Best non-character meal for a 2.5yr old

[laurainsem]

I was wondering, what would be the best non-character meal for a 2.5yr old? I already have a few ideas for character meals based on our last trips, but would love some suggestions for other great places to eat. It will be about 5 adults and my little niece.

Thanks for the ideas!!

 

[mama03]

Having been to Disney many times, the only breakfast I would pay for is Kona at the poly. Just my opinion. (uh, need to go get my eyes checked. For some reason when I read your post I thought you meant for breakfast.)

 

[Hootch]

good food for adults (yes, my opinion). Oompah band for large parts of lunch and dinner with a dance floor for the 2.5 year old to expend some energy.

 

[hannahdrewmom]

Ohana! My daughter loved the food (noodles, bread, broccoli, chicken wings) and it was loud enough for her to make noise. They had some games for them to play and the food came quickly once seated. It was served family style so no worry of a buffet but plenty of food so you don't have to order for your child. My daughter is almost 4 and we have been 3 times. We are planning another trip for May. When I asked her where she wanted to return.... she said ohana... not a character meal! I laughed on that one!

 

[NYEmomma]

I'll be watching this thread for ideas for my 2.5yo!

I don't have very many plans for meals yet, but I'm most looking forward to taking her to the Biergarten for dinner. She LOVES German food & German music.

We listen to polka music every Saturday morning (and she gets a heavy dose of my favorite band, which is gypsy punk). We took her to a German Club's Oktoberfest last year and she was literally bouncing in her stroller, wanting to get out and dance.

I'll probably have to blindfold the rest of my family & handcuff them to the chairs to keep them in the restaurant because for some inexplicable reason, they hate German food.

 

[laurainsem]

I'm wondering if my family will be into the german food. I'm willing to give it a shot! I know many of us love kraut but i'm not sure about all. We'll have to discuss this... Ellie on the other hand, I think that little peanut will be a fireball by the time she turns 2! I have a feeling she'll love the music.

 

[NYEmomma]

This thread got me thinking about the Biergarten again (and craving some sauerkraut & beer, lol), so I went and checked out their buffet offerings on allears.net.

There's some fairly straight-forward, non-German offerings that I think I could use to convince my parents & brother to come with us:

Rotisserie Chicken flavored with Rosemary and Thyme
Roasted Potatoes with fresh Herbs
Glazed Carrots with Chives
Macaroni & Cheese
Green Salad
Macaroni Salad
Potato Soup

 

[Eliza'sMom]

When she was 2.5, my little Ellie enjoyed Ohana. She loved adorning us all with "necklaces" (leis) and there was plenty to see and do. Plus there were a lot of food options, so she ate great. And the nice thing about taking a 2.5-year-old to a family-style restaurant is they're free!

She also ate wonderfully at Via Napoli. It is noisy in there, so I didn't have to worry too much about keeping her quiet, but she didn't make much noise given that she was stuffing her face with pizza. She loves Beaches and Cream, mostly because we all split a sundae after the meal, and you're pretty much guaranteed to see the fuss they make over the Kitchen Sink, which is instant entertainment for a toddler. We also had a really nice lunch with her at Chefs de France.

 

[laurainsem]

Such great ideas! We're so used to not having to worry about a toddler running around, it is helpful to get feedback. Thank you!

Anymore suggestions are more than welcome!

 

[hkeller27]

I would definitely consider the Coral Reef. Our entire family enjoyed this meal - the kids were enthralled with watching the aquarium while we ate!

 

[lovetheduck]

My DDs love O'Hana (lots of fun, good food) and Via Napoli (great pizza). They also enjoy going to Sci-Fi Dine In (fun to watch movies but they don't like the food). But one of our favorites last time was Kouzzina. Great food for adults, space between the tables, loud enough that no kids really stands out. There is nothing special for the kids to do, but the grilled chicken on the kids menu is very good.

 

[MeTink]

In my opinion, Olivia's at OKW is the best family restaraunt on gronds. The food is wonderful and there is never any waiting.

 

[MeTink]

Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano in Hollywood Studios is another favorite of ousr. Magnificent food, casual atmosphere, and very family friendly.

 

[hockeybabe]

Another vote for Biergarten, buffet (no waitng for food), lots of " normal" food choices (I love thier chicken, rotisserie and schnitzel, thier pretzel bread, and thier cucumber salad is awsome!), the dance floor and oompah band...it's a must-do every trip!

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

Ohana is loads of fun for the kiddos. My son loves it.

 

[DCbride]

Another vote for 'Ohana, but Camp May is nice too.

When we went with our under 3 we found buffets just worked best- immediate food and she usually had access to lots of fruit. Oh yes, and she was free.

 

[Reese2]

My 2 year old loved Ohana and sat there for over an hour eating, clapping and having a great time. He also did well and enjoyed Boma and Yak & Yeti. He did not do well at San Angel, way too slow for a 2 year old. My husband had him on the boat most of the time while the rest of us scarfed our food so we could leave.