child menu question (NOT on the dinning plan)

[mad hatter fan]

I have an 11yr old who will not like the adult menu choices at quite a few of the places we are considering eating at. We are not on the dinning plan so will be paying for everything out of pocket. Of course, I already realize that at buffets and family style meals that he is for sure the adult price.

My question is do the individual restaurants always enforce the over 9 rule for ordering a kids menu? Or do they sometimes allow it? I'm specifically wondering about LeCellier (DS would like to try steak but I will NOT buy him an adult menu one ) and Coral Reef.

If you have been allowed to order a kids meal for say an 11 yr. old, which restaurants has it happened at?

I have also heard that older kids have been allowed to order the kids menu items at a higer price and were given larger portions. If you have been allowed to do that, do you remember approx. how much you were charged?

We will be on a tighter budget this trip and am trying to pin down what the food will cost us. Thanks

 

[lyzziesmom]

I'm not sure about the price, but I ordered an adult's portion of the kids pasta at Mama Melrose. Most WDW places will be happy to accommodate whatever your needs might be, including a picky older kid. I ordered the steak off the kids menu for myself at LeCellier. The waitress even brought me a free baked potato! Just a heads up - they do not tell you what kind of steak the kid's steak is. It just says "steak." When I asked the waitress said "It's like a tenderloin." Not it IS a tenderloin, but it's LIKE one. Whatever that means. It was ok, but reminded of a steak you'd get at Denny's. You might be better off letting your son share your and your DH's steaks if he just wants to try one and is not a big eater, the portions are pretty big.

Your best bet is to just ask when you get there. For the record, I've never been told no to ANY kind of request at WDW restaurants, no matter how off the wall it might seem. I frequently order off the kids menu, or substitute sides with something from the kids menu. I've also mentioned that my kids (picky eaters with tiny appetites, like me) will be sharing and they will split the meal in the kitchen, or bring extra plates. It's not a big deal.

 

[3mickeys&me]

I agree with the poster above. My oldest was a picky eater and every rest. we went to in Disney accommodated us. I am sure they will work with you.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Our DS has ordered from the kid's menu at Coral Reef - they never questioned it. He has also done that at The Plaza, Kona Cafe, and I think maybe Le Cellier.

If they don't give us a kid's menu when we sit down I ask for one. DS is tiny for his age and he can't even finish a kid's portion. This summer we had free dining and he usually ordered from the adult menu but only ate a few bites of each thing.

 

[helenabear]

To make you feel even better, I have ordered off the kids meal for myself (I am 30) and so far they haven't denied me yet. I have found that Disney is very accomodating with these kind of requests. I even get charged the kid's price though I know sometimes they will add maybe $2 to the price for adults (from what others have told me, I've never had it happen). I admit I have a very small appetite and a lot of times when I do this I just don't want a full meal and the appetizers don't quite appeal. I've also done this at regular sit downs that are local chains (applebee's and the like).

 

[cinjoe22]

Disney usually has a don't question policy with kid's ages. That even goes with questioning a child under 3 at the front gate unless it is obvious that your child is way older. Act like you know know what you are doing and it should be no big deal.

 

[PatsMom]

DD is 16 and still orders off the kids menu once in a while (loves mac & cheese). I've also ordered from the kids menu and I am way older than 16. You won't have any problem.

 

[mad hatter fan]

Thank you all for the info! I am very releaved to hear this. DS11 has grown very tall so NO ONE would ever think he is still the posted age for child meals. However he is skinny as a string bean! I am happy to hear it probably won't be a problem to order him kids meals or maybe a larger portion for only a few dollars more. I just couldn't imagine paying $25 or more at some of the more expensive Table Service places for an adult meal he probably wouldn't even like.

 

[crzy4mk]

On a trip a couple of years ago, my wife couldn't find anything she wanted on the menu at Whispering Canyon. She asked our server if she could order a PBJ off the kids menu, and they gladly obliged.

Most places I've found will do this for pretty much anyone of any age. But there may be exceptions at some of the "higher end" restaurants. Like one of the previous posters said, you should just ask each place when you get there.