Alcoholic beverages join the Disney Dining Plan for 2018

Jun 20, 2017 in "Disney Dining Plan"

Posted: Tuesday June 20, 2017 7:53am EDT by WDWMAGIC Staff

Disney has today officially announced that for 2018 Disney Dining Plans, guests will have new beverage options including alcohol.

For Guests 21 and older, beer, wine and cocktails will be available, and also included for all ages will be non-alcoholic specialty beverages, such as milkshakes, smoothies and premium hot chocolate.

Speciality and alcoholic drink entitlements will be limited to one per meal, and you will not be able to use snack entitlements for alcoholic beverages.

2018 Magic Your Way vacation packages with Disney dining plans that include these new beverage options are available now for booking with reservations beginning January 1 2018.

Here is the full run-down of the three new Disney Dining Plans.

Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan

Enjoy casual meals and snacks at Quick-Service locations.

What's Included

Everyone in the party ages 3 and over will receive the following each night of their package stay:

  • 2 Quick-Service Meals
  • 2 Snacks

Each Guest ages 3 and over will receive a refillable drink mug, which is eligible for refills at self-service beverage islands at Quick-Service locations at any Disney Resort hotel.

New for 2018 vacation packages! Guests have several new beverage options available including non-alcoholic specialty beverages and, for Guests 21 and older, beer, wine and cocktails.

Each Quick-Service meal includes (for breakfast, lunch or dinner):

  • 1 Entrée
  • 1 Non-alcoholic Beverage (or Alcoholic Beverage, for Guests 21 and older—2018 plan only)

Snacks:
At Quick-Service restaurants, most Outdoor Carts and select merchandise locations, snacks may include a single serving of items such as:

  • Frozen ice cream novelty, popsicle or fruit bar
  • Popcorn scoop
  • 12 oz. coffee, hot chocolate or hot tea
  • Prepackaged milk or juice
  • Piece of whole fruit
  • Bag of snacks
  • 20 oz. bottle of Coca-Cola®, Sprite® or Dasani® water
  • 20 oz. fountain soft drink

Beverages (2017 plan only):
Guests can choose one non-alcoholic beverage within their meal entitlement.

A single-serving non-alcoholic beverage includes items such as:

  • Soda
  • Coffee
  • Tea

Beverages (2018 plan only):
Guests under 21 years of age can choose one non-alcoholic beverage (including specialty beverages where offered). Guests 21 and older can can choose either one non-alcoholic beverage (including specialty beverages where offered) or one single serving mixed cocktail, beer, or wine (where offered) within their meal entitlement.

A single-serving non-alcoholic beverage includes items such as:

  • Artisanal Milkshakes
  • Fresh Smoothies
  • Premium Hot Chocolate
  • Soda, Coffee or Tea

 A single-serving alcoholic beverage includes items such as:

  • Beer or Cider
  • Wine or Sangria
  • Mixed Drinks and Specialty Cocktails

Most beer, wine and mixed drink beverages included, some exceptions apply. Guests must be age 21 or older and present valid ID to be served alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic beverages may only be redeemed with a Quick-Service meal entitlement.

What’s Not Included

  • Alcoholic and specialty beverages (2017 plan only)
  • Items that are more than a single serving (such as a box of doughnuts or a jar of peanut butter)
  • Items (such as popcorn or drinks) that are served in a souvenir container
  • Items sold from recreational rental counters
  • Items considered to be merchandise (such as bottle toppers, glow cubes and bottle straps)
  • Special dining events offered at certain Table-Service locations

Disney Dining Plan

Dine at more than 50 Table-Service restaurants, in addition to enjoying on-the-go meals and snacks.

What’s Included

Everyone in the party ages 3 and over will receive the following each night of their package stay:

  • 1 Quick-Service Meal
  • 1 Table-Service Meal
  • 2 Snacks

Each Guest ages 3 and over will receive a refillable drink mug, which is eligible for refills at self-service beverage islands at Quick-Service locations at any Disney Resort hotel.

New for 2018 vacation packages! Guests have several new beverage options available including non-alcoholic specialty beverages and, for Guests 21 and older, beer, wine and cocktails.

Each Quick-Service meal includes (for breakfast, lunch or dinner):

  • 1 Entrée
  • 1 Non-alcoholic Beverage (or Alcoholic Beverage, for Guests 21 and older—2018 plan only)

Each Table-Service meal includes (for breakfast):

  • 1 Entrée
  • 1 Non-alcoholic Beverage (or Alcoholic Beverage, for Guests 21 and older—2018 plan only)

-OR-

  • 1 Full Buffet** or Family-Style Meal

Each Table-Service meal includes (for lunch or dinner):

  • 1 Entrée
  • 1 Dessert*
  • Non-alcoholic Beverage (or Alcoholic Beverage, for Guests 21 and older—2018 plan only)

-OR-

  • 1 Full Buffet** or Family-Style Meal

*Ask your server about potential substitutions, but substitutions are not guaranteed. **If available; buffet excludes specialty beverages that are sold separately (2017 plan only).

Snacks:
At Quick-Service restaurants, most Outdoor Carts and select merchandise locations, snacks may include a single serving of items such as:

  • Frozen ice cream novelty, popsicle or fruit bar
  • Popcorn scoop
  • 12 oz. coffee, hot chocolate or hot tea
  • Prepackaged milk or juice
  • Piece of whole fruit
  • 20 oz. bottle of Coca-Cola®, Sprite® or Dasani® water
  • 20 oz. fountain soft drink

Beverages (2017 plan only):
Guests can choose one non-alcoholic beverage within their meal entitlement.

A single-serving non-alcoholic beverage includes items such as:

  • Soda
  • Coffee
  • Tea

Beverages (2018 plan only):
Guests under 21 years of age can choose one non-alcoholic beverage (including specialty beverages where offered). Guests 21 and older can choose either one non-alcoholic beverage (including specialty beverages where offered) or one single-serving mixed cocktail, beer, or wine (where offered) within their meal entitlement.

A single-serving non-alcoholic beverage includes items such as:

  • Artisanal Milkshakes
  • Fresh Smoothies
  • Premium Hot Chocolate
  • Soda, Coffee or Tea

A single-serving alcoholic beverage includes items such as:

  • Beer or Cider
  • Wine or Sangria
  • Mixed Drinks and Specialty Cocktails

Most beer, wine and mixed drink beverages included, some exceptions apply. Guests 21 and older must present valid ID to be served alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic beverages may only be redeemed with a Quick-Service or Table-Service meal entitlement.

Other Dining Experiences to Redeem Table-Service Meals

Character Dining:
Dine with some of your favorite Disney Characters! Have your camera ready for this experience that adds a little extra magic to your Table-Service meal.

Cinderella's Royal Table requires 2 Table-Service meals will be redeemed per person.

Merchandise or photo imaging products that may be offered for sale at Character Dining Experiences are not included. Gratuities are not included unless otherwise noted.

Signature Dining Restaurants: 

Experience an elegant Table-Service option with a wide selection of cuisines ranging from traditional African, Indian and Mediterranean to premium steaks and fresh seafood.

Each meal from a Signature Dining restaurant includes:

  • 1 Entrée
  • 1 Non-alcoholic Beverage (or Alcoholic Beverage, for Guests 21 and older—2018 plan only)
  • 1 Dessert

2 Table-Service meals for each Signature Dining restaurant meal ordered will be redeemed from each person’s meal plan balance.

The dress code for Signature Dining restaurants is Resort casual. Not permitted in dining room: tank tops, swimsuits or swimsuit coverups, hats for gentlemen, cutoffs, torn clothing of any kind or T-shirts with offensive language and/or graphics.

Dinner Shows:
Enjoy family-style dining with live entertainment at a themed dinner show.

The Disney Dining Plan can be used for Category 2 or Category 3 seating at all Dinner Shows (subject to availability) and Category 1 seating at the 8:30 PM Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue (subject to availability). Please pick up your Dinner Show ticket at the Concierge Desk in your Disney Resort hotel prior to arriving at the show. All Dinner Shows require advance reservations.

2 meals for each Dinner Show meal ordered will be redeemed from each person’s meal plan balance.

Private In-Room Dining:
Indulge in the comfort and convenience of dining in your room at select Disney Resort hotels.

Each Private In-Room Dining meal includes:

  • 1 Entrée
  • 1 Dessert (lunch and dinner)
  • 1 Non-alcoholic Beverage (or Alcoholic Beverage, for Guests 21 and older—2018 plan only)

2 meals for each Private In-Room Dining meal ordered will be redeemed from each person’s meal plan balance. Gratuities are included.

Pizza Delivery:
Each Pizza Delivery meal includes:

  • 1 Pizza Entrée Item
  • 2 Single-serving Non-alcoholic Beverages (or Alcoholic Beverages, for Guests 21 and older—2018 plan only)
  • 2 Desserts

A total of two 2 adult meals will be redeemed from your meal plan balance for each Pizza Delivery meal. Gratuities are included.

What's Not Included

  • Alcoholic and specialty beverages (2017 plan only)
  • Items that are more than a single serving (such as a box of doughnuts or a jar of peanut butter)
  • Items (such as popcorn or drinks) that are served in a souvenir container
  • Items sold from recreational rental counters
  • Items considered to be merchandise (such as bottle toppers, glow cubes and bottle straps)
  • Special dining events offered at certain Table-Service locations

Disney Deluxe Dining Plan

The most comprehensive dining plan that gives you the most meals with appetizers, in addition to snacks.

What's Included

Everyone in the party ages 3 and over will receive the following each night of their package stay:

  • 3 Meals
  • 2 Snacks

Each Guest ages 3 and over will receive a refillable drink mug, which is eligible for refills at self-service beverage islands at Quick-Service locations at any Disney Resort hotel.

New for 2018 vacation packages! Guests have several new beverage options available including non-alcoholic specialty beverages and, for Guests 21 and older, beer, wine and cocktails.

Each Quick-Service meal includes (for breakfast, lunch or dinner):

  • 1 Entrée
  • 1 Non-alcoholic Beverage (or Alcoholic Beverage, for Guests 21 and older—2018 plan only)

Each Table-Service meal includes (for breakfast):

  • 1 Entrée
  • 1 Non-alcoholic Beverage (or Alcoholic Beverage, for Guests 21 and older—2018 plan only)

-OR-

  • 1 Full Buffet** or Family-Style Meal

Each Table-Service meal includes (for lunch or dinner):

  • 1 Appetizer
  • 1 Entrée
  • 1 Dessert*
  • 1 Non-alcoholic Beverage (or Alcoholic Beverage, for Guests 21 and older—2018 plan only)

-OR-

  • 1 Full Buffet** or Family-Style Meal
    *Ask your server about potential substitutions, but substitutions are not guaranteed. **If available; buffet excludes specialty beverages that are sold separately (2017 plan only).

Snacks:
At Quick-Service restaurants, most Outdoor Carts and select merchandise locations, snacks may include a single serving of items such as:

  • Frozen ice cream novelty, popsicle or fruit bar
  • Popcorn scoop
  • 12 oz. coffee, hot chocolate or hot tea
  • Prepackaged milk or juice
  • Piece of whole fruit
  • Bag of snacks
  • 20 oz. bottle of Coca-Cola®, Sprite® or Dasani® water
  • 20 oz. fountain soft drink

Beverages (2017 plan only):
Guests can choose one non-alcoholic beverage within their meal entitlement.

A single-serving non-alcoholic beverage includes items such as:

  • Soda
  • Coffee
  • Tea

Beverages (2018 plan only):
Guests under 21 years of age can choose one non-alcoholic beverage (including specialty beverages where offered). Guests 21 and older can choose either one non-alcoholic beverage (including specialty beverages where offered) or one single-serving mixed cocktail, beer, or wine (where offered) within their meal entitlement.

A single-serving non-alcoholic beverage includes items such as:

  • Artisanal Milkshakes
  • Fresh Smoothies
  • Premium Hot Chocolate

A single-serving alcoholic beverage includes items such as:

  • Beer or Cider
  • Wine or Sangria
  • Mixed Drinks and Specialty Cocktails

Most beer, wine and mixed drink beverages included, some exceptions apply. Guests must be 21 or older and present valid ID to be served alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic beverages may only be redeemed with a Quick-Service or Table-Service meal entitlement.

Other Dining Experiences to Redeem Table-Service Meals

Character Dining:
Dine with some of your favorite Disney Characters! Have your camera ready for this experience that adds a little extra magic to your Table-Service meal.

Cinderella's Royal Table requires that 2 Table-Service meals will be redeemed per person.

Merchandise or photo imaging products that may be offered for sale at Character Dining Experiences are not included. Gratuities are not included unless otherwise noted.

Signature Dining Restaurants:
Experience an elegant Table-Service option with a wide selection of cuisines ranging from traditional African, Indian and Mediterranean to premium steaks and fresh seafood.

Each meal from a Signature Dining restaurant includes:

  • 1 Appetizer
  • 1 Entrée
  • 1 Non-alcoholic Beverage (or Alcoholic Beverage, for Guests 21 and older—2018 plan only)
  • 1 Dessert

2 Table-Service meals for each Signature Dining restaurant meal ordered will be redeemed from each person’s meal plan balance.

The dress code for Signature Dining restaurants is Resort casual. Not permitted in dining room: tank tops, swimsuits or swimsuit coverups, hats for gentlemen, cutoffs, torn clothing of any kind or T-shirts with offensive language and/or graphics.

Dinner Shows:
Enjoy family-style dining with live entertainment at a themed dinner show.

The Disney Deluxe Dining Plan can be used for Category 2 or Category 3 seating at all Dinner Shows (subject to availability) and Category 1 seating at the 8:30 PM Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue (subject to availability). Please pick up your Dinner Show ticket at the Concierge Desk in your Disney Resort hotel prior to arriving at the show. All Dinner Shows require advance reservations.

2 meals for each Dinner Show meal ordered will be redeemed from each person’s meal plan balance.

Private In-Room Dining:
Indulge in the comfort and convenience of dining in your room at select Disney Resort hotels.

Each Private In-Room Dining meal includes:

  • 1 Appetizer
  • 1 Entrée
  • 1 Dessert (lunch and dinner)
  • 1 Non-alcoholic Beverage (or Alcoholic Beverage, for Guests 21 and older—2018 plan only)

2 meals for each Private In-Room Dining meal ordered will be redeemed from each person’s meal plan balance. Gratuities are included.

Pizza Delivery:
Each Pizza Delivery meal includes:

  • 1 Pizza Entrée Item
  • 2 Single-serving Non-alcoholic Beverages (or Alcoholic Beverages, for Guests 21 and older—2018 plan only)
  • 2 Desserts

A total of two 2 adult meals will be redeemed from your meal plan balance for each Pizza Delivery meal. Gratuities are included.

What's Not Included

  • Alcoholic and specialty beverages (2017 plan only)
  • Items that are more than a single serving (such as a box of doughnuts or a jar of peanut butter)
  • Items (such as popcorn or drinks) that are served in a souvenir container
  • Items sold from recreational rental counters
  • Items considered to be merchandise (such as bottle toppers, glow cubes and bottle straps)
  • Special dining events offered at certain Table-Service locations
Discuss on the Forums

Get Walt Disney World News Delivered to Your Inbox

View all comments →

yedliWSep 09, 2017

Have they defined 'Specialty' drink? Is it more than just milkshakes? Does it include the drinks with glowcubes or collectible cups? I've never really paid attention.. how many QS places have 'specialty' drinks? We are going in March, and usually get the DDP for the convenience factor.. but we aren't drinkers and don't want to pay a premium for alcohol if we aren't going to be getting drinks.. We are doing a split stay, so we figured we may get it for the first (shorter) half of our trip. and pay OOP for the balance of the trip..

King Racoon 77Jun 24, 2017

It might work out better for you visiting from in the States but for us pondhoppers we don't get room rates to compare it to. This is oir first ( and probably only ) year of using rhe dining plan because it works for us this time as we are meeting friends and will be eating a lot of table service. Normaly we wouldn't dine like this so it wouldnt work out for us. It really is a case of running the numbers for each trip and making an informed decision for your own family.

21stampsJun 24, 2017

I've said this before, in threads that you have been in.. and you'll probably jump me again....but, Comparatively, food at Disney World is the same or actually less than a lot of entertainment venues. My friends are at wdw for 2 weeks right now, before they left we were at our kids' ballgame.. someone made a comment about Disney prices.. and we all, basically in unison, said how the food is cheaper than a lot of other places we go.

RainemanJun 24, 2017

Wow, someone I don't know is calling me "thick". Really couldn't care less, but thanks for your opinion.

xdan0920Jun 24, 2017

Because you're too thick to realize it effects the oop cost as well.

21stampsJun 24, 2017

Have you ever seen a new upcharge offering thread? Or a party thread where people are griping about the prices when they aren't even traveling that time of year?lol

RainemanJun 24, 2017

I agree. Whatever people think about the DDP is fine with me, as long as they have the mindset of "it's not for me, not going to use it" or "I love it, I don't mind paying extra". Griping about it being too expensive when you have no plans to actually use it makes no sense to me.

21stampsJun 23, 2017

From the crazy stuff I have seen people say on Disney websites.. if Disney World actually allowed tweens and teenagers to be on a kid's dining plan... I could totally see people making their 15, 16 and 17-year-olds live on child portions for a week so they can go to Disney World and use the savings for souvenirs or a different room category. Sorry, feed your teenager age appropriate portions of food. If you don't want the dining plan, make them live on kid's meals out of pocket. At least Disney wouldn't be promoting that.

xdan0920Jun 23, 2017

Lol. No sh*t.

21stampsJun 23, 2017

Lol. I don't think that will happen, or even should happen.

xdan0920Jun 23, 2017

When they are adults?

21stampsJun 23, 2017

Maybe because some of us look at the world outside of Disney, and realize that kids are charged the same as adults at many places..or within a few dollars of an adult. But, just out of curiously, at what age do you think a child to pay an adult price for tickets and the dining plan?

xdan0920Jun 23, 2017

And I've officially seen it all. People defending Disney charging 10 year olds as adults. What could Disney do to make you sheeple question their pricing structure?

LegendaryJun 23, 2017

Get your point. But there are a ton of people on these threads that don't have the money and its helpful to hear both sides to determine what works best for your family.