Fussy 13 year old

[JanetMom]

We are heading to Disney in March with our fussy 13 year old son. He likes food he knows and likes his food plain. On past trips (last trip was in 2007 when he was 10) this has not been an issue because he has eaten of the children's menu where there is always a reliable plain burger or chicken fingers.

Now that I am assuming he is too old for the children's menu, is it possible to request a plain burger in most restaurants, even if it is not on the menu?

I know this trip will be a great opportunity for him to try new foods and I know that logically he will see it that way, but I'm still afraid he will feel forced to order a $20 entree that he is not sure of and then after one bite he will not want to eat it. If he does that more than once, my hustand and I will go insane, so I'm hoping we will be able to find enough plain options to keep us all happy.

Here are some of the ADRs we've booked that I'm concerned about:
Liberty Tree Tavern
Artist Point
California Grill
Coral Reef
The Wave

We've also booked places like House of Blues and Sci-fi, which are well suited to him, so I am not worried about him wasting away - I'm just worried about taking him night after night to places where there isn't anything available for his plain tastes.

[marciemi]

Ugh - I've just been worrying about the exact same thing. This past August we took our first free dining trip and it was just me and DS16, who is a very good eater. We had a great time, and did some buffets and some where you ordered and I never really had to consider him not finding something to like.

While there, we booked the bounceback for next August, this time including (hopefully, if everything works out!) my husband and my DS14. Well, I've just had some downtime lately while waiting for people somewhere, and since I already have the dining menus app on my iphone, was scrolling through the menus and realizing that there aren't a lot of places that have anything he'll eat other than the dessert!

I guess I do have one advantage over you in that he will eat steak. So as I look through I have to make sure nearly anywhere has at least that as an option. He'd probably eat a burger (or nuggets or a hot dog or something like that), but that seems like such a waste of money.

My suggestion for you would be to go to Allears.net (or download the iphone app!) to get all the menus. They all have the children's menus so you could look and see if a burger (or anything else he would eat) was on there. I do know some people have reported not being able to get a burger at dinner time at places like Le Cellier, even though they serve them at lunch. But if it was on the children's menu, then they'd have it available (maybe a smaller size).

I would also say, although you can't count on this every time, if he does try to be adventurous and really doesn't like something he orders, if you talk to the server/manager, they in many cases would be willing to bring him something else instead (especially just a plate of nuggets or something simple) so he's not hungry. You'd probably get charged for the regular entree, but I really think they'd work with you. Another option would be to have maybe you and him order something that he thinks he might like and then sharing both or trading if he doesn't like one. DS16 and I did that a lot more because we wanted to try more options, but it might help in this case if you're a bit flexible on your choices (or your husband is) sometimes too.

I just glanced through a few of yours - looks like the Wave and Artist's Point have a kids' burger. Most of the others have Mac & Cheese and Pizza - would he eat either of those if necessary? Good luck and let us know how you make out!

[JanetMom]

I've been thinking much along the lines of what you have written.

Fortunately he does love steak, so as long as we request any sauces on the side, he should be fine.

Mostly I was wondering if the restaurants will make him something from the children's menu, even though he is older. I'd be happy to pay more than the kids price, I just want everyone to be happy.

[TDC Nala]

He could still order from the children's menus. If you're doing dinner at LTT, everyone there gets the same food.

[It'sWDW4me]

My DS13 is a relatively picky eater too. Between our 2007 and 2008 trips I learned a gem that I wish I had known earlier:

If there's nothing on the adult menu that your kid will eat, ask the server for a child's menu. More often than not, they can and will create an adult sized portion of a child's menu choice.

Last year we did CRT for the first time and DS (12 at the time) wasn't thrilled with the adult menu. He chose mahi-mahi from the kids menu and he loved it and had more than enough to eat. And I know of a family who went to the Coral Reef and their DS12 got a pizza from the children's menu.

LTT is my son't favorite TS!! It's served family style - they bring out a platter of turkey, ham, and ?? pork?? and big bowls of mashed potatoes; stuffing; mac & cheese; gravy; & salad. Feel free to ask for refills of anything (my son cleaned out the mac & cheese in 2007).

I'm sure your son will be able to find something he likes be it from the adult or the kids menu - just be sure to ask politely and the servers will be more than happy to accomodate. Have a fantastic trip!!!!

[Cee]

My DS is 26 and as long as he can have a bowl of cereal and a cheeseburger plain, he's happy. Sheesh!

[tkbbmom]

I was concerned about this as well --but after several posts on this forum and then calling Disney as well I was assured that even as an "adult" they can order from the child's menu and will often receive "adult" portions. The funny thing in our family though is my little one is the only one who could eat "adult" portion my two that are middles and now considered "adults" could never eat that much!