11 yr old eating off kids menu?

[worm761]

i know this has been debated before and i am not trying to start a debate. my 11 yr old DS has high functioning autism and will not eat off the adult menu at some places. we are looking at sci fi dine inn as one of those places. we are not going to be on the dining plan so will be paying all meals out of pocket. how strict are they? will they allow him to order from the kids menu even though technically he is "adult" by disney standards? this is our first trip since he became an "adult". thanks for your help!!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

My DS11 always orders from the kids menu at TS places. If they don't give you a kids menu when you are seated just ask for one.

 

[njmeisje]

They will let you, no worries.

 

[worm761]

thank you for the quick replies!!!

 

[Luv Bunnies]

My son also has high-functioning autism (Asperger's) and he's an extremely picky eater. We took a trip to WDW last December when he was 11. We were on the DDP and we had no problem ordering off the kid's menu if he liked what they had. In fact, many times I ordered two pieces of plain, white bread and a side of fries. Then I made him a peanut butter sandwich with PB I brought myself. That's how picky he is! None of the restaurants minded doing this and no one ever asked how old he is (and he's a very tall boy for his age).

 

[worm761]

thanks luvbunnies. my DS has apergers too. he would live on burgers and pizza if i let him. and on vacation i let him. there are no rules on vacation. well, within reason.

 

[sjlupin]

I'm glad to see this question and here the answers. My son is almost 13 (and tall for his age so he looks even older!) but is a very picky eater. I have been worrying about this. I don't even mind so much paying more for him, it is more a matter of finding something he will eat. He usually prefers the pasta/pizza/grilled cheese type things you find on the kids menu.

 

[chappellfamily]

Our last 2 trips(on Dining Plan) our DS 12(very picky eater) has been allowed to choose an entree off the children's menu--no problem. At each table service he was also able to order app/dessert from adult menu. We are paying for an adult anyway on the Dining Plan, it shouldn't matter what entree he is choosing. I don't think you'll have any problems, just let the waiter/waitress know when you are seated. Enjoy your vacation!

 

[_queenie_]

No problem whatsoever. They tend to ask all kids (even when they're obviously over 9) if they want a kids menu, I've even seen some adults order off it. They usually still ask my (tall) DS16 if he wants one in WDW, so often it doesn't even embarass him anymore!

 

[kcashner]

If you are paying out of pocket, anyone can order off the kid's menu....even 50 year olds. The issue comes in when you are using the dining plans.....

If a restaurant doesn't supply a kid's menu, just ask.

 

[hockeybabe]

Just not at buffets, but anywhere else should be ok.