Does Disney Dining Plan Include Specialty Drinks?
When planning your magical vacation at Walt Disney World, one of the first decisions you might make is whether to purchase the Disney Dining Plan. This prepaid meal plan offers a convenient way to budget for your dining expenses. But what about those extra-special beverages that catch your eye? Let's dive into the details to find out if the Disney Dining Plan includes specialty drinks.
Understanding the Disney Dining Plan
The Disney Dining Plan is a prepaid meal plan that allows you to enjoy meals and snacks at over 150 participating restaurants across Walt Disney World Resort. It's designed to simplify your dining experience and help you budget for your vacation. The plan is available to Disney Resort hotel guests and comes in three varieties: Disney Quick-Service Plan, Disney Dining Plan, and Disney Deluxe Dining Plan.
What's Included in the Disney Dining Plan?
Each dining plan includes a set number of meals and snacks per person, per night of your stay. Here's a breakdown of what's included in each plan:
- Disney Quick-Service Plan: 2 quick-service meals and 2 snacks per person, per night.
- Disney Dining Plan: 1 quick-service meal, 1 table-service meal, and 2 snacks per person, per night.
- Disney Deluxe Dining Plan: 3 meals (any combination of quick-service or table-service) and 2 snacks per person, per night.
Specialty Drinks: The Fine Print
Now, let's get to the heart of the matter: specialty drinks. Unfortunately, the Disney Dining Plan does not cover specialty drinks, also known as "Signature" or "Premium" drinks. These are high-end alcoholic beverages, specialty non-alcoholic drinks, and espresso-based drinks that come with an additional cost.
Signature and Premium drinks are typically marked with a "D" or "P" next to their price on the menu. Some examples include:
- Signature Cocktails and Martinis at signature dining restaurants.
- Specialty Coffee Drinks (like espresso, cappuccino, or lattes) at Starbucks locations and other coffee shops.
- Specialty Non-Alcoholic Drinks (like the popular "LeFou's Brew" at Magic Kingdom's Gaston's Tavern).
Alternatives for Enjoying Specialty Drinks
If you're eager to try those specialty drinks but don't want to pay out-of-pocket, here are a couple of alternatives to consider:
Use a Snack Credit
While not ideal, you can use one of your snack credits to purchase a specialty drink. However, keep in mind that snack credits are valued at $5.50 each, and specialty drinks can sometimes be priced higher. You might find it more cost-effective to pay out-of-pocket in these cases.
Purchase the Disney Dining Plan Plus
If you're a frequent visitor or planning a longer stay, you might want to consider the Disney Dining Plan Plus. This plan includes one snack and one specialty beverage (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) per person, per night, in addition to the meals and snacks offered in the standard Disney Dining Plan.
Final Thoughts
The Disney Dining Plan is an excellent way to simplify your dining expenses during your Walt Disney World vacation. However, it's essential to understand that specialty drinks are not included in the plan. By knowing this upfront, you can plan your budget accordingly and make the most of your magical vacation.
