Dining plan and alcohol

[qv09vvp]

I guess it’s been awhile since we paid for the dining plan. Noticed today that it included alcoholic drink with every meal? We are traveling with a group from age 19 to 24. Doesn’t seem fair that the 19 year gets charged the same as the 25 year old since they won’t be drinking. Am I missing something?

 

[kylieh]

We have the same in our group with a 16 year old. In general not everyone drinks, some are pregnant, some will be driving, etc. There's always a reason why someone unable to drink. it's just the way it is. If it's important to you pay OOP for the under 21s, then those over 21 use the credits at other meals.

 

[trubgerg]

I think it depends on how you look at it. If you're the type of person who likes to calculate how much the food and beverages would have cost without a dining plan to see what value you're getting, then I can see that being an issue. On the other hand, you could also assume that the adults are paying the same price as the minors and getting a more expensive drink as a bonus.

 

[epcotobsessed]

The best way to think of the alcohol option is as a "bonus." It provides more value for people who can/do order a drink with each meal. The dining plan is a set price - just like you don't get a cheaper price on the DP if you order the least expensive item, you don't get a cheaper price if you don't/can't order alcohol.

 

[vinotinto]

This is why so many stop purchasing the plan when their kids turn 10. If it doesn't work for your family composition, just pay OOP.

 

[BuffaloJim]

Although the under 21 crowd obviously doesn’t get to pick an alcoholic drink, they often can pick a non-alcoholic specialty drink, some of which are fairly expensive.

 

[lubob]

It includes a speciality drink for any one under 21 or a non alcoholic beverages for those who can't have alcohol. Example would be some type of kids punch or a non alcoholic Dacqui of some kind

 

[DisMommyTX]

That's how I felt when my 10 and 13 year old were charged adult prices, even before alcohol was included. This is actually a better value for us because we never drink sodas. We used to only get water, but now can opt for a glass of wine or milkshake. Run the numbers then decide whether or not there is a plan that works for you. We spend less without a dining package, but we eat completely differently as well.

 

[Nancyg56]

When alcohol and specialty beverages were added to the plan the cost did not change but maybe a dollar or so. It actually is a bonus that never was included before.

I agree with those who say that the plan is not for everyone, so if your family cannot or will not use the options included than it is best to just pay for food OOP.