Hi, Araceli! I have always appreciated the convenience that comes with the Disney Dining Plans, but the 2018 versions brought even more convenience! These plans make it so easy to provide a magical meal for each member of your family.
Your
Summer Meal Deal includes one meal entitlement for each member of your party to use at a select Quick Service dining location for each night of your stay. You may use the entitlements for any meal - breakfast, lunch, or dinner. A Quick Service meal includes one entrée and one single-serving beverage, non-alcoholic for guests under age 21 or optional alcoholic for guests over age 21. I do know there are some dining locations that offer separate sides in addition to entrées, but you will not be able to order both. Most entrées do usually come with a side (such as a sandwich with fries, green beans, etc.), but some entrées are a whole meal within itself (such as pasta dishes). You can certainly choose a side as your main course, but that would not be a great use of your meal entitlement!
So, let's discuss beverages, which are a pretty hot topic these days! A single-serving non-alcoholic beverage includes items such as artisanal milkshakes, fresh smoothies, premium hot chocolate, soda, coffee or tea. While there are some exceptions, a single-serving alcoholic beverage includes items such as beer, cider, wine, sangria, mixed drinks, and specialty cocktails. Upon talking with a Cast Member today, I was told that substitutions were not allowed when using Dining Plan entitlements. However, I do know of several friends and fellow panelists who have been able to substitute a snack for the beverage when they asked. So, my advice there is that it never hurts to ask nicely!
Thank you for stopping by with this question and please let us know if you have any other questions!
Brandy