Are restaurants still accommodating?

[ms.yt]

This is my first trip since gastric bypass surgery, and I don't like wasting food. Can you still, for example, go to a CS restaurant and order just the grilled chicken breast if they have a grilled chicken sandwich meal on their menu and just pay for the chicken with no sides?

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) At several locations, yes, you can order the sandwich without the extras.
2) But, there is no official policy, so it depends upon the individual eatery to accommodate you.

 

[jacinda824]

I can definitely weigh in on this topic and give you my personal experience over the last 11 years. I had gastric bypass in 2004. I have lived here in Orlando since shortly after that. I would suggest figuring out how to share a meal with the people you come with. Sometimes I can eat an entire chicken breast and sometimes it is still like 5 or 6 bites. There have been many many many times, I was full after a what seemed like a extremely small amount of food. This happens to me even this much later. Granted I can almost eat anything I want (bye bye ice cream and anything with super crazy high amounts of sugar - if I want to take a nap - I could just eat a couple bites of pancake and syrup and asleep I go - LOL). At the parks and restaurants, I am not sure they can just ring you up for a chicken breast, etc. There is nowhere on the register to do that. I don't like wasting food either which is why I always go the split route. The servings are almost always enough, add a side garden salad to bulk up if needed. Hubby and I almost never waste food and he even has grown to eat less. At buffets, (if you are forced to go) - explain to the manager you can oly eat a child's portion and that you need to be charged accordingly. I have never had one argue with me or try and charge me more money. Explain yourself and be patient but help them understand why you are not going to pay $50/buffet. My only exception to that are places which include Hoop De Doo etc since they are giving you an entire show while you are eating. Order off the kids menu if you dont want to split. I do it all the time. It saves money as well. The kids portions are MORE than enough for you. TRUST ME. I cannot even finish them. Usually I will order the kids flatbread which includes a half a flatbread, a bag of grapes and and a bag of carrots or french fries. I take the grapes with me, eat most of the flat bread and split the carrots or fries. I am stay very full and that includes a drink for like $7.00! Its a medical condition, Disney cannot enforce the children 9 and under rule if that is the case. Hope I helped.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

The buffets are suppose to charge full price. I am not sure how or why the above poster has gotten an exception, but do NOT assume you will get one. I have seen several people told no when they made this request.

 

[wilkeliza]

Just know at thr buffet they are under no obligation to reduce your price. There have been reports of children who are tube fed still beinf charged because that's the rule.

Also nothing about a medicial condition makes it illegal for them to enforce their 9 and under rule. They can (and have in my case) charge me more as an adult ordering off the children's menue. They also could argue that it is your job not their to police how much you eat. That's how restaurants work.

To the quick service issue there have been more recent reports that the systen no longer allows you to order just X for a lower fee but you can order a chicken sandwich with no bun at the same cost.

 

[disnut8]

The buffets are suppose to charge full price. I am not sure how or why the above poster has gotten an exception, but do NOT assume you will get one. I have seen several people told no when they made this request.

I agree with this as well.

 

[Allison]

Disney can enforce the 9 and under rule if they choose, medical condition or not.

OP-I think you will be fine.

 

[disnut8]

This is my first trip since gastric bypass surgery, and I don't like wasting food. Can you still, for example, go to a CS restaurant and order just the grilled chicken breast if they have a grilled chicken sandwich meal on their menu and just pay for the chicken with no sides?

Yes you can. One thing to remember though is to look at your receipt before you leave the cash register and make sure it's noted. Or, make sure the Cast Member repeats it back to you.

Someone suggested kids meals and those would be good since the sides are usually in packaged containers so you can get a full meal there and just take the sides with you for later. I liked doing that a lot. I'd eat the "entree", pocket the fruit and then have those apples or grapes while waiting in a queue somewhere.

And no, I'm not a gastric bypass person - just like to eat all day long.

 

[ms.yt]

The buffets are suppose to charge full price. I am not sure how or why the above poster has gotten an exception, but do NOT assume you will get one. I have seen several people told no when they made this request.

We don't plan on doing any buffets on our trip, so no problem.

 

[jacinda824]

Just trying to be helpful and share my experiences having had the same surgery. This was based on my experience. Why is it that if I share my experience on here, there is such a commotion about ordering a darn kids meal????????????? How does a fast food place know that my kid is not outside with his dad and I just needed a meal for him??? How many times have people at Disney lied about their kid being under three to get free admission or 9 and under so they can order a kids meal??? Its a medical condition, if I was diabetic, can Disney make me eat a cupcake?? NOT!!!!!!!! I HIGHLY doubt they would charge someone with a feeding tube. That is outrageously ridiculous. I was trying to help someone out with the information that I know to be true in my experience. I have NEVER been charged a full price for a buffet. Maybe cause I explain very well why and am actually very polite about it. If others cannot do the same and are charged full price, that is not my problem. Good grief, thanks for attacking me. When you have had the same surgery and can comment 11 years after about your experiences, then feel free to tell me I am wrong. Until then, not so much.

 

[Allison]

Huh?

 

[Nancyg56]

Just trying to be helpful and share my experiences having had the same surgery. This was based on my experience. Why is it that if I share my experience on here, there is such a commotion about ordering a darn kids meal????????????? How does a fast food place know that my kid is not outside with his dad and I just needed a meal for him??? How many times have people at Disney lied about their kid being under three to get free admission or 9 and under so they can order a kids meal??? Its a medical condition, if I was diabetic, can Disney make me eat a cupcake?? NOT!!!!!!!! I HIGHLY doubt they would charge someone with a feeding tube. That is outrageously ridiculous. I was trying to help someone out with the information that I know to be true in my experience. I have NEVER been charged a full price for a buffet. Maybe cause I explain very well why and am actually very polite about it. If others cannot do the same and are charged full price, that is not my problem. Good grief, thanks for attacking me. When you have had the same surgery and can comment 11 years after about your experiences, then feel free to tell me I am wrong. Until then, not so much.

WHy so angry? Your experience is your own, and it is nice that you shared it, but your experience is not the norm. Disney is under no obligation to accomodate any dietary issue, and when i comes to buffets, there has been almost no reports that they will allow a child price for an adult. In ten years your report is the first I have read, so I understand that posters wanted to warn the OP that she may not be given the same grace you were. Perhaps restaurants outside of WDW may allow you the reduced price, but in WDW most buffets and AYCTE meals are also some sort of show or involve characters, and so you are paying for that. Even if you wnated nothing ore than a chair, you will be charged full price.

No one is disputing the restaurants that allow adults to order off of the childrens menu. TS restaurants do not have to allow that either, but most will.

ETA- my DDIL has had this surgery well over 10 years ago and the amount of food she actually consumes would not keep a bird alive. In the entire time I have known her, she has never asked for any special accommodations, and has never insisted restaurants are obligated to address her appetite as a medical issue. If we go to a buffet she will choose items she wants to try, eats what she can, and then my DS or DH generally will finish what she took, and that's it. If we go to dinner anywhere, she either will share with my DS or me, and we pay the plate fee or will order her meal and then bring the leftover food home. The idea that any business is responsible for anyone's appetite is ludicrous, and the fact that Disney should be forced to do so in order to avoid a confrontation with a guest is truly frightening to me. Disney already makes so many accommodations to ensure that guests who need them can safely eat, but as we see several times a week, there are those who take advantage in order to avoid eating food they either do not like or to make substitutions that seem to be tastier. WE have seen so many Disney courtesies discontinued due to this kind of practice, and as a Nana who was grateful to have a safe place for my DGD to eat for an expended period of time, I am offended whenever anyone practices this kind of behavior.

 

[Tozzie]

Just trying to be helpful and share my experiences having had the same surgery. This was based on my experience. Why is it that if I share my experience on here, there is such a commotion about ordering a darn kids meal????????????? How does a fast food place know that my kid is not outside with his dad and I just needed a meal for him??? How many times have people at Disney lied about their kid being under three to get free admission or 9 and under so they can order a kids meal??? Its a medical condition, if I was diabetic, can Disney make me eat a cupcake?? NOT!!!!!!!! I HIGHLY doubt they would charge someone with a feeding tube. That is outrageously ridiculous. I was trying to help someone out with the information that I know to be true in my experience. I have NEVER been charged a full price for a buffet. Maybe cause I explain very well why and am actually very polite about it. If others cannot do the same and are charged full price, that is not my problem. Good grief, thanks for attacking me. When you have had the same surgery and can comment 11 years after about your experiences, then feel free to tell me I am wrong. Until then, not so much.

You need to take a deep breath as no one attacked you your experience is not as anyone else has reported and I wonder if you are speaking of all restaurants or only Disney restaurants . No Disney can't force you to eat a cupcake or anything else for that matter however they are under no obligation to charge you differently just because you don't eat it

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Just trying to be helpful and share my experiences having had the same surgery. This was based on my experience. Why is it that if I share my experience on here, there is such a commotion about ordering a darn kids meal????????????? How does a fast food place know that my kid is not outside with his dad and I just needed a meal for him??? How many times have people at Disney lied about their kid being under three to get free admission or 9 and under so they can order a kids meal??? Its a medical condition, if I was diabetic, can Disney make me eat a cupcake?? NOT!!!!!!!! I HIGHLY doubt they would charge someone with a feeding tube. That is outrageously ridiculous. I was trying to help someone out with the information that I know to be true in my experience. I have NEVER been charged a full price for a buffet. Maybe cause I explain very well why and am actually very polite about it. If others cannot do the same and are charged full price, that is not my problem. Good grief, thanks for attacking me. When you have had the same surgery and can comment 11 years after about your experiences, then feel free to tell me I am wrong. Until then, not so much.

Well, I am getting an idea of why you have gotten the special treatment.

 

[aaarcher86]

The cupcake analogy makes zero sense.

 

[jacinda824]

The cupcake analogy makes perfect sense - they are both medical conditions. Not very hard to understand...

WHy so angry? Your experience is your own, and it is nice that you shared it, but your experience is not the norm. Disney is under no obligation to accomodate any dietary issue, and when i comes to buffets, there has been almost no reports that they will allow a child price for an adult. In ten years your report is the first I have read, so I understand that posters wanted to warn the OP that she may not be given the same grace you were. Perhaps restaurants outside of WDW may allow you the reduced price, but in WDW most buffets and AYCTE meals are also some sort of show or involve characters, and so you are paying for that. Even if you wnated nothing ore than a chair, you will be charged full price.

No one is disputing the restaurants that allow adults to order off of the childrens menu. TS restaurants do not have to allow that either, but most will.

ETA- my DDIL has had this surgery well over 10 years ago and the amount of food she actually consumes would not keep a bird alive. In the entire time I have known her, she has never asked for any special accommodations, and has never insisted restaurants are obligated to address her appetite as a medical issue. If we go to a buffet she will choose items she wants to try, eats what she can, and then my DS or DH generally will finish what she took, and that's it. If we go to dinner anywhere, she either will share with my DS or me, and we pay the plate fee or will order her meal and then bring the leftover food home. The idea that any business is responsible for anyone's appetite is ludicrous, and the fact that Disney should be forced to do so in order to avoid a confrontation with a guest is truly frightening to me. Disney already makes so many accommodations to ensure that guests who need them can safely eat, but as we see several times a week, there are those who take advantage in order to avoid eating food they either do not like or to make substitutions that seem to be tastier. WE have seen so many Disney courtesies discontinued due to this kind of practice, and as a Nana who was grateful to have a safe place for my DGD to eat for an expended period of time, I am offended whenever anyone practices this kind of behavior.

If you read my original post, I said I do NOT ask for the accommodation at the places with shows - I understand the entertainment is included. I maybe go to a buffet like every other year. I got stuck in a jam one year when one of my friends wanted to eat at the Norway Princess buffet. I asked for the accommodation and paid the child's price. Did they have to do it, no, but they did. When I do ask, do you think I am a highly confrontational when I speak with them??? Do you think I INSIST or am pushy? I am not. I am actually very polite and informative. I am NOT saying they are responsible for my appetite, I am saying that MEDICALLY I cannot eat more than a child's portion so I ask for the accommodation. If others don't want to ask for it and explain the situation - then don't - I don't care - pay double the price and be on their merry way. I would rather ask for the accommodation and save the money. I don't understand why me asking for it offends people? It has ZERO to do with anyone else. Everyone has different needs and since Disney supposedly prides itself on serving their guest (which in this case is ME) then they USUALLY make the accommodation. Can I guarantee it? NO. I also cannot guarantee that there will not be a group of teenagers sitting at the table next to me. I can however REQUEST not to sit there and ask for a table not near them.

People are asking - why so hostile? I am fuming because all I was trying to do was give my ACTUAL experiences with the SAME issue while at Disney but of course all kinds of people who have NO experience with the issue have to start complaining because they feel what I am doing is wrong. The original poster wanted an answer to their question so I thought I had the actual experience to weigh in. I think I temporarily forgot I was on a message board and everyone has an opinion, having experienced the situation or not becomes irrelevant.. Its like someone in another thread telling me I shouldn't eat at BOG guest cause I share a meal and am taking up a spot for a full paying guest. LOL. AT the end of the day, do whatever you want. Hopefully the original poster asks for the accommodation since she will probably get it but it is her choice. If she does, she saves some money.

 

[Nancyg56]

The cupcake analogy makes perfect sense - they are both medical conditions. Not very hard to understand...



If you read my original post, I said I do NOT ask for the accommodation at the places with shows - I understand the entertainment is included. I maybe go to a buffet like every other year. I got stuck in a jam one year when one of my friends wanted to eat at the Norway Princess buffet. I asked for the accommodation and paid the child's price. Did they have to do it, no, but they did. When I do ask, do you think I am a highly confrontational when I speak with them??? Do you think I INSIST or am pushy? I am not. I am actually very polite and informative. I am NOT saying they are responsible for my appetite, I am saying that MEDICALLY I cannot eat more than a child's portion so I ask for the accommodation. If others don't want to ask for it and explain the situation - then don't - I don't care - pay double the price and be on their merry way. I would rather ask for the accommodation and save the money. I don't understand why me asking for it offends people? It has ZERO to do with anyone else. Everyone has different needs and since Disney supposedly prides itself on serving their guest (which in this case is ME) then they USUALLY make the accommodation. Can I guarantee it? NO. I also cannot guarantee that there will not be a group of teenagers sitting at the table next to me. I can however REQUEST not to sit there and ask for a table not near them.

People are asking - why so hostile? I am fuming because all I was trying to do was give my ACTUAL experiences with the SAME issue while at Disney but of course all kinds of people who have NO experience with the issue have to start complaining because they feel what I am doing is wrong. The original poster wanted an answer to their question so I thought I had the actual experience to weigh in. I think I temporarily forgot I was on a message board and everyone has an opinion, having experienced the situation or not becomes irrelevant.. Its like someone in another thread telling me I shouldn't eat at BOG guest cause I share a meal and am taking up a spot for a full paying guest. LOL. AT the end of the day, do whatever you want. Hopefully the original poster asks for the accommodation since she will probably get it but it is her choice. If she does, she saves some money.

Actually many people who responded have plenty of experience with this same medical condition and they were trying to make sure that the OP did not go into these situations expecting that the treatment that you received and is indeed very rare, was not something that she expected.

 

[Allison]

How do you know what experience others have?
Can you point out where someone complained you did something wrong? I'm not seeing it.

 

[ajwolfe]

Maybe I'm wrong here (and I really have no dog in this fight) but it doesn't seem quite right to compare your appetite (due to gastric bypass) as a medical condition similar to diabetes.
Also going to have to say the cupcake scenario makes absolutely no sense. Disney isn't forcing anyone to eat anything. As a consumer you are choosing which restaurant to eat at.

 

[wilkeliza]

The cupcake analogy makes perfect sense - they are both medical conditions. Not very hard to understand...



If you read my original post, I said I do NOT ask for the accommodation at the places with shows - I understand the entertainment is included. I maybe go to a buffet like every other year. I got stuck in a jam one year when one of my friends wanted to eat at the Norway Princess buffet. I asked for the accommodation and paid the child's price. Did they have to do it, no, but they did. When I do ask, do you think I am a highly confrontational when I speak with them??? Do you think I INSIST or am pushy? I am not. I am actually very polite and informative. I am NOT saying they are responsible for my appetite, I am saying that MEDICALLY I cannot eat more than a child's portion so I ask for the accommodation. If others don't want to ask for it and explain the situation - then don't - I don't care - pay double the price and be on their merry way. I would rather ask for the accommodation and save the money. I don't understand why me asking for it offends people? It has ZERO to do with anyone else. Everyone has different needs and since Disney supposedly prides itself on serving their guest (which in this case is ME) then they USUALLY make the accommodation. Can I guarantee it? NO. I also cannot guarantee that there will not be a group of teenagers sitting at the table next to me. I can however REQUEST not to sit there and ask for a table not near them.

People are asking - why so hostile? I am fuming because all I was trying to do was give my ACTUAL experiences with the SAME issue while at Disney but of course all kinds of people who have NO experience with the issue have to start complaining because they feel what I am doing is wrong. The original poster wanted an answer to their question so I thought I had the actual experience to weigh in. I think I temporarily forgot I was on a message board and everyone has an opinion, having experienced the situation or not becomes irrelevant.. Its like someone in another thread telling me I shouldn't eat at BOG guest cause I share a meal and am taking up a spot for a full paying guest. LOL. AT the end of the day, do whatever you want. Hopefully the original poster asks for the accommodation since she will probably get it but it is her choice. If she does, she saves some money.

I posted that I have had the exact opposite experience of yours. Then you said that Disney charging for a child with a feeding tube at a buffet would never happen even though there are many reports of it on these boards across several years. No one was saying that you didn't get the treatment you described many of us said that isn't what is policy nor what we have experienced. You extrapolated and attack out of that. At QS you can order whatever you want and no one is going to say anything. Someone did report recently that you can't order for less any more as the system still charges the same or you might get an older CM that still knows how to do it the old way but that it has become hit and miss. At the same time I pointed out that I have been charged extra as an adult for eating a children's menu item. That was at a table service. They added something like $2 to the children's price and since then I've never tried to order the children's again. I'll just get the adults and eat what I eat. If I don't finish my plate so be it.