Welcome back to the Disney Parks Moms Panel, Emmetta!
The
Disney Dining Plan really works for my family, and we have so much dining fun on stays where we purchase the plan. For me, pre-paying makes our vacation feel all-inclusive, and we can order whatever looks good on the menu without thinking about cost or budget since we’ve already paid. We also love tasting ALL the snacks around the Walt Disney World Resort, and the snack entitlements allow me to enjoy favorites like the iconic
Dole Whip AND try the tasty new treats I drool over when reading the
Disney Parks Blog. Okay, now I’m hungry – preferably for something Mickey shaped!
I’m sorry to hear you’re seeing conflicting information about Disney Dining Plan usage. It can get confusing because sometimes nuances in the plan change from year to year (I’m STILL celebrating the addition of select adult beverages and specialty drinks!), and because sometimes servers and restaurants will allow exceptions or sprinkle pixie dust, which is never guaranteed but always appreciated.
When it comes to children aged 3-9 on the 2019 Disney Dining Plan, they must order from the children’s menu when available. As for adults aged 21 and older, they may choose either an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage, but can’t order both on the Disney Dining Plan. Remember, though, that the Disney Dining Plan does come with a Resort Refillable Mug, so if you’re dining at a Disney resort, you’ll be able to swing by a Quick-Service location and fill up on soda or coffee. I usually carry our mugs in my backpack when I know we’ll be visiting a resort hotel. (Note that the refillable mugs cannot be filled in the theme parks at this time.) You’re also welcome to add a second beverage and pay out of pocket if you’d like.
I hope this helps clear things up, Emmetta! I hope you enjoy some
amazing meals, great snacks, and fun drinks during your visit to the Walt Disney World Resort. As much as I love all the entertainment, character experiences, and attractions at Walt Disney World, I also love enjoying a great meal with my family and talking about all our magical adventures, and I hope you get lots of those lovely together moments on your upcoming visit!
Wishing you a magical vacation,
Robyn