Basic DDP Appetizer?

[michaelwilliammidd]

So we are delving into our first experience with DDP, given the latest free dining extension that covers our upcoming trip. In looking at the details of the basic DDP, I see that appetizers aren't included for adults but are for children. Are there child appetizers, or is this a main menu appetizer? I searched for talk of this on here but couldn't find anything. Does anyone else find this strange besides me, that it's included on the childs?

 

[rlovew]

It is a child's appetizer- generally some fresh vegies or chicken noodle soup.

 

[TDC Nala]

When you figure out why Disney did it, it's not strange at all.

The children's "appetizers" are not what adults would call appetizers. They're usually things like some raw vegetables (often carrot and celery sticks), a cup of chicken soup or a small green salad. They're included because Disney markets its children's meals as "balanced" meals containing examples of all the food groups.

According to all reports, children 3-9 on the dining plan are never entitled to an appetizer from the main menu. If the restaurant has no "appetizers" on the child menu they just don't get one. This may be an issue only at restaurants that are not operated by Disney, because all Disney-operated a la carte restaurants have the standard formats for the children's menu.

 

[michaelwilliammidd]

Thanks for the replies! That does clarify it quite a bit and makes sense. I do know that it's always nice to get some food to DD asap as well, so I'm sure this helps with that as well.

 

[TDC Nala]

As far as the kids' dinners I do not know if they serve the appetizer first before the "main course" or they just serve everything together. (They used to serve it all together on Mickey-shaped plates but it's my understanding that most restaurants have gotten rid of the plates.) Best way to get the food to your daughter immediately is to book a buffet.

 

[Tricia1972]

You can't take this to the bank, and you could always ask your server to bring things out differently, but in my experience:

Kids Pick Meals - You get the appetizer first
Kids Complete Meals - You get the appetizer with the meal

You could always ask the server to bring the appetizer first with the kids complete meal as well, and I'd verify with the kids pick meals that the appetizer will come out first.

I've ordered way more than my fair share of kids meals at Disney, and this has been my overall experience. YMMV