Hi there Danielle!
We absolutely love the
Dining Plans for our family trips, and it's fantastic that you're making the most of it! What gets me really excited, is when a
Special Offer is released, such as free dining. When it comes to kids' meals and beverages, it's true that children ages 3 to 9 are typically required to order from the children's menu.
I recently inquired about the possibility of ordering specialty drinks for kids, and according to the information I received, specialty drinks are usually considered an additional cost for children in this age group. However, I would recommend checking with your server when you sit down for your meal. It doesn't hurt to ask if your child can substitute the standard drink for something more exciting like a milkshake or smoothie.
In our experience, the dining staff at the Walt Disney World Resort often go above and beyond to make your dining experience magical. So, feel free to check with your server about the possibility of getting a more exciting beverage option for your 5-year-old. Beverage choices aren't just limited to soda, they also include drinks such as milk, chocolate milk, or a variety of juices. I hope you and your family have an amazing time enjoying the diverse and delicious food options at Disney!
~Heather