Age limits...how strict?

[cruise-o-matic]

My nephew is 10 and chances are, he'll eat from the kid's menu. How strict are the CM's in enforcing the 3-9 rule? What about buffets?

 

[Allison]

For buffets and family style meals he will be charged the adult price. He should not have any problems ordering from the kids menu at other meals.

 

[beattyfamily]

Previous poster is correct and they will ask the ages of the kids.

 

[subtchr]

My 14 y.o. ordered at table service restaurants off the kids menu for most meals on our recent trip. NO buffets, for that she would have paid full price. But for restaurants where we ordered off the menu, it was not a problem. It was not a matter of saving money; it's just that the only thing she'll eat at a restaurant is chicken fingers and cheese pizza! We're working on her, believe me! She often ordered a side salad to go with the kids' meal, at least.

Have fun ~

 

[n2mm]

For buffets and family style meals he will be charged the adult price. He should not have any problems ordering from the kids menu at other meals.

Agree! We take our now 12 year old grandson with us to WDW 2-3 times a year. We no longer take him to buffets we only take him to sit down restraurants. He is not a big eater, nor does he like adult food, yet. Give him a piece of pizza or some chicken strips and fries and he's done. No way are we ready to pay adult price at buffets for him (except Trail's End). I have mentioned this to Disney/CMs whenever I make my ADRs and they suggest buffets as a choice. I've also suggested a junior level price for buffets too, which most CMs agree with, but can't do anything about. He has never had a problem ordering from the child's menu at regular restraurants.

 

[bicker]

Worst case, in that scenario, is that they'd provide a larger service of the child menu item, and charge a regular price for it. However, generally, they're more generous than that. Be sure to reward your server well when they are!

 

[ducklite]

Here's another tip for light eaters that do like adult foods but not the portions...

Many entrees can be made as a "half size."

For example, where two pork chops are offered, a single chop can often be ordered for half the price. Also half sized portions of many pasta dishes, or a smaller steak.

Just ask, they are usually happy to try and accomodate you!

Anne

 

[bicker]

I've never had a restaurant offer a half-portion for half-price. Typically half-portions cost about 2/3 to 3/4 of full price. Which restaurants have you experienced half-price?

 

[ducklite]

I've never had a restaurant offer a half-portion for half-price. Typically half-portions cost about 2/3 to 3/4 of full price. Which restaurants have you experienced half-price?

This was when DS was at that "tweener" stage--the 10-12 age group. He was ready to eat things other than chicken fingers & mac & cheese, but his body couldn't eat full portions.

We were accomodated with half portion/half price entree's at Palio, YSH, Fireworks Factory (stepping back in time ), Tony's, a few others, I just can't recall them offhand.

Anne

 

[dalt01]

3 to 9 is 3 to 9, a rule is a rule. to do this you most likely have said, if anyone asks, you are 9. not a message i want to send to a child.

 

[ducklite]

3 to 9 is 3 to 9, a rule is a rule. to do this you most likely have said, if anyone asks, you are 9. not a message i want to send to a child.

Actually at most WDW restaurants, ANYONE can oder off a kids meal. You don't need to lie about it. The difference is that you will ONLY get the entree, not the drink and dessert at the kids price.

I once wanted grilled cheese and a bowl of soup at 50's Prime Time. They were more than happy to give me the kids grilled cheese, sandwich only, and everything else was ala carte. It probably was more expensive than ordering an adult entree! But it's what I wanted and it really hit the spot on a cold, rainy day.

I do agree it's jsut totally wrong to teach your kid to lie about their age to get a kids meal.

Anne

 

[pennst8r]

3 to 9 is 3 to 9, a rule is a rule. to do this you most likely have said, if anyone asks, you are 9. not a message i want to send to a child.

No one has said they told their children to lie. Nor do you have to lie to get a children's menu.

All the table service restaurants we ate in last fall ( incl. Coral Reef, Alfredo's, Teppanyaki, San Angel) knew my son was 10, but offered him the choice of the children's menu. He's another picky eater who survives on chicken fingers, and pasta! Now when my youngest hits that age...he'll be asking for the adult menu!

 

[dalt01]

your right no one said anything about lying but ive seen it a lot, people putting higher heeled shoes on their kids to make the height restriction, getting kids tickets for overage kids if they dont look it and yes i know someone who told their child to say they were a certain age when they were not, did not mean to step on OPs toes, sorry

 

[kcashner]

Anyone of any age can eat off the children's menu. You can receive a child's portion for the child's price. Alternatively, you can receive an "adult portion" of a child's menu item for a higher price (usually double serving, double price.)

I, as an adult, have ordered off the child's menu during our Dec. 2005 trip. No one is telling your child to lie. At a buffet or family style, he/she will pay the adult price. At an order off the menu place, he/she can order what she wants and pay accordingly.

 

[Sonno]

If you have more than 1 kid, they can always share an adult portion.

 

[Cool-Beans]

When I was 34 I ordered off the kiddie menu at MGM's Brown Derby.

The servers couldn't care less. Disney employees are well aware that people are being soaked and are usually happy to help you save money when they can. Plus, servers' tips depend on happy customers, so...

MHO...I see nothing wrong with having a kid lie about their age. Good business people lie all the time to get the best deal. Disney isn't your family or friend, they are a company with whom you are doing business. Get the best deal you can. It isn't like Disney never lies to US!!!!

 

[bicker]

That sounds like a rather weak foundation for a moral compass. Regardless, let me quote a DIS moderator:

If you decide that that justifies trying to cheat Disney, or "get one over on them", that's completely your decision.

However, it is against DIS policy to post about it.

I think that pretty much says it.

 

[Cool-Beans]

That sounds like a rather weak foundation for a moral compass.

Maybe that is because it isn't a foundation for a moral compass!

Business dealings aren't the places to teach morals. Disney isn't a family member or friend. It is a business and all interactions are business-related. In business, we get the best deal we can. We try to lie well so the other guy won't catch on and figure out when the other guy is lying.

Disney lies to me and I don't cry into my pillow about how they've wronged me. I expect it and don't hold it against them one bit.

If Disney has any sense, it expects the "guests" to lie to them and prevents them from taking advantage of the company.

It is business, it isn't personal!

 

[dalt01]

cool-beans, hope i never have to do business with you, or your children for that matter

 

[Cool-Beans]

cool-beans, hope i never have to do business with you, or your children for that matter

I promise that you won't.