jjohnson said:
Non-alcoholic drinks/smoothies are not included in the plan. I know some have gotten lucky with the server & had them included, especially when the plan was first introduced. You can always ask but don't be disappointed when the answer in no.
I looked into this further and the official "2006 MYW Package Plus Dining" lists
Non-alcoholic beverage as the "drink" for both the Quick Service and Table Service meal. That is exactly what they call it,
Non-alcoholic beverage. There are NO specifications as to what it is beyond the fact that it cannot contain alcohol. The only time specific drinks are mentioned is in the snack section of the plan document.
I realize that different restaurants may have different policies, which is a completely different debate, and even at the same restaurant people have had different experiences. Putting all of that aside, if something is listed on the menu, is a beverage, does not contain alcohol, is not a souvenir or refillable drink mug, then, at least according to the "official" document it is allowable.
On the Kona lunch menu on AllEars it lists "South Pacific Smoothies" in the Beverage section. If I went there for lunch and wanted a smoothie I would expect it to be counted as my drink. I wouldn't consider myself
lucky for getting it. It meets the criteria of the plan document and if it were not included I would want a good explanation as to why it wasn't allowed.
I know that you are just trying to help people and, in fact, we're all trying to figure this out together. I don't mean any harm. I just wanted to point out the way it is officially stated.
I believe people should ask for any beverage they want that meets the criteria and if they are refused their request, I think they should be given a good reason why it does not qualify. I don't think people on the dining plan should just assume that smoothies, shakes and other specialty drinks aren't included and consider themselves lucky if they get one.
Disney could very easily list qualifying beverages or exclusions, but they don't - at least they don't in the plan brochure.
In all honesty, I'm just trying to figure this dang dining plan out. Please feel free to tell me (I'm sure everyone will), if I have something wrong.
Sometimes I think I should just stay off the DIS because figuring out all of the finer points of this plan causes me great anxiety. Probably more anxiety than I would have just going into it blind. But I CAN'T, planning for Disney is my hobby!!! My OBSESSION!!!
