Alcoholic drinks with dining plan

Question

We've just booked for next year (SSR) and will have the DP for the first time in ages - crunched the numbers and it may not be completely 'free' compared to the US room only deal but it almost is and I really miss the ability to pay ahead and not worry about what we are spending!

Quick question - we haven't had this since alcoholic drinks were included, and my adult kids would like to know a couple of things! Firstly do they limit what you can have. I've done some searching on this and can't find a definitive answer - all I found was that it doesn't cover anything in a souvenir cup, anything not a 'single' serve, or certain premiums wines/spirits. The kids are most like to drink cocktails so are really hoping that all of these are included?

Their second question is typical of young people trying to save a few £! If you consume more than one alcoholic drink with a TS meal, can you indicate which one (i.e. the most expensive one

) that you would like to be covered by the plan or does the system allocate this automatically, and in this case is it always to your favour, or more likely the other way? So what they mean is, can they order a beer when they first sit down which could be about $12, then later order a cocktail which is priced at $17, and choose to have the cocktail included or would it default to the first drink ordered?

I appreciate that this is probably not something which would concern many people, but if anyone has experience that they can share it would be appreciated! Thanks

Answer

Disney’s Dining Plan (DDP) now includes alcoholic beverages for guests 21 and over, but there are some important limitations and nuances to understand if your adult kids want to maximize it.

Firstly, not all drinks are automatically included. Generally, the plan covers:

Single-serve cocktails (non-premium), wine, or beer.
House wines, standard cocktails, draft beers, and certain mixed drinks.
It does not cover souvenir cups, specialty drinks priced as “premium,” or large-format beverages (e.g., pitchers, oversized cocktails).

For your question about ordering multiple drinks: the Dining Plan charges one alcoholic beverage credit per adult per meal, so only one alcoholic drink is “covered” per table-service meal. The system typically applies the credit to the first eligible alcoholic beverage ordered. This means:

If they order a $12 beer first, and then a $17 cocktail later, the $12 beer will count as the included beverage. The $17 cocktail would then need to be paid out-of-pocket.
There is no option
The system does not automatically pick the more expensive option; it simply applies the credit to the first eligible alcoholic beverage ordered.

Tips to maximize value:

Decide in advance which drink you want to be included, and order it first when the server takes your drink order.
Check the menu for drinks listed as “premium” or “specialty,” as these often require additional payment even with the Dining Plan.
For multiple adults at the table, each adult gets one drink credit, so each person can choose their preferred beverage.

In summary, the Dining Plan is flexible for standard cocktails, beer, or wine, but you cannot choose to have a later, more expensive drink covered instead of the first one. Planning the order ahead is key to getting the most value for your credits.

Alcoholic drinks with dining plan

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