Whats up with Kids menus?

[Tarheel girl 1975]

We are trying to decide between BOG and Whispering Canyon for a night of our trip and was looking at the Kids Dinner Menus. Is it me or is something strange here?

First of all, there are only really 4 choices,

Secondly, I really dont see any standard kids staples .. Grilled Cheese, Chik Nugs, Hot Dog, plain pasta wbutter, etc ... instead we are given the choice of Fish of the Day, Multigrain Cheese Dippers, Beef Macaroni, and a Cheeseburger.

I have a 3 & 5 yo .. anyone know of a 3 or 5 year old that would touch "Fish of the Day"? Understand that kids menu is for older kids too, but cmon would it hurt to have a simple kids food option for those picky or young kids? Even a cheeseburger in my mind is not friendly for the youngest of kids.

You think they would make a standard grilled cheese if we asked them?

And for those saying Disney needs to keep it more healthy thats fine to each their own.. just bring back some simple offerings as an addition.

Anyone agree?

I can see it both ways. My son is a very picky eater. He would be fine eating pb & j and/or grilled cheese everyday. My daughter is more adventurous and loves to order the fish or steak. I can see why Disney started added some healthier selection, but it would be nice if they had left one or two "staples." I would actually love it if they stated selling the power packs that they have at DHS in the other parks as well.

We at dinner at WCC in Jaunary 2011 and they were the most accommodating restaurant. Our server told us right off the bat listed 5 other options that our kids could have if they didn't like what was listed on the menu. My son was so glad he could get grilled cheese. A lot of the restaurants serve pasta and he was always able to get it with butter and parmesan cheese.

 

[ThreeBeans]

I'm relieved to see they've moved beyond the 'standard offerings' nonsense. My kids don't want to spend a week eating nothing but hot dogs.

All of them love fish, and all of them have been eating it willingly since they were old enough to express an opinion.

I've never given them the impression there's such a thing as 'kid food' though. They eat what we eat.

(I'm not dismissing those who have serious oral aversion issues and such, I know it can be more than just pickiness. I just find the original post a little unbelievable.)

 

[maxiesmom]

My son has Aspergers and there's very few food he will eat. New things = meltdown. SO while we'd like to try some different restaurants, like BOG, we may have to skip it because they just don't have what he will eat. I think it's great that they're offering variety for kids, but they need to keep the picky eaters in mind too. For some of us vacation is the last place we should try to get our kids to eat new things because of special circumstances.

Keep in mind that what your picky child may eat, another picky child may not. There is truly no way to have a menu that makes 100% of the people happy.

As far as who has a family with a child that will eat fish? Mine does. In fact the Grand Floridan Cafe is now a must-do for us, as a few years back my niece got hooked on the kids salmon. And now wants it every trip.

 

[Princess on the Run]

I don't agree. There's a ton of restaurants there all serving mac n cheese and chicken nuggets. I think it's about time they have a restaurant serving something healthier. IMO, they need a lot more places serving it.

I totally disagree with you!!!!
I think it is great that there are finally kids menus that are expanded beyond the nuggets and pizza offerings.
If your children don't like those 2 menus, there are many, many other restaurants that will work for you.
Horray for those that want something more for their children.

Sorry, OP, I can't agree with you. At all. For too many years kids were limited to an unhealthy high fat diet of junk food. Disney is finally providing more nutritious options. You can still find all the junk food you want at plenty of other places in WDW. I'm a firm believer that if you don't like what's on the menu you should look elsewhere (dietary restrictions excepted).

I agree with these two! Its about time they offered healthier options instead of the same junk for kids.

If your kids want chicken nuggets, there's a million places around that serve them.

My kids love fish and would pick that over most of that other stuff if only it was offered more often to kids.

I'm sorry, but buttered noodles is a really poor choice for a child and it amazes me when I not only see it on menus, but see parents ordering it for their kids as their main dish. Seriously!?!?! How about just let them order cookies then because buttered noodles isn't much better. It's a side dish and to be eaten in small amounts. Not a main dish. And why is M&C considered a main dish by so many? I understand that not every meal is perfect. But maybe we wouldn't have such an unhealthy society if fewer people considered buttered noodles a meal and had a little fish and a vegetable.

Kids eat what their parents eat and what they see. Eat healthy foods and your kids will too. Eat junk food and so will they. Give them unlimited options and they may pick cookies as a meal. Tell them they can have a cookie after they finish their meal and they will.

I love that Disney gives kids some options.

 

[6disneykids]

Since I see all the differing opinions on what kids meal should and shouldn't have I asked my 7 & 9 yr olds what they might want on some of the different menus from different WDW restaurants. Fish and grilled chicken were top choices. My 4 year old loves grilled fish, so he would be thrilled to have that is an option. As a family, we don't have what some would consider "standard kids fare" so that is most likely why it isn't top on my kids' choices.

If you have a child with food issues, (allergies or sensitivity) talk to a CM prior to ordering and they are usually very accommodating. I have had personal experience with this ( DS4 has peanut allergy)

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

I totally disagree with you!!!!
I think it is great that there are finally kids menus that are expanded beyond the nuggets and pizza offerings.
If your children don't like those 2 menus, there are many, many other restaurants that will work for you.
Horray for those that want something more for their children.

mine would..in fact mine never order "standard kid fare".. its just not food they eat..

My daughter and I often end up sharing a meal because she doesn't eat junk. I love that I can order her her own meal that isn't a hot dog, french fries, and a brownie. She much prefers fish, grilled chicken, fruits, and vegetables.

Sorry, I disagree. My kid enjoys all of those healthier, real food items you listed. He's 4. He's always eaten "adult" food because we don't offer him meals that are different from what we eat. In fact, his first solid food meal was spanikopita!

My daughter is almost 3 and she eats what we eat. I tell her that I am not a short order cook and she either eats what we are eating or she doesn't eat. As such, she eats a huge variety of healthier foods and doesn't refuse to eat anything.

 

[katmg]

The children's menus are my biggest problem with the DDP. My kids (age 5 and 3) don't usually eat hot dogs, m&c, or nuggets for every meal and will start to feel ill if they do eat a lot of them. I'm so happy to find restaurants at WDW with different choices on the kids' menu! A prepackaged pb&j is not a dinner at our house!

We are going to do a number of buffets and family style meals simply b/c we'll be able to feed the kids a little better. If not for that I probably wouldn't do the DDP, as we would just split an adult entree for them.

Oh and both of my kids would probably love the fish of the day! DD asked for gumbo for her birthday dinner.

 

[disney1990]

I love that Disney has Started to change the kids menus. I can't imagine feeding a child chicken nuggets and hamburgers for a week. They need something more balanced. Before this, our only option was to get adults meals and have the kids split them.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

First of all, there are only really 4 choices,

As far as BOG, the adults have 6 choices, a chicken, 2 fish/seafood, a pork, a steak and a vegan! So I think 4 choices for kids is ample!

I have a 3 & 5 yo .. anyone know of a 3 or 5 year old that would touch "Fish of the Day"? Every Friday since they could chew, Mahi-Mahi, Fish and Chips! Understand that kids menu is for older kids too, but cmon would it hurt to have a simple kids food option for those picky or young kids? Even a cheeseburger in my mind is not friendly for the youngest of kids. And for those saying Disney needs to keep it more healthy that's fine to each their own.. just bring back some simple offerings as an addition.
Anyone agree?

No, I don't agree. I think Disney does a fair job offering some healthy, some not so healthy choices for kids but unfortunately you can't please every body nor should they have to!

Long live the days of one menu, as a kid, in our family there was never a delineation between adult food and kid food. 30 years later I raised my kids with the same principle! I guess Disney gives you the option of reviewing the menu and choosing to eat there or not based on your family's restriction! The DDP has caused Disney restaurants to restrict the number of choices offered in order to minimize the efforts in the kitchen and to maximize the number of people served and more to the point to maximize profits!

I love that Disney has Started to change the kids menus. I can't imagine feeding a child chicken nuggets and hamburgers for a week. They need something more balanced. Before this, our only option was to get adults meals and have the kids split them.

That's one of the reasons I love Ragland's, the extensive kids menu has smaller portions of most of their adult entrees, some adventurous and some not and that's the way it should be, it's fantastic!

 

[donaldlovesdaisy]

When children are offered different foods at home, they will more than likely develop tastes for more than just *kid* offerings.

Our children ate from the table what was cooked, so learned they couldn't have PBJ, or macaroni whenever they wanted it. There was no getting up and making, or having it made, any other food than was on the family dinner.

Same here! My kids from the time they started eating solids were fed from the table and were made to try things most things they liked. Both of my kids can find something they like anywhere we eat and both would pick fish of the day over Mac n cheese or hot dogs.

 

[Disneytwinsmom]

I have never had an issue asking for a slight modification, within reason, on the kids menu. Like the kids pasta in alfredo sauce instead of a red sauce, etc. I love the variety that they are offering.

 

[Merbean09]

Well, I can understand needing a better option for a more "normal" kid's food option. Maybe if they added a chicken breast meal with some rice, or noodles, it wouldn't be so bad. It's still healthier and more common!
My DS is 1 and he already eats what we eat. He's been eating solids since 6 months and likes some really odd, but healthy options. On the other hand, if you take my nephew (3) out, he refuses to eat anything but chicken nuggets (maybe) and french fries.
It just depends on the child. I'm sure you could ask for mac n cheese plain, or some broccoli in the pasta!

 

[Minnesota!]

I don't agree. There's a ton of restaurants there all serving mac n cheese and chicken nuggets. I think it's about time they have a restaurant serving something healthier. IMO, they need a lot more places serving it.

I agree with you. No way in hell would I allow my kid 10 days of nothing but fried chicken "parts" and pizza. Switching things up and getting them meatloaf or fish...about damn time!!

 

[phi2012]

maybe we have been lucky but both my girls (3.5 and 19months) eat healthily. They always choose the fish or chicken Dish when out at a restaurant and don't overly like nuggets or fastfood items like McDonalds.

But then since they were 6 months old they have eaten the same meals as us nearly every single night. nearly all our meals are home made and the kids even enjoy eating different foods like Chinese, Indian and Mexican (again often homemade so we know that it is healthy).

I welcome Disney having more healthy options for children and I wish that they could transfer this more to their counter service restaurants (I know they have improved them a bit by offering fruit, yoghurts etc).

We, like another pp said will be eating at restaurants like bog and buffets because they give my children the best choice in healthy and unusual food options.

 

[twinmom319]

Same here! My kids from the time they started eating solids were fed from the table and were made to try things most things they liked. Both of my kids can find something they like anywhere we eat and both would pick fish of the day over Mac n cheese or hot dogs.

I think that it is wonderful that there are other options for kids on the disney menus. However, there are many children who are picky regardless of the fact that their parent eat adventurously or they are made to try things. I have identical twins, who were raised in the same house, offered the same foods, exposed to the same rules, and one of them eats everything, and the other eats cheese and peanut butter and carrots. Period. So, we need to be careful about judging what other kids eat or taking too much credit for their habits.... More is out of our hands than we realize!

 

[jlr9882]

FWIW, the "Fish of the day" is my kids top choice on that menu (they are 6 and 8) but they have eaten fish since they could eat solids...they also love lamb and spinach but despise pizza...

Every child is different and I'm sure the BOG menu fits the taste of plenty of kiddos. But, like the PP's have said...I'm sure you could order plain pasta.

You just mentioned the two meats my son lives off of at 6-yr-old. My son has over 20 allergies, and can not eat most of the main dishes on the kid's meals at Disney. He can not have hotdogs, hamburgers, mac & cheese, pizza, regular plain pasta, chicken nuggets, grilled cheese, etc due to his allergies. He can have seafood and lamb. The thing I love about the DDP is that he can order whatever he wants that is safe for him, and I don't get charged extra for it. If I was paying OOP for it, I would get charged extra for allergen friendly or adult priced food. Thank you, Disney, for offering more than the typical kid friendly food. When I go out, if there is nothing my son can eat I bring his own food for him. For those picky eaters, try buffets at Disney. There is something for everyone including those kid friendly favorites like chicken nuggets, pizza, and mac & cheese.

 

[JimmyV]

Why not a mix of both sets at ALL restaurants? 2 options could be for the "picky" eaters and 2 options could be for the more adventurous eaters.

I think it is sad when we have come to the point where simple baked chicken or fish is considered food for "adventurous eaters". I guess every person who grew up before 1980 was an adventurous eater, since MacDonalds sold its first nugget of fried pressed chicken slurry in 1980, and they were really the ones that kicked off the trend. I guess I missed the memo that round fried balls made from a paste of chicken fat became standard food for children and a baked drumstick became "out there" adventure food for future "Bizarre Foods" wannabes.

 

[GenevieveRaqs]

I think it is sad when we have come to the point where simple baked chicken or fish is considered food for "adventurous eaters". I guess every person who grew up before 1980 was an adventurous eater, since MacDonalds sold its first nugget of fried pressed chicken slurry in 1980, and they were really the ones that kicked off the trend. I guess I missed the memo that round fried balls made from a paste of chicken fat became standard food for children and a baked drumstick became "out there" adventure food for future "Bizarre Foods" wannabes.

 

[maxiesmom]

I think it is sad when we have come to the point where simple baked chicken or fish is considered food for "adventurous eaters". I guess every person who grew up before 1980 was an adventurous eater, since MacDonalds sold its first nugget of fried pressed chicken slurry in 1980, and they were really the ones that kicked off the trend. I guess I missed the memo that round fried balls made from a paste of chicken fat became standard food for children and a baked drumstick became "out there" adventure food for future "Bizarre Foods" wannabes.

Remember all the posts from people complaining about the dumbing down of food at WDW? This is why. Give people a menu with items slightly outside of what they consider "normal" and they complain. And the restaurant that started this whole discussion has a cheeseburger on the menu! A cheeseburger!!

 

[BEASLYBOO]

. Why not a mix of both sets at ALL restaurants? 2 options could be for the "picky" eaters and 2 options could be for the more adventurous eaters. .

Which 2 options....

But here in lies the problem, what does "a" picky eater eat? Just in this thread alone, you have:

1. A picky eater who eats only peanut butter & carrots and cheese
2. Another picky eater due to allergies eats only lamb and seafood.
3. The next only eats only chicken nuggets and french fries.
4. Some only eat hot dogs
5. Some won't eat hamburgers
6. Some will only eat grilled cheese sandwiches
7. Some will only eat peanut butter sandwiches
8. Some will on eat mac/cheese and it can't adventurous, it must have the phosphorescent yellow sauce!

Disney rest. will never be able to satisfy every picky eater and the DDP only makes them money when they can minimize the menu options! Which is why more and more sandwiches and to go items already come sauced, with cheese or with mustard and mayo! You're expected to scrape off or remove what you don't want! Made to order is a thing of the past!

Most Better TS rest. kids menus (BOB, LC, Le Chefs etc.) have a grilled chicken, a steak, and a pasta/mac & cheese that can come with or without sauce. Unfortunately, for picky eaters who sustain life eating only grilled cheese, chicken nuggets, french fries and peanut butter then at Disney it would appear that you will be better served and /or obliged at QS restaurants!