Hi Jennifer!
Thanks for stopping by the Moms Panel with your cruise questions! Soda is included in your cruise fare. You will be able to use the soda dispensers near the pool deck 24 hours a day. Coke products such as Sprite and Diet Coke along with juices, tea and coffee are also available as well. Ordering sodas in the dining rooms is also included, but if you order from room service or from bar service, you will be charged for your drink.
There are counter service restaurants that serve sandwiches, pizza, chicken, and burgers that you can utilize on your cruise. Also, the casual dining restaurant, on the pool deck, is another option. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style but dinner is a little more formal and includes a four course sit down meal.
I understand wanting to save a little money, but I think you will not want to miss the rotational dining experience on board. The Disney Imagineers created magical dining atmospheres and being able to rotate through them each evening is very exciting. Your dining servers work very efficiently to provide you with extraordinary service while you are in their care. It is amazing how quickly they learn about your family and attend to your every need!
When planning for my cruise spending, I always budget at least the minimum amount of
gratuities suggested by Disney Cruise Line. Your stateroom host or hostess and dining servers are all part of why cruising on Disney is so exceptional!
As you continue to plan for your wondrous voyage, please continue to let me know your cruise questions! I'm happy to help in any way I can!
Have a fantastic day!
Nancy