Advice on dining with 2 11 year olds (adults by disney standards)

[mom3girls2007]

I'm looking for some advice/strategy on picking good TS places to dine either in the resorts or at the park with my family for our 7 night trip to disney -- no dining plan. We have twin 11 year old girls who hardly eat! As I look at the menus of places I think we'd enjoy -- Boma, Chef Mickey, Crystal Palace, I end up ruling them out because it seems such a WASTE to pay $19-$27 dollars PER GIRL for them to eat their usual less-than-a-plateful of food. We'd be spending over $100 for our family of five at those places, as
I also have a four year old light eater as well!

So..here is my question -- what TS restaurants do you recommend (non buffets) we try for a family of 5 that including 3 light eaters? I'd like to choose at least 3-4 unique places where my 11 year olds could eat off the kids menus, or split an entree. Also, am I really missing out by not booking a character dining experience? My 11 year olds could care less about the characters -- but I don't want my 4 year old to miss out. I'm debating on trying just one -- either the princess at epcot or crystal palace.
Also -- I'm very interested in WCC -- it looks fun -- would they all be able to eat off kids menus there -- or would the 11 year olds be included in all you can eat?

 

[3for Me]

I'll try to answer some of your questions since we are in the same boat with my 11 year old.

First, I think WCC is great. We didn't care for it the first time we ate there, but this summer it redeemed itself. They did let my 11 yr. old DD order from the kids menu.

I think that most places will let you do this- just don't make a big deal out of it. They really do try to accomodate you as much as they can.

Another place that is easy to "split" a meal is Le Cellier - if you get the kids steak dinner. My other DD and DS have split this before. We've also done it at the GFC. I'm sure others will have lots of great suggestions, but these two come to mind immediately.

As for your 4 yr old, I would do at least one character meal for her. It really is a good experience at that age and keeps you from waiting in line to see characters, too!

It really depends on who her favorites are, but food-wise, we have always had a good experience at Crystal Palace. We also had a great breakfast at 1900 Park Fare. Yes, it will be expensive, but if you do a late breakfast, you can just have a "snack" lunch and a CS dinner that night.

Good Luck!