Help figuring some things out? :)

[Boy Mom x3]

We have the dining plan and are headed to DW in October during free dinging.
I would love to be able to switch out some of my drinks/desserts at CS for sides so I don't have to buy a full meal for my 2 year old. From what I read, you can now do both (correct me if I'm wrong) and we don't usually drink sodas and only occasionally want a special dessert (that we all split) anyway.

Looking at Epcot... we are doing Sunshine Seasons (many options it looks like), but is there anywhere else that has some other side items that would be good to switch out?

Favorite snacks at Epcot that two kids could share if needed?

With Be Our Guest, can I switch out drinks to sides for the 2 year old? Can I do this when I preorder?

Other favorite counter service (besides BOG) at MK?

THANK YOU! Trying to plan in advice so we are not standing at the CS staring and trying to decide with hungry kiddos.

 

[Harlemgirl720]

I can answer favorite counter service at MK. Mine is Colombia Harbor House.
As far as counter service at EPCOT. The only place I've eaten is at Sunshine Seasons. The other counter service locations are at the World Showcase. But since you are there in October, there will be plenty to eat at the Food and Wine Festival.

 

[sharonabe]

The swap is not for a side; it's for a snack item, the little purple logo on the menu items. At BoG the only snack item is the soup or the cupcake. You'll need to check menus of some of the other places you might want to visit to see what is available.

 

[Meeko5]

Just wanted to add that most places have big adult portions, so sharing was never an issue when we took our toddler. Occasionally I would get a side of fruit for my dessert (like at a QS - sunshine seasons was one) for the kid, but we didn't order a single kids meal all trip for him, and he was just shy of 2.

as for snacks - the biggest hits with my kids were Mickey pretzels (big!) and good old popcorn - just ask for a second empty bucket for sharing.

 

[Nancyg56]

For the most part, servings at CS restaurants are large. If you choose something that your little one will eat, you wil have enough with the one order. Many times we split one CS meal and find that it is plenty. Check out the menus on allears.

If you want to swap out, I agree that it is up to the restauant and is for the snack items.

 

[LovesTimone]

The meals are big, and sharing with a 2 year old should not be a problem. I would check out QS locations so you know what's available that your 2 year old will eat, this way you can plan ahead and know your options. Check out the board here and over on allears for the current menus. I would keep some snacks with you that way he or she can graze all day, this worked well with my DD and now with my DGS( 18 months).

We like sharing the soft serve ice cream and we just ask for extra cups. With food and wine going on there will be a lot of sharable snacks.

Have a magical time

 

[Boy Mom x3]

This is wonderful, thank you all so much for the advice! And yes, I meant snacks not sides. My head is spinning in "last minute" planning mode!
One more question.... so if I want to replace my drink or dessert for a snack item, I ask before I order since each restaurant is different? counter service and table service both?
THANK YOU!!!

 

[Hezzy04]

Do you still get a dessert with a CS meal? I though I heard that they got rid of CS desserts and instead added an extra snack per day to the meal plan?

 

[tinka-belle]

Do you still get a dessert with a CS meal? I though I heard that they got rid of CS desserts and instead added an extra snack per day to the meal plan?

This change is for 2017, for 2016 still get the drink and dessert entitlement for QS.

This is wonderful, thank you all so much for the advice! And yes, I meant snacks not sides. My head is spinning in "last minute" planning mode!
One more question.... so if I want to replace my drink or dessert for a snack item, I ask before I order since each restaurant is different? counter service and table service both?
THANK YOU!!!

The exchange is for CS places, any item that has a snack symbol by it's price can be substituted for a dessert or drink credit. At least THIS year, I expect that to change for 2017 and won't find out until other DISers report back.

TS is an entirely different set of rules, and they don't have snack credit items at those.
At TS you can sub a dessert for something of the restaurant's choosing, not something you choose. Examples are a cup of soup or a small side salad, and not every TS offers this.