DDP and autism

[Hiry99]

Hi, we are going to WDW with DD7 and 5 other family members. DD is a very picky eater, and will probably not eat most of what's on a standard kids menu. The rest of the family wants DDP, making it tough to opt out. I'm wondering if anyone has had experience with the table service restaurants, and how flexible/ willing they are to let her swap a dish or alter what's on the kids menu.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

My DD used to be a very picky eater due to sensory issues. Luckily things have improved (thanks in part to a wonderful OT), but I feel your pain.

When DD was younger, buffets were a great option at WDW. We could usually find something she would eat. At non-buffet restaurants, the servers did their best to accommodate DD whenever they were able. I can't really answer about swapping out entrees because I always chose restaurants that had at least one entree that DD would eat. But we might ask that sauces or seasonings be left off if possible. Servers were usually able to offer alternative side dishes that DD would eat.

Our biggest obstacle was actually the CS restaurants. DD (and me as well) found the kids' menus at the CS restaurants to be repulsive. For the most part, the only CS kids' meals she would eat would be the breakfast options which were pancakes or Mickey waffles. We used her CS credits at breakfast. Then at other CS meals, I would order an adult meal for us to share plus an extra side dish that she would eat.

It's definitely doable to use the DDP for a picky eater but it does take some careful planning when picking which restaurants you are going to eat at.

 

[bookwormde]

We have always found TS to be very accommodating.

We could almost always get a grilled cheese, which is on of our AS son's staples.

If you have something that can be made from standard ingredients then you should be fine.

 

[Gracie09]

If you are in different rooms you can can different or no meal plan.

 

[SueM in MN]

If you are in different rooms you can can different or no meal plan.

This

Counter service will probably be the biggest issue. Look at menus ahead of time and see what is on the children's menu that you might be able to adapt by leaving things off. I can't post them right now, but www.disboards.com and www.allearsnet.com both have menus. I'd suggest looking at both since one may be more up to date on menus at a particular restaurant than the other. Between the 2, you will get a more complete picture.

The My Disney Experience app also has menus.

 

[Nhebron]

My son is also very picky (eats same foods every day). Buffets worked OK for us on our last trip.

We have the meal plan for our upcoming trip but didn't pay for it. I am just planning to bring some extra food case he doesn't eat much at the restaurants.

 

[lanejudy]

If you are in different rooms you can can different or no meal plan.

I agree with this, too! You may all eat at the same reservations, and your family pay out-of-pocket while others use their DDP credits.
Maybe I missed her age, but if your DD is 10+ and paying "adult" dining plan, it really would be a waste for your family. If she's young enough for the kids menu, it has standard kids fare at nearly every location.
Another option, if there is another child in the family and you have any 2-credit meals planned, get the DDP but pay OOP for the one picky-eater and share the credits with other family members.
Enjoy your vacation!

 

[DCDisney]

Nearly every restaurant can get you plain pasta if that is something that works for her since nearly every menu has some version of pasta. When my kids were younger they did not eat meat and we had some difficulty getting anything but plain pasta or pizza. They didn't like the mac and cheese. We had no success getting grilled cheese as most sit down places didn't carry sandwich bread. Maybe the ones that serve breakfast do since they make toast?

 

[Hiry99]

Nearly every restaurant can get you plain pasta if that is something that works for her since nearly every menu has some version of pasta. When my kids were younger they did not eat meat and we had some difficulty getting anything but plain pasta or pizza. They didn't like the mac and cheese. We had no success getting grilled cheese as most sit down places didn't carry sandwich bread. Maybe the ones that serve breakfast do since they make toast?

Thanks for your help everyone, it's our first time going! Maggie'sMom, thanks for the heads up about CS. We will totally take your advice. DCDisney, plain pasta is a staple in the house so phew! Problem solved!

 

[bookwormde]

Oh I have to laugh about the grilled cheese, our DS is white sandwich bread with white American cheese only also.

 

[laughinplace199]

Nearly every restaurant can get you plain pasta if that is something that works for her since nearly every menu has some version of pasta. When my kids were younger they did not eat meat and we had some difficulty getting anything but plain pasta or pizza. They didn't like the mac and cheese. We had no success getting grilled cheese as most sit down places didn't carry sandwich bread. Maybe the ones that serve breakfast do since they make toast?

Most restaurants in the deluxe resorts can make a grilled cheese. Since these resorts have more than one restaurant and they have room service, it's almost certain they will have sandwich bread and cheese on hand.