This was a mistake, right?

[tlbwriter]

The menu at Backlot Express said a kid's meal includes an entree and two sides. With the dining plan, kids get the entree (which includes the two sides), a drink, and a dessert, don't they? The oh-so-friendly (NOT) cashier wouldn't let DD get a dessert unless it was a substitute for one of the sides. So basically, she didn't get the dessert included in her plan because she had to give up part of her actual meal to get it. Am I right?

[TDC Nala]

I believe one of the sides on the kids' menu counts as dessert. They may not follow that in all places but I think it's the general rule.

[Tinker*Shell*Bell]

It is foolish, but they were right. The "dessert" on the meal is often apples with brown sugar or yogurt parfait. And I agree that it looks like a side dish, but many places consider it the dessert. (only 2 let us choose an additional dessert.) I ended up buying a few extra desserts because my 8yo would have been in tears if we told him his brothers got brownies and he got apples.

[catne]

On the dining plan, the kids have to order off the kids menu, and the combo meal is a drink, an entree and the two designated side dishes...they put the two sides - usually fruit & vegs -on the kids meals to make them more "healthy." The components of most kids meals do not have a dessert, so that's why they don't add a dessert. The dessert has been replaced with a healthy alternative (who wants healthy on a vacation, lol!) Most places will let you sub a dessert choice for one of the sides, which is what I see a lot of people do.

[skier_pete]

I think that is their normal policy...with the "2-sides" meal, you can either get the two-sides or substitute one of the sides for a dessert. Usually you can substitute for something junkier than apples or yogurt, but it depends a lot on the location. (For instance, most kids menus don't list "french fries" as an option, but you can usually substitute the carrot stick for french fries.) We usually make our DD get one "good" side and one "bad" side. This is OK, since she likes grapes and applesauce.

OK, I went OT there a bit, but the gist is, I think you got the standard meal, you didn't get gypped.

SkierPete

[tlbwriter]

Okay, I'm still confused. The menu says this:

All meals include choice of two side items: grapes, carrot sticks, or applesauce

That means that a kid's meal - the standard meal, without dessert - should come with two sides, right? Because if you're not getting a dessert at all, you'd get two sides.

And then it says:

Chocolate Chip Cookie, Chocolate Pudding, French Fries and Soft Drinks substituted upon request

But I didn't want to substitute one of these items. I wanted to get the dessert that's included on my meal plan. As an adult ordering off the adult menu, I didn't have to substitute one of my sides in order to get a dessert. So why do the kids have to do that? Not a big deal, I know, I'm just trying to figure out how this is supposed to work. If there were no sides available, or no substitutions available, how would the dessert option work?

[TDC Nala]

Those ARE the desserts covered by the meal plan on children's menus. If you want one, you need to order it as a substitute for one of the sides.

Kids have to do it for two reasons:

1) The basic kids' dining plan (basic is by far the most popular plan) costs only $10 a night.
2) Disney is trying to market its kids meals as "healthy."

They will not give you the obvious dessert options for children. They want you to have to put out the extra effort to ask for them. They want you to walk away from there with apples or carrots or yogurt. Awhile back, they didn't even have the option to substitute a cookie or pudding, but a few standard dessert options were reinstated apparently due to complaints.

Most of the CS kids' meals are set up this way. In instances where the CS restaurant has no separate children's menu, they can order off the regular menu - there are not many places like that, though.

[delmar411]

The CM was correct and yes it is a pain esp when the child is older than say 5 or 6 and knows the difference between dessert and a side item.

If you stick to no kids menu CS location the kids can order a straight adult meal complete with a real dessert w/o any issues. (Casey's Corner is a good example)

[tlbwriter]

Okay. I'm not arguing with anyone - I believe you're right about how WDW enforces this policy - but I just really don't understand it.

Here's a kid's meal. It's chicken nuggets, applesauce, and carrot sticks. That's what comes in a meal.

Here's my meal plan. It says I get a kid's meal, a drink, and a dessert.

But that's not what they give me. I get the kid's meal, but I have to give part of it back in order to get the dessert. Why? Why do I not get the *entire* kid's meal plus the dessert?

I guess I'm really confused because that was the only restaurant that enforced it this way. Everyone else, such as Pizza Planet, gave us the entire kid's meal - entree and sides - plus the dessert. Which is the way the dining plan is written, IMHO. :confused3

[TDC Nala]

In Disney speak - at least the new "improved" Walt Disney World - applesauce is a kids' dessert.

[tlbwriter]

If you stick to no kids menu CS location the kids can order a straight adult meal complete with a real dessert w/o any issues. (Casey's Corner is a good example)

That's a great tip. Unfortunately, DD is 9.5 and will be an "adult" the next time we go!

[sandym718]

When we went in 2007, the CS locations were inconsistent with this. Some (the first few we went to) gave us a drink, main item (chicken nuggets, etc.), 2 sides - often applesauce and grapes AND a dessert. Worked out great for us b/c our kids (2 and 4 then) were sharing the meal, so they each had a side. A couple locations - place at Blizzard Beach (not sure of the name) and Flame Tree - gave 2 sides only. No dessert - no problem, they shared with us. The weirdest place was Cosmic Ray's. Went the 1st day and our last day - 1st day gave us all + dessert. Last day was 2 sides or 1 side plus dessert (for same meal - chicken nuggets). Was not a big deal to us at all, but it was interesting. They'll both have their own DDP when we return in May, and still eat very little, so either way we'll have plenty of food (that DH will scarf down, LOL).

[Pumbaa_]

the kids meals come with a combo and a dessert and a drink

but the pp are correct, one of the 'sides' is actually a healthy dessert. Combo meals generally do not have 2 sides (think burger/fry combo)

you can substitute soft drink for beverage, fries for side and a dessert for side. But it is a substitute not an addition

it is confusing since the meals come all cute with the ears filled :)

[tlbwriter]

the kids meals come with a combo and a dessert and a drink

but the pp are correct, one of the 'sides' is actually a healthy dessert. Combo meals generally do not have 2 sides (think burger/fry combo)

you can substitute soft drink for beverage, fries for side and a dessert for side. But it is a substitute not an addition

I wonder why it's not a substitute on an adult meal. Or why they don't make this difference more explicit.

it is confusing since the meals come all cute with the ears filled :)

Do they still have the cute Mickey plates? I didn't see a single one on this trip. :sad2:

[TDC Nala]

Some TS restaurants use the Mickey plates.

It's not a substitute on an adult meal because children's menus are set up differently from adult menus. Granted, if it's confusing they should make it explicit.

I believe they are using the term "substitute" because when they first revamped the children's menus, they didn't even have the option to get a cookie or pudding or anything sugary. The "dessert" options at CS for children were generally unsweetened applesauce and sugar-free gelatin - and at TS they were cooked apples with cinnamon or fresh fruit. That was it. Due to complaints from guests, they had to throw back in some sweets, but they did it grudgingly, and they aren't going to make those easy to get on the kids' menus. The "healthy" stuff is the default. If you want sweets for the kids, not only will the choice be limited, you have to ask for them, and you have to know to ask for them.

WDW's actually getting praise for this approach from the Surgeon General and probably from other health-related organizations.

It's still pretty easy to get unhealthy snacks, though.

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

Okay. I'm not arguing with anyone - I believe you're right about how WDW enforces this policy - but I just really don't understand it.

Here's a kid's meal. It's chicken nuggets, applesauce, and carrot sticks. That's what comes in a meal.

Here's my meal plan. It says I get a kid's meal, a drink, and a dessert.

But that's not what they give me. I get the kid's meal, but I have to give part of it back in order to get the dessert. Why? Why do I not get the *entire* kid's meal plus the dessert?

I guess I'm really confused because that was the only restaurant that enforced it this way. Everyone else, such as Pizza Planet, gave us the entire kid's meal - entree and sides - plus the dessert. Which is the way the dining plan is written, IMHO. :confused3

I'm not sure what you are finding so confusing. On the meal plan, each person gets a main, a drink and dessert. So, at the Back Lot Express, these are the choices for your child:

1. Main

Chicken Nuggets or Sloppy Joe
plus grapes, carrot sticks, applesauce, or french fries

2. Drink

1% milk, chocolate milk, small bottled water, apple juice box, or a soft drink

3. Dessert

grapes, carrot sticks, applesauce, french fries, chocolate chip cookie, or chocolate pudding

Does that help you to understand?

[tlbwriter]

I'm not sure what you are finding so confusing. On the meal plan, each person gets a main, a drink and dessert. So, at the Back Lot Express, these are the choices for your child:

1. Main

Chicken Nuggets or Sloppy Joe
plus grapes, carrot sticks, applesauce, or french fries

2. Drink

1% milk, chocolate milk, small bottled water, apple juice box, or a soft drink

3. Dessert

grapes, carrot sticks, applesauce, french fries, chocolate chip cookie, or chocolate pudding

Does that help you to understand?

My issue is that the entree should be the entree as listed on the menu. WDW calls a chicken nuggets with applesauce and carrot sticks an entree. They call a chocolate chip cookie dessert. If you were paying cash and ordered an entree and a dessert, you'd get chicken nuggets, applesauce, carrot sticks, and a cookie. If you didn't want to pay extra for dessert, you have the option of substituting one of the sides instead. But when you're on the dining plan, they take away that option and say you must substitute one of the sides. I don't think that's right. I think your pre-paid entree should be exactly the same as the cash entree, and your pre-paid dessert should be exactly the same as the cash dessert.

And to make it even more confusing, they don't all follow this "rule." Pizza Planet provided the side and dessert.

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

My issue is that the entree should be the entree as listed on the menu. WDW calls a chicken nuggets with applesauce and carrot sticks an entree.

Can I ask where you see this? Every menu that I have consulted calls what you describes, along with a drink, a "kid's meal." That is, an entire meal. :confused3

[jcemom]

I think Disney's wording is confusing. I know how the plan works, but their DDP information does state that you'll receive "entree, dessert, and non-alcoholic beverage" or "combo meal, plus one dessert, and non-alcoholic beverage."

A child's chicken nuggets meal with carrots and grapes is a combo meal. According to Disney literature they should receive that plus one dessert. It doesn't say you have the option to substitute a side item for a dessert. It says you receive a combo meal plus a dessert. They should either change the wording or change the kids meals.

If the kids meal was chicken nuggets, carrots and a cookie, for example, then it wouldn't be so confusing. You could have the option of substituting grapes for the dessert. I know why they don't do it that way, they want healthy meals. But then the wording on the DDP literature should probably read that children receive a kids meal and beverage, with the option of substituting a dessert for one of the sides.

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

It may be confusing but I don't think it's completely impossible to understand. I mean, obviously a kid's meal is a complete meal. They list the drink in it and everything. Nobody's arguing that the drink is part of the entree because of the way it's worded. No one's saying that you should get the meal as stated w/drink, sides, etc. plus another drink. So why the argument about the extra dessert?

[jcemom]

It may be confusing but I don't think it's completely impossible to understand. I mean, obviously a kid's meal is a complete meal. They list the drink in it and everything. Nobody's arguing that the drink is part of the entree because of the way it's worded. No one's saying that you should get the meal as stated w/drink, sides, etc. plus another drink. So why the argument about the extra dessert?I don't think it's completely impossible to understand. I do think they could word it more clearly.

As for the drink being included... the menus do state choice of drink, or something like that. It makes it clear that the drink is included. They don't really mention anything about dessert, while the DDP literature clearly mentions a dessert. I can see how some people may read that as their child gets a meal, with a drink, PLUS a dessert.

Is it completely impossible to understand? Nope. Might it be confusing, easily misinterpreted, whatever? Yes, I can see how it might. I don't think it should have to be explained. It sure be more clear, more precise, in the first place so that it does not require an explanation. JMO, of course.

I do understand how it works and always have. It's never been the least bit confusing to me, but then I spend far too much time on sites like the DIS, LOL. :rotfl:

[tlbwriter]

It may be confusing but I don't think it's completely impossible to understand. I mean, obviously a kid's meal is a complete meal. They list the drink in it and everything. Nobody's arguing that the drink is part of the entree because of the way it's worded. No one's saying that you should get the meal as stated w/drink, sides, etc. plus another drink. So why the argument about the extra dessert?

Because you aren't being required to substitute anything in order to get the promised drink.

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

Because you aren't being required to substitute anything in order to get the promised drink.

And you don't have to substitute anything to get a dessert. I think you're missing what the desserts actually are. You can substitute if you aren't happy with those options. Therefore, they are actually giving you more choices than they used to. I don't see how that's a bad thing.

I can see how it might be confusing at first. But after having it explained, I don't see how it doesn't make sense.

[Pumbaa_]

it is what it is. Disney can be inconsistant at times, CM are people and people do make mistakes.

Sorry the OP had issues but there is nothing we can say that will make it better :) Glad you had a good trip in spite of a couple snafus

[kaytieeldr]

I wonder why it's not a substitute on an adult meal. Or why they don't make this difference more explicit.
Because children ages three through nine using the DDP must order from the childrens' menu at any location where such a menu is available. It's pretty explicit. I'm not sure how they could make it more so.

My issue is that the entree should be the entree as listed on the menu. WDW calls a chicken nuggets with applesauce and carrot sticks an entree. No, they call that a child's MEAL. Carrot sticks = appetizer; chicken nuggets = entree; applesauce = dessert. Appetizer + entree + dessert = meal. Voila!

[tlbwriter]

I can see how it might be confusing at first. But after having it explained, I don't see how it doesn't make sense.

And I don't see how it does make sense (and neither do the people at Pizza Planet, apparently), so we'll just have to agree to disagree. :)

[Tricia1972]

I think Disney sprinkled pixie dust for you at Pizza Planet. Pixie dust is never a bad thing.

Sorry you had a rough time elsewhere, but they were just following their rules. I see where the rules per the brochure are really written more for the adults and can be confusing for the kids meals.

Per the brochure
Combo meal plus one (1) single-serving non-alcoholic beverage and one (1) dessert


The kids combo meals aren't real combos but complete meals. They include the entree, dessert and beverage.

Assuming that the kids meal is just a combo really entitles you to an extra dessert and beverage. It clearly states that you get a combo meal plus one beverage and one dessert.

At the very least, at least you know how it works for next time. It had to have been frustrating dealing with the cashier while your family waited for their meals. :hug:

[jcemom]

The kids combo meals aren't real combos but complete meals. They include the entree, dessert and beverage.

Assuming that the kids meal is just a combo really entitles you to an extra dessert and beverage. It clearly states that you get a combo meal plus one beverage and one dessert.
I think that's where the confusion comes in. Most people don't consider applesauce or carrots, apples or grapes, the items included with most kids meals, dessert. In I think every restaurant we've ever eaten at those would be considered side items. Disney is the only place we've eaten that considers applesauce dessert. :rotfl:

[Tricia1972]

I think that's where the confusion comes in. Most people don't consider applesauce or carrots, apples or grapes, the items included with most kids meals, dessert. In I think every restaurant we've ever eaten at those would be considered side items. Disney is the only place we've eaten that considers applesauce dessert. :rotfl:

Amen to that! Their healthy eating is confusing at best :laughing:

[tlbwriter]

I think that's where the confusion comes in. Most people don't consider applesauce or carrots, apples or grapes, the items included with most kids meals, dessert. In I think every restaurant we've ever eaten at those would be considered side items. Disney is the only place we've eaten that considers applesauce dessert. :rotfl:

Maybe that's the problem. If I remember right, all of the above items were listed as "sides." "Desserts" (i.e., the cookie) were listed on a separate part of the menu, and the menu specified that they could be a substitute for a "side."

Anyway, no big deal. :thumbsup2

[jcemom]

It's probably never bothered us because we're not big dessert people, and I only have one little one, DD6. My boys are teenagers. We just share desserts and usually end up throwing a lot away. We kind of get tired of all those prepackaged cakes/desserts they switched to. Sometimes we try to find CS places with something different -- like Pizza Planet with the big cookies or rice krispy treats.

If we're not using the DDP then DD almost never gets kids meals. She just shares with me. We might share one dessert but usually we don't get any. For dessert-eating families I can see how it would be an issue though. When the rest of the family gets a real dessert and the kids get applesauce. In that situation I'd just plan on ordering a dessert for them and paying OOP. Or just use your snack credits for dessert. You can get far better desserts that way than the ones they serve at the CS places anyway. :goodvibes

[kaytieeldr]

I think that's where the confusion comes in. Most people don't consider applesauce or carrots, apples or grapes, the items included with most kids meals, dessert. Applesauce is iffy - we had it as a side dish at home, but as a dessert in school. Nobody's claiming carrots are a dessert - those are an appetizer. But apples and grapes? Fruit? When did fruit STOP being considered dessert?

[jcemom]

Applesauce is iffy - we had it as a side dish at home, but as a dessert in school. Nobody's claiming carrots are a dessert - those are an appetizer. But apples and grapes? Fruit? When did fruit STOP being considered dessert?A piece of fruit has never been considered a dessert in my house, or anywhere else I've eaten. It is part of breakfast or a snack, but not dessert. We don't eat dessert every day, maybe twice a week, here at home. But to us dessert is ice cream, cake, a cookie, pie, sherbet or sorbet, something like that. I can't see plopping an apple down on a plate and calling it dessert. I've never seen a restaurant with plain fruit on the dessert menu. Maybe a fruit salad, or fruit cobbler, but not grapes or an apple. :confused3

We never received fruit as a dessert in school either that I can recall. Neither have my children. Applesauce has been on the lunch tray, but I never considered it a dessert. Fruit has also been served, but again, I never considered it a dessert if it was just plain fruit.

I like fruit and wouldn't mind having it in place of dessert half the time, or more. There isn't any fruit listed under the dessert portion of Disney's menu though. It's only considered dessert when it's in a kids meal. So your 10 year old gets cake, and your 8 year old gets applesauce.

Just seems weird to me.

Yes, you can request fruit instead of cake, and sometimes I do, but that's not really mentioned anywhere that I recall. But when it's the kids meal you have to request the cookie instead of the fruit. Backwards. I'm pretty sure all the menus do state that you can substitute the cookie though, so at least it is mentioned, although in fine print.

[jcemom]

Decided to look it up... according to Merriam-Webster (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dessert):

Main Entry: des·sert
Pronunciation: \di-zert\
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle French, from desservir to clear the table, from des- de- + servir to serve, from Latin servire
Date: 1600

1: a usually sweet course or dish (as of pastry or ice cream) usually served at the end of a meal
2 British : a fresh fruit served after a sweet courseSo, the British consider fruit a dessert, but it would be served after the sweets which I think most of us Americans would consider dessert.

Now I'm curious, does anyone else here consider a piece of fruit a dessert?

It would be healthier, that's for sure.

[delmar411]

If you ignore Disney's preferred healty sides and flat out substitute to what your child really wants the child's meal looks like this:

burger
fries
soda
cookie or pudding

Just like yours right? So sub out the fruit and veggies and make it look like the adult meal and there should be no issue with the sides/dessert portion clearly defined.

While I agree that how they currently display it isn't overly clear in regards to the meal plan, putting in the subs does make it pretty darn clear that your child is getting what they've been 'promised' by the meal plan.

My kids are happy to get the grapes or apples and even a yogurt at some of the CS places. They get enough sugar at home! LOL

[delmar411]

Now I'm curious, does anyone else here consider a piece of fruit a dessert?



yes and I was raised that way too.

[jcemom]

yes and I was raised that way too.Interesting. So after dinner you put a plate of grapes on the table? Really?

My kids like fruit and don't mind getting it at Disney instead of cake. They actually prefer fruit over cake anyway. But I just seriously have never heard of serving it for dessert, or at least not calling it dessert.

When I was growing up my mom gave us cake, ice cream, pie, that kind of thing, sweets, for dessert. Not every day, of course, but then we didn't have 'dessert' every day. Just like I do now. We have what we consider 'dessert' once or twice a week. It would seem so strange to me to eat a meal and then have someone put a plate of apples, grapes, whatever, on the table and call it dessert. I didn't know anyone did that. Nobody I know does.

As for that sample meal, subbing all the unhealthy choices, I agree that it looks very similar to the adult meal. My issue wasn't really with what was available (well, I wish they had more options, but that's another topic, lol), but rather the way it's worded in the DDP literature and on the menus. I think they could make it less complicated.

My DD would never eat a meal like that anyway. She usually shares with me if we're not on the DDP and she's not limited to kids meals. But on the DDP she'd get pizza or nuggets, milk, and then either carrots and grapes or double grapes. We don't care for the prepackaged cookies they offer as dessert with the kids meals. We do like the other cookies, the ones you can get as a snack (Pizza Planet used to have them too as dessert, not sure if they still do). But we consider that a snack and get it not with a meal but at some other time. :goodvibes

[delmar411]

Interesting. So after dinner you put a plate of grapes on the table? Really?



No we don't do a classic dessert but my kids are allowed to get a piece of fruit after they eat their meal, whatever kind they want. Or yogurt. They like yogurt as a sweet something after a meal.

[jcemom]

No we don't do a classic dessert but my kids are allowed to get a piece of fruit after they eat their meal, whatever kind they want. Or yogurt. They like yogurt as a sweet something after a meal.Oh, okay. Now I'm smacking myself on the forehead for being a doofus, LOL. Well, we do that too then, we just don't consider it dessert. Mostly my kids won't have it right away but later on, so I consider it a snack. :goodvibes

I seriously was envisioning a plate of apples on the table, everyone taking one and eating it while they chatted, sitting at the table. Forgive me, it's been a long week, LOL. :rolleyes:

[delmar411]

Oh, okay. Now I'm smacking myself on the forehead for being a doofus, LOL. Well, we do that too then, we just don't consider it dessert. Mostly my kids won't have it right away but later on, so I consider it a snack. :goodvibes

I seriously was envisioning a plate of apples on the table, everyone taking one and eating it while they chatted, sitting at the table. Forgive me, it's been a long week, LOL. :rolleyes:

Ah that would be my dream meal...the everyone sitting at the table part at least! :cloud9: My kids are 10,5,4, and almost 3 (in 2mths) and DH is almost never home for dinner....I don't even sit down for most meals, I hover and play waitress. :laughing:

[chloelovesdisney]

We grew up having fruit for dessert and most people in my family still prefer it to sweets. I wouldn't just serve a whole apple, that's a snack. Sliced up, voila - it becomes dessert. :rotfl:

[kaytieeldr]

When I was growing up my mom gave us cake, ice cream, pie, that kind of thing, sweets, for dessert. Well, fruit is sweet. Why do you consider it dessert if it's cut up and combined with other fruit (salad) or buried under a baked sugar topping (cobbler) but not in its natural, basic form?

[jcemom]

Well, fruit is sweet. Why do you consider it dessert if it's cut up and combined with other fruit (salad) or buried under a baked sugar topping (cobbler) but not in its natural, basic form?I'm not sure, but I asked DH, without telling him why I was asking, what he would consider dessert. He said the same thing I did... pie, cake, ice cream, that sort of thing. He never eats dessert after a meal, but he still considered the same things as I do desserts. I asked him if he would consider a piece of fruit a dessert, an apple, grapes, a banana. He said no, that would be a snack. The same thing I thought.

Maybe it's WHERE we grew up, I don't know. Like I said earlier, I don't know anyone who would call an apple a dessert.

I would consider a fruit salad a dessert because it's been prepared. I consider a dessert something you make, I guess. I never thought about it before. If I just think about the word dessert though, I think of it as something that you make, and something that is sweet. For me fruit salad is a bit of a stretch as dessert, I really think of it as more of a salad to be served before the meal, but I love fruit salad so I would like it for dessert. DH thought it could be dessert too. I'm pretty sure my mom would say no, it's not a dessert.

[amw]

I think this has become silly ... people are teasing others for picking healthy desserts.

Maybe it's an American problem... In the restaurants I've visited here in Canada, the children's meals come with a choice of a junky dessert or applesauce/fruit cup option. Yes, we consider that a dessert. Disney has done no different, and since they do give the option of cookie or pudding or jell-o as a substitute for the applesauce/grapes, I don't know what all these complaints are about.

You can be junky on your trip, or not ... it's up to you, and I think Disney has done a good thing by offering both options. :thumbsup2

[jcemom]

I pulled up some chain restaurant menus online, looked a the dessert sections, and they have the same things I would consider desserts on them...

Applebees: Apple Caramel Supreme, Chocolate Mousse, Hot Fudge Sundae, Maple Butter Blondie, Key Lime Pie, Strawberry Cheesecake, Triple Chocolate Meltdown

Bennigan's: Decadent Chocolate Chip Cake, Bananas Foster Xango, Death By Chocolate, Browine Bottom Pie

Denny's: Turtle Cheesecake, Brownie a la Mode Cheesecake, Raspberry Cheesecake, Hot Fudge Brownie a la Mode, Caramel Apple Crisp, New York Style Cheesecake, Milkshakes, Oreo Blender Blaster, Sundaes, Oreo Sundae, Banana Split, Apple Pie, Hershey's Chocolate Cake, Carrot Cake, Floats

Olive Garden: Tiramisu, White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake, Chocolate Gelato, Torta di Chocolate, Lemon Cream Cake, Black Tie Mousse Cake

So I must not be the only one thinking of those sorts of things as dessert, right? :confused3

[amw]

I pulled up some chain restaurant menus online, looked a the dessert sections, and they have the same things I would consider desserts on them...

Applebees: Apple Caramel Supreme, Chocolate Mousse, Hot Fudge Sundae, Maple Butter Blondie, Key Lime Pie, Strawberry Cheesecake, Triple Chocolate Meltdown

Bennigan's: Decadent Chocolate Chip Cake, Bananas Foster Xango, Death By Chocolate, Browine Bottom Pie

Denny's: Turtle Cheesecake, Brownie a la Mode Cheesecake, Raspberry Cheesecake, Hot Fudge Brownie a la Mode, Caramel Apple Crisp, New York Style Cheesecake, Milkshakes, Oreo Blender Blaster, Sundaes, Oreo Sundae, Banana Split, Apple Pie, Hershey's Chocolate Cake, Carrot Cake, Floats

Olive Garden: Tiramisu, White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake, Chocolate Gelato, Torta di Chocolate, Lemon Cream Cake, Black Tie Mousse Cake

So I must not be the only one thinking of those sorts of things as dessert, right? :confused3

Not to be picky, but I doubt very much that any of those chains offer those desserts for kids' meals! :sad2:

[jcemom]

I think this has become silly ... people are teasing others for picking healthy desserts.

Maybe it's an American problem... In the restaurants I've visited here in Canada, the children's meals come with a choice of a junky dessert or applesauce/fruit cup option. Yes, we consider that a dessert. Disney has done no different, and since they do give the option of cookie or pudding or jell-o as a substitute for the applesauce/grapes, I don't know what all these complaints are about.

You can be junky on your trip, or not ... it's up to you, and I think Disney has done a good thing by offering both options. :thumbsup2I'm not teasing anyone, if you meant me. If it's coming across that way then I sincerely apologize. I really have never heard of having fruit for dessert. I'm not being sarcastic or condescending or anything else. I am just truly interested in the subject, though it has veered a bit off course. I've never seen fruit considered a dessert on a menu outside of Disney. My kids like fruit. They would choose the grapes over the cookie 4 times out of 5 anyway.

[Tricia1972]

It's time to stop debating desserts in general and come back to the topic of the OP. This is veering way off course and if it continues this thread will be closed.

[jcemom]

Not to be picky, but I doubt very much that any of those chains offer those desserts for kids' meals! :sad2:

Oops, didn't look at those.

Denny's: Delicious Dip Sundae, Cosmos Milkshake, Oreo Blender Blast Off, Orbits of Oreo, Neutron Brownie, Solar S'cream

Applebee's: Oreo Cookie Shake, Oreo Cookie Sundae

Olive Garden: Sundae, Milkshake

[jcemom]

It's time to stop debating desserts in general and come back to the topic of the OP. This is veering way off course and if it continues this thread will be closed.Sorry, I knew it was off course. I was just curious as to what others thought of when they thought about desserts. When I get a chance maybe I'll post it on the Community Board. :goodvibes

No more OT banter from me, I promise. ;)

[kaytieeldr]

Kids' menu (since that's the topic) desserts in bold red:

I pulled up some chain restaurant menus online, looked a the dessert sections, and they have the same things I would consider desserts on them...

Applebees: Apple Caramel Supreme, Chocolate Mousse, Hot Fudge Sundae, Maple Butter Blondie, Key Lime Pie, Strawberry Cheesecake, Triple Chocolate Meltdown; Oreo Cookie Shake, Oreo Cookie Sundae

Bennigan's: Decadent Chocolate Chip Cake, Bananas Foster Xango, Death By Chocolate, Browine Bottom Pie Entrirely moot since the company is out of business
Denny's: Turtle Cheesecake, Brownie a la Mode Cheesecake, Raspberry Cheesecake, Hot Fudge Brownie a la Mode, Caramel Apple Crisp, New York Style Cheesecake, Milkshakes, Oreo Blender Blaster, Sundaes, Oreo Sundae, Banana Split, Apple Pie, Hershey's Chocolate Cake, Carrot Cake, Floats; Delicious Dip Sundaes, Cosmos Milk Shake, Oreo Blender Blast Off, Orbit of Oreo, Neutron Brownie, Solar S'Cream

Olive Garden: Tiramisu, White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake, Chocolate Gelato, Torta di Chocolate, Lemon Cream Cake, Black Tie Mousse Cake; Sundae, Milkshake

So I must not be the only one thinking of those sorts of things as dessert, right?

Now, yes, I realize none of these are fruit - but they're also not the decadent options offered to adults; also, it's a matter of economics - it's more cost-effective to work with ingredients you've already got in stock than to purchase an entirely new set of products. AND, these are not Disney restaurants AND they do not offer any type of dining plan AND they are not offering "combo" meals SO the comparison is ultimately not relevant.

[tlbwriter]

I think it is relevant. If the question is "what's considered a dessert in a restaurant," it's good to see what other restaurants offer as a dessert. I notice no one has applesauce or carrot sticks on their list. ;)