My DD was 5 on our first cruise with Disney (though we've been cruising since she's been 2, so she's an experienced cruiser). She wore Princess dresses to dinner and though she's better now, she was a picky eater, so she ordered mac n cheese every night in the restaurants. We had first seating, so I thought dinner went by pretty quickly, so time wise, it was fine. I don't allow ipads at dinner, but we sat with a nice mom/son so we had good conversation and it went by quickly. She loved the ambiance of the restaurants, as she's very girl and felt very special in her full princess gear.
Ohhh, she is so adorable!
My daughter Is 14 and has a favorite item too. Our first few cruises, she would try new things and be happy with them. But the last few cruises, she sticks with her old standby (which is okay since she has actually tried things) She gets the steak and white rice every night. Unless there are lamb chops of course.