Hi Jennifer!
Welcome to planDisney.
It's always a pleasure to assist my fellow guests from the UK. Thank you for asking this question.
You are correct in that you will receive a drink (either non-alcoholic or alcoholic - your choice) with each Quick-Service Meal on the
Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan. Unfortunately, drinks cannot be substituted for snacks (and vice-versa) with the new dining plans.
I was thinking about this myself because we'll probably buy a dining plan for our upcoming holiday, and what I decided is that you can select a bottled drink with your QS meal that is
not available at the beverage station for your Resort Refillable Mug (such as select fountain drinks, and hot tea, coffee and chocolate). You could choose a drink to take away with you for later such as Dasani bottled water, sparkling water, orange or apple juice, or chocolate milk. Remember that you can have an alcoholic drink too (for guests 21 and over).
I love the flexibility the dining plans offer - you can use it in any way you please - maybe using it for more meals on one day, and fewer on another.
Your dining plan meals can be used from check-in to your Disney Resort hotel until midnight on your day of departure (subject to meals remaining on your balance). I find this really useful with our late late flights home to the UK!. Just please ensure you use all your dining plan allowances because they will expire.
You can check your remaining dining plan balance on your My Disney Experience mobile app, and you will also see it on any dining receipt. If you would like a paper copy of your dining plan details (what you have used, and what is remaining) visit the Front Desk of your Disney Resort hotel where the Cast members will be happy to print a copy for you.
Please come back and visit us if you have any further questions, and you can
send me a direct question if you wish. We are always happy to help you plan your magical holiday to Walt Disney World!
Sue