Dining with a 10 year old at Disney - Specific restaurant questions.

[kc51570]

The only table service restaurant that gave us a hard time ordering off the kids menu was one of the Italian ones in Epcot. They eventually allowed it and he ordered kids spaghetti and meatballs which he still didn’t finish. Granted this was pre-Covid when portions were larger. If we did buffets or family style restaurants we were paying adult prices.

 

[HopperFan]

with a bottle of coke $5 or a Mickey Ice cream bar at $6.95 there is literally nowhere on Disney property you get value for the cost when it comes to food... especially when for my family personally I have to factor in exchange rate. Food at Disney is highly overpriced but I can acknowledge that, accept I'm going to spend a lot, look past it and still have a great time, but pretending it's not true is just silly

At no point have I ever said Disney isn't overpriced ~ I think most my postings regarding cost are all that Disney is overpriced in the area of hotels and food, even most merchandise and upsells. I've also said that value can't be placed on the food itself because Disney food is mediocre to good at best. If you are a foodie, Disney is not the place to go with food as your emphasis.

Getting value at Disney is not related to real world costs because one has chosen to go somewhere that is expensive across the board. Getting value for your meal means the whole experience; QS or TS, service level, views, decor, atmosphere, entertainment, location ... you pay more for that than the food itself.

That coke, that Mickey bar = all optional. If it's not worth that price to a guest, don't buy it. As long as people are buying it, in Disney's book it is worth it. I used to get a Mickey Bar a couple times each trip. Have not bought one since they are now sold in grocery store. It is no longer special. No longer has value to me. Food is one area where guests can completely control what they spend, no value, don't buy in.

I stand by it ~ if you don't get value, then don't buy it. We go about 6 times a year, we keep a low dining budget, we don't book anything that does not bring value with the understanding that the price charged is not related to just the food itself. We enjoy the Rose & Garden Fireworks Dining Package, it has good value to me. To others it is a waste of money. To others the MK Fireworks Dessert Party is completely worth it, to me it is a huge waste of money. We all place different values on different things. But that value is never attached specifically to the food itself. If it were specifically for the food then Disney is having the last laugh.

The only table service restaurant that gave us a hard time ordering off the kids menu was one of the Italian ones in Epcot. They eventually allowed it and he ordered kids spaghetti and meatballs which he still didn’t finish. Granted this was pre-Covid when portions were larger. If we did buffets or family style restaurants we were paying adult prices.

They are not Disney owned. Most the stories that are strict about this, about sharing etc come from the restaurants that are not owned by Disney (most of Epcot) as they operate on their own rules.

 

[DisneyMama811]

At no point have I ever said Disney isn't overpriced ~ I think most my postings regarding cost are all that Disney is overpriced in the area of hotels and food, even most merchandise and upsells. I've also said that value can't be placed on the food itself because Disney food is mediocre to good at best. If you are a foodie, Disney is not the place to go with food as your emphasis.

Getting value at Disney is not related to real world costs because one has chosen to go somewhere that is expensive across the board. Getting value for your meal means the whole experience; QS or TS, service level, views, decor, atmosphere, entertainment, location ... you pay more for that than the food itself.

That coke, that Mickey bar = all optional. If it's not worth that price to a guest, don't buy it. As long as people are buying it, in Disney's book it is worth it. I used to get a Mickey Bar a couple times each trip. Have not bought one since they are now sold in grocery store. It is no longer special. No longer has value to me. Food is one area where guests can completely control what they spend, no value, don't buy in.

I stand by it ~ if you don't get value, then don't buy it. We go about 6 times a year, we keep a low dining budget, we don't book anything that does not bring value with the understanding that the price charged is not related to just the food itself. We enjoy the Rose & Garden Fireworks Dining Package, it has good value to me. To others it is a waste of money. To others the MK Fireworks Dessert Party is completely worth it, to me it is a huge waste of money. We all place different values on different things. But that value is never attached specifically to the food itself. If it were specifically for the food then Disney is having the last laugh.




They are not Disney owned. Most the stories that are strict about this, about sharing etc come from the restaurants that are not owned by Disney (most of Epcot) as they operate on their own rules.

value means different things to different people and you don't get to define what that means. In my opinion a Disney vacation is far too expensive for what you get in terms of dollar vs overall experience therefore not good value however I'm willing to look past that because even though it's highly overpriced, the memories are worth it. I'm not interested in debating this further with you, you're welcome to your opinion and I'm welcome to mine. have a Disney day

 

[HopperFan]

value means different things to different people and you don't get to define what that means. In my opinion a Disney vacation is far too expensive for what you get in terms of dollar vs overall experience therefore not good value however I'm willing to look past that because even though it's highly overpriced, the memories are worth it. I'm not interested in debating this further with you, you're welcome to your opinion and I'm welcome to mine. have a Disney day

I clearly said that the buyer determines what is value to them, then buyer purchases it or not.

I NEVER said that what I find of value is value to all, and clearly stated that in my example of the two Fireworks packages.

The only reason I even responded is because you said I was wrong (and silly) to state that Disney food is not overpriced when I didn't say that at all, not even close, and have never said that. I feel most of the food is overpriced and buy based on what is of value to me.

I'm not debating. I was clarifying that what you said about my comments was not what I said, and have never said.

And I'm a firm believer that when a vacation (or anything else) is too expensive for your budget, too expensive for what you get, too expensive for the experience ... then it's not a good choice for a vacation. Vacations are priceless and should never leave you feeling ripped off.

 

[maltdizzy]

Aside from the prix-fixe and buffet, none of the WDW TS restaurants will know, or care, if your child is 9 or 10. Servers very rarely ask at TS dining and they don't see the ADR details (plus, on most ADRs, the only name that is required is the guarantor, everyone else can be an undisclosed "guest").

 

[kc51570]

At no point have I ever said Disney isn't overpriced ~ I think most my postings regarding cost are all that Disney is overpriced in the area of hotels and food, even most merchandise and upsells. I've also said that value can't be placed on the food itself because Disney food is mediocre to good at best. If you are a foodie, Disney is not the place to go with food as your emphasis.

Getting value at Disney is not related to real world costs because one has chosen to go somewhere that is expensive across the board. Getting value for your meal means the whole experience; QS or TS, service level, views, decor, atmosphere, entertainment, location ... you pay more for that than the food itself.

That coke, that Mickey bar = all optional. If it's not worth that price to a guest, don't buy it. As long as people are buying it, in Disney's book it is worth it. I used to get a Mickey Bar a couple times each trip. Have not bought one since they are now sold in grocery store. It is no longer special. No longer has value to me. Food is one area where guests can completely control what they spend, no value, don't buy in.

I stand by it ~ if you don't get value, then don't buy it. We go about 6 times a year, we keep a low dining budget, we don't book anything that does not bring value with the understanding that the price charged is not related to just the food itself. We enjoy the Rose & Garden Fireworks Dining Package, it has good value to me. To others it is a waste of money. To others the MK Fireworks Dessert Party is completely worth it, to me it is a huge waste of money. We all place different values on different things. But that value is never attached specifically to the food itself. If it were specifically for the food then Disney is having the last laugh.




They are not Disney owned. Most the stories that are strict about this, about sharing etc come from the restaurants that are not owned by Disney (most of Epcot) as they operate on their own rules.

Yes, I am aware they are not Disney owned, but it was one of the restaurants the original poster inquired about regarding the kids menu so I shared my feedback.

 

[gorkt]

Yeah 10 year old is such a tough age for Disney dining. I really hated when they made that change years ago. It made things like buffet meals really tough to justify, especially because my kids are not big volume eaters.

My son is on the spectrum and is very picky and I have really never had push back from Disney about ordering him stuff from the kids meal even when he was 15. But he always knows it’s a possibility when we go out, so we have always told him that he may have to wait and grab something later.

 

[lovethesun12]

We enjoy the Rose & Garden Fireworks Dining Package, it has good value to me. To others it is a waste of money. To others the MK Fireworks Dessert Party is completely worth it, to me it is a huge waste of money. We all place different values on different things. But that value is never attached specifically to the food itself. If it were specifically for the food then Disney is having the last laugh.

I see what you mean about value and I do agree. Funny because that package really highlights exactly why I’m just stopping the buffets/prix fixe this year.

I originally thought the fireworks package was a good value too - we really enjoyed it.

But now, my 10 year olds package cost went from $39 to $89.

I just think it’s ridiculous for Disney to think it’s possible for a 10 year old to extract the same value out of this as an actual adult.

I mean I could just pay that along with every other price increase for the 10yo, but it just doesn’t sit right. Instead, we recently made the decision to cut out most TS and take a day out of our trip to give universal a try (something we’ve wanted to do for years). Definitely feels like that will be a better value for our money this year.

 

[Lilsia]

I see what you mean about value and I do agree. Funny because that package really highlights exactly why I’m just stopping the buffets/prix fixe this year.

I originally thought the fireworks package was a good value too - we really enjoyed it.

But now, my 10 year olds package cost went from $39 to $89.

I just think it’s ridiculous for Disney to think it’s possible for a 10 year old to extract the same value out of this as an actual adult.

I mean I could just pay that along with every other price increase for the 10yo, but it just doesn’t sit right. Instead, we recently made the decision to cut out most TS and take a day out of our trip to give universal a try (something we’ve wanted to do for years). Definitely feels like that will be a better value for our money this year.

It really does depend on the child. My kids were eating full adult meals by 8 years old. That is one of the reasons why we loved the cruises so much, they could order the filet, lamb, and sea bass that they enjoy. My youngest was a skinny little thing but she could put away a plate sized piece of prime rib by the time she was 6. Every server that we had always doubted that she could eat it all but she always did, along with the side of mashed potatoes. It is really only in the last couple of decades where kids have stopped eating normal meals and only eat the stuff that we see on kids menus now. But genetically, there is no reason why a healthy 10 year old can not eat a normal meal. They might not finish every single bite if it is a bigger portion, but food wise, they should have a wide palate range by that age. Like I said earlier, when our kids were too young to finish a whole portion, we just got them one adult meal to split. Most restaurants at WDW have no problem if you want to split meals.

 

[goofy4prez]

10+ is an adult park ticket price
10+ is an adult dining price
10+ is an adult dining plan price
10+ is an adult for upsells like dessert parties

It is to keep prices consistent across all offerings.

Just like there are 12 year olds who eat like birds there are 8 year olds who eat like adults. Disney has done all the math to determine at which point they need to charge adult prices to meet all their profit goals.

The plus for the dining options is that it is completely under the guests control. Don't eat anywhere that you won't get value for the cost.

Value and WDW certainly don't go hand in hand. One would starve to death if they were looking for value for the cost they will have to pay. Finding value at WDW is about as likely as it is to find a four-leaf clover growing on Main Street.

(But on a serious note, I do agree with what you are saying).

 

[lovethesun12]

It really does depend on the child. My kids were eating full adult meals by 8 years old. That is one of the reasons why we loved the cruises so much, they could order the filet, lamb, and sea bass that they enjoy. My youngest was a skinny little thing but she could put away a plate sized piece of prime rib by the time she was 6. Every server that we had always doubted that she could eat it all but she always did, along with the side of mashed potatoes. It is really only in the last couple of decades where kids have stopped eating normal meals and only eat the stuff that we see on kids menus now. But genetically, there is no reason why a healthy 10 year old can not eat a normal meal. They might not finish every single bite if it is a bigger portion, but food wise, they should have a wide palate range by that age. Like I said earlier, when our kids were too young to finish a whole portion, we just got them one adult meal to split. Most restaurants at WDW have no problem if you want to split meals.

In that post I was referring specifically to the fireworks package that was referenced though. The value a lot of people get from the fireworks package is the unlimited alcohol.

I’m sure someone will chime in they enjoy it without alcohol, but the vast majority of positive reviews come from adults who take advantage of that, which is impossible for a 10 year old.

 

[Lilsia]

In that post I was referring specifically to the fireworks package that was referenced though. The value a lot of people get from the fireworks package is the unlimited alcohol.

I’m sure someone will chime in they enjoy it without alcohol, but the vast majority of positive reviews come from adults who take advantage of that, which is impossible for a 10 year old.

We did a few of the fireworks packages over the years and the have never been worth it for the food, even for adults. Even if you have a couple of drinks, you are never even close to breaking even. You do it for the convenience of not having to stake out a spot an hour and a half ahead of time, not for the food value. Like I said, it stinks when your child passes that threshold. But it would stink if they changed the age to 11 or 12 or even 13. There are plenty of adults that don't eat full portions. No one wants to pay what we pay at the parks. Most people can cut out their Starbucks runs for a few months before the trip and have that extra money.

 

[lovethesun12]

We did a few of the fireworks packages over the years and the have never been worth it for the food, even for adults. Even if you have a couple of drinks, you are never even close to breaking even. You do it for the convenience of not having to stake out a spot an hour and a half ahead of time, not for the food value. Like I said, it stinks when your child passes that threshold. But it would stink if they changed the age to 11 or 12 or even 13. There are plenty of adults that don't eat full portions. No one wants to pay what we pay at the parks. Most people can cut out their Starbucks runs for a few months before the trip and have that extra money.

Yeah like I said it isn’t about not being able to pay it; if I had to give up Starbucks for a Disney trip I wouldn’t be going to Disney, lol. It’s just that it isn’t worth it.

For me it’s just a mental block of having to pay adult pricing for a kid that will still be eating like a kid I think. Sure some adults don’t eat a lot, but they’re independent adults not 10 year olds. Actually DH and I are both very light eaters, I really don’t like buffets but it’s the only way to do character dining.

I guess we just have a difference of opinion. A lot of people are like yeah just spend the extra $600 on the $2700 you’re already paying for food, 10 yo’s eat more, he should have a full palate, etc. But my child doesn’t have a different palate or eat more than he did last year. And I was already questioning the value when it was $2700.

I can understand why Disney does the increases, but I guess they also understand why someone people don’t pay them. As I mentioned earlier, after thinking it through, I think a day at universal, something we’ve never done before, is a much better value.

 

[RoseGold]

I'd skip fireworks and Ohana and CRT anyway. But I really don't see how $20 at Artist Point matters. You were willing to spend $160, but not $180? If your goal is "value," you're just going to be eating popcorn refills.

CRT in June was one I had looked forward to for years. And one of my biggest let-downs in Disney, among the worst food. Heck, I think it took me five trips to get in all those restaurants you listed in one sentence. I'm exhausted looking at it. Just get some tater tots at Woody's Lunchbox and relax.

To answer your actual question, we ordered off the kid's menu with a 12 year old at Topolino's and GF Cafe in June. It wasn't even an issue.

 

[lovethesun12]

I'd skip fireworks and Ohana and CRT anyway. But I really don't see how $20 at Artist Point matters. You were willing to spend $160, but not $180? If your goal is "value," you're just going to be eating popcorn refills.

CRT in June was one I had looked forward to for years. And one of my biggest let-downs in Disney, among the worst food. Heck, I think it took me five trips to get in all those restaurants you listed in one sentence. I'm exhausted looking at it. Just get some tater tots at Woody's Lunchbox and relax.

To answer your actual question, we ordered off the kid's menu with a 12 year old at Topolino's and GF Cafe in June. It wasn't even an issue.

Yeah we were definitely former DDP people so a lot of dining was the regular. I agree with you, so looking at that side of it - less is more - and cutting out most TS is the new plan.

 

[Lilsia]

Yeah like I said it isn’t about not being able to pay it; if I had to give up Starbucks for a Disney trip I wouldn’t be going to Disney, lol. It’s just that it isn’t worth it.

For me it’s just a mental block of having to pay adult pricing for a kid that will still be eating like a kid I think. Sure some adults don’t eat a lot, but they’re independent adults not 10 year olds. Actually DH and I are both very light eaters, I really don’t like buffets but it’s the only way to do character dining.

I guess we just have a difference of opinion. A lot of people are like yeah just spend the extra $600 on the $2700 you’re already paying for food, 10 yo’s eat more, he should have a full palate, etc. But my child doesn’t have a different palate or eat more than he did last year. And I was already questioning the value when it was $2700.

I can understand why Disney does the increases, but I guess they also understand why someone people don’t pay them. As I mentioned earlier, after thinking it through, I think a day at universal, something we’ve never done before, is a much better value.

I think that we are on the same page, it most definitely is a mental hurdle. The difference is, we got over ours over a decade ago. And I can say from experience that it is definitely not worth the mental aggravation to stress over it. Like Elsa said, Let it go, let it goooo. LOL

 

[LemonNeko]

My son is 11 and a big kid. We went in January and most restaurants offered him the kid menu. He refuses to eat off the kids menu but they would have let him.

 

[godfather927]

Just in general, I don't think you're going to have any issue with your child ordering off the kid's menus at Disney. Honestly. I expect no one looks twice when they do. Heck, in the recent past, my wife has ordered an item or two off the kid's menus because she liked something better (or smaller) on that menu!! If your 10 year-old wants Mac & Cheese off the kids menu, they should just order it and enjoy it.

We went to 14 table service restaurants on our last trip, and only 1 place (Trattoria Al Forno) grilled us on ages of our kids, to the point where the hostess asked them individually before they gave them kids menus when they sat us. Everyone else didn't bat an eyelash, including Sebastian's and Topolino's.

 

[godfather927]

It might be a good idea to consider some QS meals also. You can order a kids meal there and will be charged the kids price every time. Sometimes I even order a kids meal and always pay the kids price. We have found we are eating more QS since using LLs. The timing of things is different now, and it's more important to us to be able to ride the attractions than eat a meal in a sit-down restaurant.

This was our experience too until genie+ added the ability to modify LL times. Now it's much easier to schedule LL's around ADRs without having to worry about rushing to one or the other.

 

[thanxfornoticin]

We went to 14 table service restaurants on our last trip, and only 1 place (Trattoria Al Forno) grilled us on ages of our kids, to the point where the hostess asked them individually before they gave them kids menus when they sat us. Everyone else didn't bat an eyelash, including Sebastian's and Topolino's.

Wow, that's interesting - and a bit sad that they would do that.