DDP--Kids Options (Venting)

[kchughes]

we have been able to get "partial kids meals" for lack of a better term at some of the TS restaurants. Now DS will eat his fair share of nuggets, dogs and burgers, but even he will hit the limit. I have been able to get chicken and steak for him at places that do not typically have it on the kids menu. It may help that he was on his best behavior and understood that it was not a given. I have also found that some times, I just wanted a small burger and he and I would just trade entrees! Maybe that is an option. Since we don't normally eat the way we do at Disney, sometimes, I just want a smaller meal. Works for us.

 

[vinotinto]

I understand that many kids' meals are limited and at first I also thought why don't they just offer a small portion of the adult meal? Well, it's more than just the smaller portion of the adult costing more than the $11/day meal plan because of the ingredients. It's also that preparing the small portion will probably take more effort than just sticking the nuggets or the mac and cheese in the oven.

I think that if the kids' meals don't fit the way your family eats, then by all means, don't buy the dining plan (and yes, even during free dining you are buying the dining plan, as there are often room/tix discounts that you are foregoing for the free dining plan). For a family of 4, it may work best to share 3 adult entrees or 2 adult entrees and 2-3 apps than to give a kids' meal to each kid. I agree with the pps that if you look through the menus, you will find some places that have better food for kids. Not perfect, I still have to find sushi or lamb on kids menus (my son's fave foods), but there are certainly some decent food choices out there.

 

[mickeygirl14]

As DH has been an F&B/country club manager for years, I understand that for $12 a day, there's a limit to what they can offer. However, I'm betting that there are quite a few people that would pay to upgrade these children to the adult dining plan - paying the difference - if they didn't also have to upgrade their park tickets to adult tix. That's the kicker...that's quite an increase for most families to absorb. We've just planned heavy on the buffet style meals and plan to pay OOP for her (she's 7 BTW) when we need to.

 

[LynneyPooh]

The children's menu is an issue for me @ WDW, as well as so many other places. Just tonight DD wanted mac and cheese for a side, with shrimp. They looked at us like we were crazy when we ordered a shrimp cocktail and the mac and cheese. Then the eternal question: do you want fries or mashed potatoes with the mac and cheese- well neither we said- then there was no fruit option, no protein option- only carb options- lets sub a salade- another issue...let's not go there.
How can we teach our children to eat healthy when we go out when it's all junk, or not appropriate options that are put together- carb on carb? Give us a break!! Disney IMHO,has a great opportunity to make changes in children's dining that could influence yet another way the world views childern....
We go to WDW in june- I've already warned DD mac and cheese will not be her meal for 6 days... I also spent lots of hours pulling up children menu's for EVERYWHERE I even thought we wanted to go and then set up ADR's.
Then we do have another small issue- DD is an only child- so a little spoiled - (not rotten she's well behaved) - she just has an adult palette. She loves what most consider adult food- her sushi order always gets an amazed look from our chefs at any japenase resturant, and we always get amazed looks from others when nuggets are NEVER ordered, but she begs for a steak like "moma always gets" (prime rib), or ribs "like daddy's"...
For me the only answer right now is to PLAN AHEAD as much as possible- then asked VERY nicely can DD have a small portion of ____ instead of the _____ with her chidren's meal, then PRAY that it works. It did when we cruised, but its been 4 years since our last visit to WDW with her.

 

[maxiesmom]

The children's menu is an issue for me @ WDW, as well as so many other places. Just tonight DD wanted mac and cheese for a side, with shrimp. They looked at us like we were crazy when we ordered a shrimp cocktail and the mac and cheese. Then the eternal question: do you want fries or mashed potatoes with the mac and cheese- well neither we said- then there was no fruit option, no protein option- only carb options- lets sub a salade- another issue...let's not go there.
How can we teach our children to eat healthy when we go out when it's all junk, or not appropriate options that are put together- carb on carb? Give us a break!! Disney IMHO,has a great opportunity to make changes in children's dining that could influence yet another way the world views childern....
We go to WDW in june- I've already warned DD mac and cheese will not be her meal for 6 days... I also spent lots of hours pulling up children menu's for EVERYWHERE I even thought we wanted to go and then set up ADR's.
Then we do have another small issue- DD is an only child- so a little spoiled - (not rotten she's well behaved) - she just has an adult palette. She loves what most consider adult food- her sushi order always gets an amazed look from our chefs at any japenase resturant, and we always get amazed looks from others when nuggets are NEVER ordered, but she begs for a steak like "moma always gets" (prime rib), or ribs "like daddy's"...
For me the only answer right now is to PLAN AHEAD as much as possible- then asked VERY nicely can DD have a small portion of ____ instead of the _____ with her chidren's meal, then PRAY that it works. It did when we cruised, but its been 4 years since our last visit to WDW with her.

Sounds like you might want to look at just upgrading your daughter to an adult park pass and dining plan. It may be worth it to you if it means your daughter will have more dining choices. Or just not get the plan.

I think Disney is working on making thing healthier, but, beleive it or not, those changes are not always met with open arms. Just mention the whole wheat buns Disney now serves in the parks, and you can almost feel the rage coming at you thru your computer.

Keep in mind too that Disney does let you bring food into the parks. So if you want to bring in fruit for a snack, you can do that!

The Dining Plan will not work for every family. It is just an option out there that can make your life easier, if it works for you.

 

[kycanonist]

We've never been and we have the DDP. We have all of our TS meals at buffets, so that doesn't seem to be a problem...

How about CS? What sorts of options do they have there? Is there more variety for kid's food there?

Or would the PP's suggestion be a good one... use their CS meals for breakfast and then share food for CS for lunch...?

 

[smiths02]

Granted, my DS is younger...but we are avoiding this with buffets and sharing.

He will eat kid options, but he loves some adult options. This can be a problem at regular restaurants...so I just share with him. Even Red Lobster, my 4 year old begged for lobster...crab legs are on the kids menu, but lobster isn't...so I ordered myself a larger, more expensive entree that included lobster tail and we just shared. OR at a Cuban restaurant, DS begged for grilled salmon...I didn't want that on that night, so I ordered him the adult salmon and took the rest to go.


I can understand it being daunting for longer trips, but for 5-7 nights, we planned enough places like Ohana, Boma, and other AYCE that I don't think we felt limited

 

[LisaTC]

ITA - I would love if they'd have smaller portions of some of the adult menu items for kids. I have a daughter that's a very adventurous eater - she doesn't want the "kid" stuff.

we used the regular DDP on our last trip (10 days) just a few weeks ago. I understand that Disney is trying to promote a healthier menu for kids, but after 10 days you really do figure out that there is very little in the way of variety. In many instances, the menu's at the table service places were almost the exact same as what was served at the counter service places. I mean kids can only eat so many of the same options before they get bored. Some places are great about mixing up the kids menu's but they (Disney) really need to look outside of the box a bit more. We finally started asking our servers what they could do for substitutions and that did help. If you are listening, please, PLEASE have more choices at table service options that are NOT buffet. Ban the chicken nugget !

I can definitely see your angst, which is one reason we did not opt for DDP. DD doesn't eat all that processed stuff and we don't eat desserts and do many/if any buffets when we eat out. The choices may be typical kids menu choices in most restaurants, but aren't necessarily healthy. I've worked in a restaurant, it wouldn't cost any more to offer smaller portions of SOME of the adult entrees...dinner type salads, more vegetable options, fish portions, pasta options, etc. It's just easier to stick with "standard" kids fare, but I do agree that it underestimates children's palates. It is what it is, hence the reason we've chosen not to use the DP. In our area, I've seen many of the restaurants will provide adult entrees available in child's portion for 1/2 price. That would not, however, fit in with the $12/day disney charge for kids!! Cost and efficiency is foremost in Disney's mind. For kids that eat DP kids choices, it's a bargain, to be sure. My DD just doesn't much, for which I'm glad she chooses better. We elected OOP to meet our needs and provide the choices we like. OOP isn't for everyone, neither is DDP. If I was taking our two eldest boys, then it would be DxDP and buffets all the way. They eat like horses! LOL

 

[lesabrowning]

I think part of the problem is that the kids menu is trying to make the majority of the guests happy. Those of us that have kids who do not eat nuggets and fries seem to be the minority. Also, there is a HUGE difference between a 3 year old and a 9 year old when it comes to what will work for a meal. We are big dining plan fans but I have never thought it worked well for our kids when they are getting close to being Disney adults. This is my daughters last trip as a Disney child and we are on the DXDDP. The fact that apps are included goes a long way in supplementing her kids meals. I really think the answer for most people with adventurous kids is to skip the dining plan until the kids are older. As for Disney offering more choices, I get that smaller portions of adult offerings might not be cost effective, but offering a kids side salad would go a long way and costs very little.

 

[LynneyPooh]

Unfortunately, upgrading DD to adult meal plan is not in our budget, especaily since we would have to upgrade her tickets- she's 9 and next go round she'll be a disney adult.

Actually, I haven't even added the meal plan to our ressies yet due to the fact I'm taking forever to crunch the numbers. Buffets are good for us for breakfast as we each have our own preferences in the am, and none seem to mesh with the other. Also we can meet alot of charecters this way, however I 'm not a huge fan of buffets for lunch/dinner.

I'm actually thinking going deluxe because of the apps, DH and I can supplement DD meals easily and with variety and she'll be a pretty happy camper. While DDP doesn't fit her needs as easily, DH and I have always come out ahead because the plan. It allows us to eat what we truly want staying within our budget.


Mostly though, I was with venting: I know going in what our options are, and I DO plan as much as possible.
However, I truely believe that nearly all resturants whether @ WDW or not could do better for our kids- daily we read about childhood obesity- and so many parents are uneducated about food choices. I personally am not a health nut-(DH may qualify for that title) but I've worked hard trying to teach my daughter that an all carb meal, or all fast food, etc. is not good for her- I do not want her to have the health issues I am now trying to combat. As a child i ate whatever I wanted because I could as a skinny-mini. (so is she) As an adult my weight is an issue because I'm having to teach myself to not eat so much pasta, etc, etc...

I guess really I would like for there to be more options- there is food that children like that is cheaper to put on children's menus other than mac and cheese and chicken nuggets. Disney is trying to make money- but let's think about 15 years from now- when they are redoing EVERYTHING to accomadate the oversized population due to poor eating habits established as a child- JUST A THOUGHT TO THROW OUT THERE. I know of very few chidlren who spend time @ disney that aren't return customers as adults. Let's look at all our signatures, alot of us are past 5 trips, and if we're honest are mentally starting on the next trip (yes- I'm hoping for Oct).

Thanks for letting me have my say!

 

[squirrel]

I found most TS kids meals had variety.

Entrees-pizza, chicken, fish of the day, macaroni and beef, steak, etc.

Appetizers-carrots and celery, soup, apples and cinnamon, etc.

Desserts-fruit salad, ice cream sundae, yogurt parfait, etc.

My niece is younger 5 so we share a lot of CS meals as I can't finish a whole adult meal.

 

[maxiesmom]

I guess really I would like for there to be more options- there is food that children like that is cheaper to put on children's menus other than mac and cheese and chicken nuggets. Disney is trying to make money- but let's think about 15 years from now- when they are redoing EVERYTHING to accomadate the oversized population due to poor eating habits established as a child- JUST A THOUGHT TO THROW OUT THERE. I know of very few chidlren who spend time @ disney that aren't return customers as adults. Let's look at all our signatures, alot of us are past 5 trips, and if we're honest are mentally starting on the next trip (yes- I'm hoping for Oct).

Thanks for letting me have my say!

Let me start of by I get what you are saying. But I don't think it is up to WDW to change how families feed their children. And for many, a vacation is a time to splurge on what you and your family eat. Not a place where you want an endless parade of salads and ganola. Remember those wheat buns I said the majority seem to hate? Now not a week goes by where I don't see someone post about how they are bringing their own buns into the parks.

I diagree with expecting a theme park to change how people eat. If someone is going to have a burger, then having salmon on the menu isn't going to make them not eat that burger. If people want to eat healthy, they will. If people want to eat junk food for a week because they are on vacation, they will.

If a parent feeds their kids nothing but chicken nuggets and then blames Disney for it, they are just being lazy. Sorry, but there are already healthy options out there. If looking for them is too much work then it really isn't that important. (Not meaning this directly at the OP.)

 

[jm106]

Let me start of by I get what you are saying. But I don't think it is up to WDW to change how families feed their children. And for many, a vacation is a time to splurge on what you and your family eat. Not a place where you want an endless parade of salads and ganola. Remember those wheat buns I said the majority seem to hate? Now not a week goes by where I don't see someone post about how they are bringing their own buns into the parks.

I diagree with expecting a theme park to change how people eat. If someone is going to have a burger, then having salmon on the menu isn't going to make them not eat that burger. If people want to eat healthy, they will. If people want to eat junk food for a week because they are on vacation, they will.

If a parent feeds their kids nothing but chicken nuggets and then blames Disney for it, they are just being lazy. Sorry, but there are already healthy options out there. If looking for them is too much work then it really isn't that important. (Not meaning this directly at the OP.)

I have to agree. I do wish they offered a side of veggie(not the same old carrot sticks but how about some green beans or cauliflower) or a salad for kids but spending some time I was able to find options.

I think the trend in food at WDW is pretty reflective of how so many ppl do eat sadly(not my family), its what I see at so many places here so I make choices not to chose them and find alternate as I did in WDW. its up to ME ultimatly. Just as I wont eat fries or burgers for a week for my CS I looked for places that had other meals. But ppl who do enjpy that food do not go to Dinsey to be taught better eating habits. Some ppl eat healthy all year and allow vacation to be a splurge(Ill let my kids eat more dessert when its not how we eat at home) and some ppl have no interest in changing it.

I do get your vent OP(and feel exactly the same) but since they cater to the majority, this is what the majority wants, just see how many ppl ask here where can they take picky kids and adults.

 

[MoonFaerie]

For the most part, we didn't have a hard time finding a variety of foods for our kids. Some places, like lunch at Sci-Fi, they did eat a burger & fries. But so did I. We were on the deluxe plan, so we ate very few CS meals. Maybe it was just the places we ate?

 

[Nebraska_Disney]

I found most TS kids meals had variety.

Entrees-pizza, chicken, fish of the day, macaroni and beef, steak, etc.

Appetizers-carrots and celery, soup, apples and cinnamon, etc.

Desserts-fruit salad, ice cream sundae, yogurt parfait, etc.

My niece is younger 5 so we share a lot of CS meals as I can't finish a whole adult meal.

Yes, most TS did have "some" variety, but on a longer trip, how many times can you tell your child you are eating the same thing as you did the other night? After 4-5 days, you have blown through that whole combination and kids are like adults, they don't want to eat the same foods over and over again. If that was not the case, there would be a "Disney Restaurant" that had the same exact food for TS meals wherever you went and we would all be forced w/ what the mouse served.

TS is not bad, but CS is very lacking. I mean they can't even get a taco anymore at Tortugas (Pirates and Perichos) anymore, what is the purpose of going there if your kids can't even get a taco like the adults are eating?

 

[PEANUT1]

I always check the menues online to see what the options for kids are...we choose or leave out restuarants if they have a crappy kids menu

We really like Jiko, Cali Grille, Le Cellier for their kids choices.

 

[maxiesmom]

Yes, most TS did have "some" variety, but on a longer trip, how many times can you tell your child you are eating the same thing as you did the other night? After 4-5 days, you have blown through that whole combination and kids are like adults, they don't want to eat the same foods over and over again.

TS is not bad, but CS is very lacking. I mean they can't even get a taco anymore at Tortugas (Pirates and Perichos) anymore, what is the purpose of going there if your kids can't even get a taco like the adults are eating?

The thing is, you child won't blow thru every possible kids meal if you do some pre-planning. Well, maybe if you are eating counter service 3 times a day for 5 days, but how many people really do that? And it would be more like twice a day, as breakfast would be one of those times.

From a quick look here is what I can find:

Hot dogs
chicken nuggets
turkey sandwhich
peanut butter & jelly
salad with chicken
ham sandwhich
mac & cheese
cheese pizza
hamburgers

Those are just a few of the things you can find on the kids counter service menus just at the Magic Kingdom. Not including the places that don't have a kids menu where they can order anything they like. So add things like eggrolls and a turkey legs to that list.

There is variety, but you do have to search it out. If you just want to eat at whatever counter service place you happen to be near, then finding something different may be more of a challenge.

By the way, I just went and looked and Tortuga Tavern DOES have a child's taco (along with a quesadilla) listed on the kids menu. So I'm not sure why you couldn't get one.

 

[Nebraska_Disney]

By the way, I just went and looked and Tortuga Tavern DOES have a child's taco (along with a quesadilla) listed on the kids menu. So I'm not sure why you couldn't get one.

We were there 3/18-3/27 and they only had the cheese quesadilla on the menu, along w/ chicken nuggets. This was from the menu posted at the restaurant. I am guessing the one online has not been updated yet.


I do agree there is a variety, but I also do not want to spend 2 hours going to several places to get everyone what they want and actually sit down and eat it. Most places you get 2-3 options for kids while adults have 8-10 or even more (depending on the type of local). My vent is that:

1) Disney could do a lot better
2) 3 year old and 9 year olds are not going to be eating the same foods or amounts of food
3) I would gladly upgrade my kids to the adults menus if I did not have to upgrade them to adult admissions to the parks. Technology should allow them to do this quite easily

 

[TDC Nala]

Disney did try to "force" parents to feed the kids what they considered to be healthier food. A few years back when they started the dining plan, they revamped all the kids' menus. No fried items were listed - if there were chicken nuggets, they were the infamous grilled ones that were served cold. Kid's pizza was prepared on a pita, not a regular crust, and served with chicken as the only topping (although if you knew, you could ask for just a cheese one, no chicken). No macaroni and cheese (although they did bring out the "meaty macaroni.") No sugary desserts - the offered desserts were fruit, yogurt or sugar free gelatin.

No french fries. Eventually they made it so kids could get the french fries, or a soft drink, but whoever was doing the ordering had to know to ask for them - they were not on the menu. The default beverages were milk or water. Later, they added some types of juice.

This was met with such objections from parents that they went back to more "typical" kids meals. But they still can't offer anything that would bankrupt them if so many guests are on the dining plan and paying very little for their child's daily meals.

There is always the option of not doing the dining plan - then your family can order whatever they want. If you must do the dining plan, there's always sharing or swapping meals with the kids.

I understand Tortuga Tavern had taken all tacos off their menu, replacing them with burritos and quesadillas, but may have put them back.

 

[cam&phoebsmom]

We chose a lot of buffets for ourlast trup for TS or places where there were decent choices for kids. Some ideas for non-typical CS for kids:

AK
Flametree-chicken drumstick
Yak and Yeti-veggie lo mein, egg rolls

DHS
ABC Commissary-ham and cheese wrap
Touluca Turkey Legs

EPCOT-many choices available

MK
Columbia Harbour House-mixd greens with chicken (I got a tuna salad sub and shared with my kiddo)
Main Street Bakery-sandwiches

and as others have mentioned snacks can be used for things like egg rolls (my kids really liked them) and you can share your meals. I agree that it would be great if even more choices were available, but I think as long as a large group of parents expect "fast food style kids' meals" then that is what will be on the menus.

Especially with free dining I don't think the extra effort needed to find a decent place to eat is that hard. There are so many threads on here about picky eaters (even kids well over the 10yo cut off wanting to order kids' meals) that I think Disney does a good job of having different options available. I remember when we went we only ate a burger once and that was at Sci-Fi b/c we had heard they are good, LOL.