strategy we used on our vacation was to fill our refillable mug to enjoy with our resort Quick-Service meal, but grab a sealed drink to enjoy at another time. My resort's food court featured several smoothie options, and I really appreciated being able to grab a green smoothie after all the indulging I'd been doing!
Lisa, one of my big takeaways with the Disney Dining Plan was to always ask your server or the Cast Members at your Quick-Service restaurant about possible substitutions. My husband doesn’t really care for dessert, so he was able to swap it for a side salad at some restaurants, but not all; this seems to vary based on restaurant policy and different servers. My approach is to ask politely with a big smile and expect a no; that makes a “yes” feel so much more magical!
Have fun with the Disney Dining Plan and be sure to take lots of silly pictures with your delicious drinks and snacks! There are so many fun options, and the number of snack entitlements means you can try a huge variety of tasty treats (unless you’re my son, who exists solely on Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bars).
Wishing you a magical vacation,
Robyn