Dining with my special needs son?

[Tashak]

My 3 year old is special needs, he can't eat solid foods. People don't believe us, even though they never see him eat anything, because they say he doesn't "look sick." Not sure what that supposed to mean, but anyways.
There are some character meals that we would love to go to but I don't want to pay for him to eat nothing. This past trip there wasn't a problem because he was 2 and wasn't charged. Is there a way to explain this? Should I even try?

 

[aaarcher86]

No. You'll still be charged.

Character meals are equally about the entertainment value which you'd be enjoying. The characters are available for meetings elsewhere for free.

 

[Tashak]

We'll sit out then.

 

[MikeOhio]

No. You'll still be charged.

Character meals are equally about the entertainment value which you'd be enjoying. The characters are available for meetings elsewhere for free.

This exactly. At character meals you are paying that high price for the characters not the food. Even if you go to a character buffet and do not eat one bite they still charge you.

 

[Hopefully]

It really has nothing to do with if they believe you or not. Everyone is charged whether they eat or not.

 

[supersnoop]

There have been reports of people on feeding tubes who are still charged at buffets. More frequently, people with recent gastric bypass surgery ask for some sort of accommodation, but they are always denied. Everyone who enters gets charged at a buffet.

 

[Dis703]

It really has nothing to do with if they believe you or not. Everyone is charged whether they eat or not.

This. Whether you eat or not or eat one bite or 4 plates worth of food everyone who goes into a buffet is charged the same price. Like others said it's equally about the entertainment value of the meal.

Some of the buffets aren't too pricey when it comes to the kid's meals though so if you really want a character experience maybe look at the cheaper options. I know we did Cape May Café breakfast once and I knew my twins weren't likely going to be able to eat more than bacon and fruit, but it was priced decently enough that it was worth it for them to experience the characters and for the rest of us to enjoy the buffet.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

There have been reports of people on feeding tubes who are still charged at buffets

It usually happens that everyone is charged the same rate (appropriate for their age, such as child or adult.
. . . once is a great while, a restaurant manager will allow a price reduction for feeding tubes.
. . . but, VERY SELDOM
. . . however, in such cases, the inability to eat is readily apparent.
. . . there is still entertainment value when attending the character eatery

 

[quakechicago]

It's the same with food allergies, since they will make every effort to accommodate whatever you need, you will be charged. The only time I've ever seen someone not be charged (despite seeing people argue) was a make a wish trip when special arrangements had been made before-hand.

 

[Nancyg56]

We'll sit out then.

But is your son the only one who will not eat? It seems a shame to avoid these special character interactions unless no one would eat. There are some that are reasonably priced, with breakfast being the least expensive. I have also heard, but have no first hand experience, that there is a lovely character breakfast at the Swan or Dolphine (cannot remember which one) that is inexpensive.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

But is your son the only one who will not eat? It seems a shame to avoid these special character interactions unless no one would eat. There are some that are reasonably priced, with breakfast being the least expensive. I have also heard, but have no first hand experience, that there is a lovely character breakfast at the Swan or Dolphine (cannot remember which one) that is inexpensive.

I concur. Garden Grove at the Swan has very good food and has a character buffet on the weekends. It's much less expensive than the other WDW character meals and if you have a AAA card you get 20% off. We are a family of three and, with the discount, my DS basically ate for free. It might be a good alternative if you would like a character meal for less money.

 

[bpadair32]

My 3 year old is special needs, he can't eat solid foods. People don't believe us, even though they never see him eat anything, because they say he doesn't "look sick." Not sure what that supposed to mean, but anyways.
There are some character meals that we would love to go to but I don't want to pay for him to eat nothing. This past trip there wasn't a problem because he was 2 and wasn't charged. Is there a way to explain this? Should I even try?

At the pay-per-head things like character meals, you are paying as much for the entertainment as you are for the food, so I don't think that you would get a price break just because he is not eating.

 

[gwynne]

We'll sit out then.

You should do what works best for you, but I did have a quick thought, hope it's OK if I share.

Have you considered thinking about going to a character meal as entertainment, and the "cost" like a typical show ticket? I realize it's not cheap, but your little guy might really enjoy the characters.
Whatever you decide, I hope you have a lovely vacation.

 

[SonicGuy]

Our DD11 is special needs and is on a feeding tube. We always plan and budget for her to be charged. Her special needs are very obvious. We have yet to be charged for her - even though the official line is that everyone pays. I'd do what works best for your group, and if a little pixie dust comes your way then YEAH!

 

[Pumbaa_]

thank you everyone for sharing, especially those with personal experience

good luck OP with your trip, I am sure you will have an amazing vacation

 

[ButterflyEffect]

Disney actually changed their policy this summer for tube fed guests. They are not to be charged for a meal. On the reservation they are to be made for an infant. I am not sure if your son is tube fed or not but I would talk to the manager if he doesn't eat any solid foods. If you are on the dining plan I understand it can be a bit trickier. Some people are being credited for their portion when on the dining plan.