Snack credit and substitution questions

[Nickmom522]

I will be using the dining plan for the first time in a few months. I have some questions:

1: Can a soda be substituted for the drink on the kids meal? Or do I have to pay for the soda?

2: If I order an extra soda with my meal at a counter-service, will they know to deduct that as a snack or do I have to tell them?

3: Do I tell them before I start placing my order at a counter service place that I am on the dining plan?

4: At a table service, if I order a hot dog for my child, does it come with fries or just alone? If it comes with a side he doesn't like can I substitute fries?

Sorry if these have been asked. I never paid much attention to how the dining plan works until I decided to try it. I'm still debating if it is truly worth it for me and my family.

 

[pooch]

1. You can get any non-alchoholic drink with a meal. So yes, your child can have a soda.
2. If you order an extra soda, the cashier will, most likely, take a snack credit for it. We always got the largest soda possible with our CS meals, which we always split, and it was enough for 2.
3. The cashier will need to know that you are on dining plan. When you order you don't need to tell them unless you need help with what you get for your CS/SC. But do tell your server, who will probably ask anyway, at a TS.
4. Your child would be unlikely to get just a Hot Dog. CS meals either are combos already or come with a side of your choice, a drink and, except for breakfast, a dessert. TS meals always come with sides, drink & dessert.

We got the hang of using DDP after a couple of days and would never go without it again, especially since we're getting it free for the second time! Loved it!!!!

 

[GreatLakes5]

As for your fourth question - if the restaurant/counter serves fries we found that we could, indeed, get fries as our child's side if it wasn't already listed as an offering in a combo or what have you.

 

[disneyfantotheend]

By another soda, does that mean a refill? Do you need to pay for refills? Silly question, I know. Just around here any more all refills at any restaurants are free. Sorry for hijacking your thread.