There is a lot of misconceptions concerning the kids CS meals at WDW. I've been to WDW twice in the past six months.
Besides the main course (hot dog, hamburger, chicken strips, mac & cheese, etc) the child receives two side dishes (typically a choice of grapes, carrots, pudding, jello, french fries, apple sauce) and a drink (choice of white milk - low fat or whole, choc milk, juice, soda pop). There's no dessert per se -- it's one of the side items.
There is a lot of hysteria concerning kids meals (most of which I feel is unfounded). Disney has given everyone lots of choice (there is significantly more offerings now, than 12 months ago).
Between my DD7 and DD3, they are allergic to corn, wheat, dairy, eggs, soy, several meats, veggies and fruits, as well as artifical colors and flavors. One has also tested positive for nuts and fish.
I can see why there is some confusion. It depends on the restaurant. At Flatbread Grill, for example, the kids' menu reads:
All meals include choice of two side items: grapes, carrot sticks, or applesauce
Choice of: 1% Mickey Milk, small bottled water or apple juice box
So the entrees include two side items, like a combo meal. SF Jello is listed as a totally separate menu item, and the kids' CS meal is supposed to include a dessert, just like the adult CS meal, so SF Jello is the kids' dessert.
At Cosmic Rays, the kids' meals are all combos and included either cheddar crackers, or a choice of fries or carrots, and a drink (AJ, milk, or soda).
Pecos Bill's and Pinocchio Village House are like Flatbread Grill, except fries are also available on request -- I assume as a substitute for the grapes, carrots, or applesauce? And soda can be subbed for the juice or milk.
Mara has rotisserie chicken or mac and cheese, and both automatically come with with apple sauce. No child's dessert is mentioned, so does that mean kids can pick from the adult desserts? Or is the applesauce considered the dessert?
It looks like it really depends on the CS restaurant...and probably on the CM who is at the counter
I have eaten at most of the CS eateries over the past few months, and the kids selections are much greater than you have outlined.
For example, I was at Cosmic Ray's on Tuesday, and the side items included grapes, carrots, pudding, jello, french fries, apple sauce.
The menus posted at allearsnet and wdwinfo are not totally correct (they omit some items).
Yes, it does depend slightly on the restaurant (but this more affects the main entree). The side items posted above are available pretty much anywhere.
All kids meals include a main entree, two side items, and one drink. There is no dessert -- if you want one, it must be included as one of the side items.
I understand the whole thing on not wanting your child to have to much Soda. But I don't understand why it's upon request on the kids menus. I mean am I the only one that thinks milk and 95* weather don't really mix well? It just spells sour stomach to me!!!
I believe that Disney CM's refer to the results of milk + 95° weather as a "protein spill"