Anyone can order from the kids menu? If so, then why....

[Disney1fan2002]

does Disney broadcast on every menu that the kids menu is for guests under 10? If they allow anyone to order from it, then why not just have it, with no disclaimer?

My boss, who owns a food establishment, told me it is actually against the law for a restaurant to restrict their menus. If they offer it, they have to sell it to anyone who orders it. (of course, not counting alcoholic beverages).

I bring this up, because if it weren't for me posting here, I never would have known I could let my kids order off the kids menu at the Sci Fi Dine In. I would have just been a rule follower, and either made them order something to try it, or not eat there at all, because there is nothing they would eat off the adult menu.

 

[NurseMinnieSk]

This is very good to know. My 12 year old is not a big eater, and half his food is usually wasted. Children's menu it is! lol

 

[CathieArms]

I've heard of that "law", but it might vary by state. I think most restaurants, though, will let you order off of the kids' menu if you ask, regardless of whether it's at WDW or Olive Garden.

 

[RMulieri]

Most will allow you to, EXCEPT buffets and family style.

 

[Matt'sMom]

Why does Disney broadcast on every menu that the kids menu is for guests under 10? If they allow anyone to order from it, then why not just have it, with no disclaimer?

Because by listing options as part of a Children's Menu, they are indicating that the portion sizes for those meals are likely to be smaller (sized appropriately for a child under the age of 10). If they simply listed the chicken fingers or whatever other options on the regular, adult menu... people would then expect to receive an adult sized portion.

I've seen trip reports where adult guests elected to order items off of the children's menu, and were offered the option to pay a slightly increased price to have the portion resized to an amount more appropriate for an adult (eight chicken fingers, as opposed to four, for example). So yes, you can order whatever you want -- the menu listing is there for informative purposes only.

 

[justbishop]

I need to find out if this is law here in SC. I hate being given a hard time when I want to order the kid sized cheeseburger at Fuddruckers (if you've never been to one, their adult burgers are HUGE). When the cashier asks, I usually say "we'll just say it's for her" and point to my 18 mo old DD, but I really hate being dishonest, even when I'm honest about it.

 

[hannahryan]

does Disney broadcast on every menu that the kids menu is for guests under 10? If they allow anyone to order from it, then why not just have it, with no disclaimer?

My boss, who owns a food establishment, told me it is actually against the law for a restaurant to restrict their menus. If they offer it, they have to sell it to anyone who orders it. (of course, not counting alcoholic beverages).

I bring this up, because if it weren't for me posting here, I never would have known I could let my kids order off the kids menu at the Sci Fi Dine In. I would have just been a rule follower, and either made them order something to try it, or not eat there at all, because there is nothing they would eat off the adult menu.

Thank you!! I am so thrilled to hear this. Every time I order a kids meal for my teenage son, I get so much anxiety that the server will give me a hard time. I would love to know if it's a Florida law too.

 

[TDC Nala]

The dining plan requires that there be a separate children's menu anyway.

I think that at most places the "children's menu" is a description rather than a restriction. It certainly isn't a restriction at WDW; if you are not on the dining plan you may order regular menu items for children. You can also order children's menu items if you want them in MOST cases (some restaurants may not allow it). I think it's just the interpretation of most guests that it is a rule, and that WDW likes it that way, because it might keep adults from trying to order the lesser price children's meals.

Most parties with children want to know right away how to find the lesser priced, smaller portion selections with the food children generally prefer.

I would look up that law before actually quoting it to anybody though, especially if it varies by state. And obviously it's not going to apply to buffets, the family style all you can eat places, or anywhere where you pay per person. If there were such a law in Florida would it mean that possibly WDW couldn't restrict children on the dining plan to the children's menu? That would be a big problem for them, so I'd guess it's not the law there. Of course they can argue that guests have already prepaid for the children's menu.

 

[Indio]

My mom didn't like anything on the menu at 50's Prime Time and she asked the waitress if she could just get the hotdog off the kids menu. The waitress said "Sure! No problem!"

 

[shoes99]

At WDW its up to each table service restaurant. The Plaza would not let me order the child size chef salad. Its up to each server...
If a TS will not let me order the child size steak, I just share DH's meal. It can be aggrevating. I am a senior with digestive problems.