Does anyone else have a problem with the cost of food for children???

[TnKrBeLlA012]

We just came back from Disney. I cannot believe the price they want to charge for a three year old to eat. I refused to pay it and told them she was two. The amount of food she ate would take no profits away from Disney. I payed 29.00 and probably ate 10.00. I also think it is terrible what they charge for a ten year old to eat. An adult price?????? The price of food is out of hand. I don't care if you have money or don't. This is robbery! How many kids eat adult food anyway. Most would eat the food they give out for kids. Sorry but shame on Disney!

 

[striker3636]

Yeah, I hear ya! We paid for a 24.99 bun for my dd, just 3, when we went to HDDR last year. She doesn't eat much ever (5th percentile for height for her age), and buying a meal for her is a total waste of money. However, I guess I can't expect a corporation to make allowances for all the individual needs/tastes of our children. I do agree though, that most 10 year olds still want the kids menu.

 

[Lollipop's Mom]

If you do the dining plan at 10.99 a day, I think that is a fair amount to pay for a whole days food. Perhaps do the dining plan next time!

 

[Laurajean1014]

 

[bicker]

Disney policy is that guests are required to pay for buffet meals for children over the age of 3, and for the Dining Plan for children over the age of 3, regardless of whether the guests would prefer to pay or not. The discretion guests have is whether or not to patronize the buffet or purchase the Dining Plan for their party. It is not legitimate for a guest to decide for themselves whether or not to pay.

 

[Karel]

Not really.

 

[hmp2z]

Um, who is forcing you to eat a Disney restaurants? Or to go to Disney for that matter? If the price is too high for you, then don't eat there - it's a very simple cost/value proposition. For people like me, the quality of the meals I receive make it worth the price I pay. For you, maybe not, but instead of complaining, why not just vote with your feet (or wallet)?

I just don't get these kinds of posts. So weird...

Heather W

 

[Carrie Ellis]

I was at Six Flags the other day and they make Disney look wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I bought a 3 funnel cakes at 6 flags for $19. They were about 5 inches wide. Very very small. I would have just given them back if the 6 kids that I had were not wanting one so bad. I had already packed a lunch in the van and we had eaten in the van so this was their only treat.

 

[bicker]

I just don't get these kinds of posts.

To be fair: I "get" them. People are frustrated that they cannot have all they want, within the context of their limited means -- that they're forced to make hard choices that they would prefer not to make, between the good things in life and financial security. It's definitely an understandable source of frustration.

 

[Trev's mom]

I have more of an issue with what you get for the amount you pay. The choice is mostly unhealthy foods for kids. Chicken nuggets, burgers, pizza, hot dogs, fries.... even the meals at a non disney restaurant will have grilled chicken or salad on the kids menu. I would gladly pay more to get something healthy. Last year with the free dining I had a 2 year old that ate for free but this year it's the dining plan for us. I know I'm going to pay more due to being at Disney so the dining plan is perfect.

 

[tluvstink]

can someone pass the popcorn?

 

[bicker]

The choice is mostly unhealthy foods for kids.

I've posted this a few times recently... seems to be a popular topic:

Le Cellier offers a 6oz Grilled Steak for children. Coral Reef offers children a grilled chicken breast (not nuggets). Chefs de France offers a fried fish plate for children. Rose and Crown has cottage pie, bangers and mash, fish and chips, and grilled chicken on their child menu. Teppanyaki offers a small stir fry with either chicken or shrimp. Nine Dragons offers sweet and sour chicken. San Angel Inn offers children either a burrito or an enchilada. Marrakesh offers couscous. Spoodles offers Grilled Strip Steak and Grilled Chicken. Flying fish offers fish and chips, grilled steak, chicken breast (again, not nuggets).

I'm pretty thoroughly shocked to see so many choices available for children. Choose your restaurants wisely, and your child will be more than pleased.

 

[ttfn3]

That's why I like staying at a condo or a villa. We start off with a good breakfast, take a break for a late lunch/early dinner. Much more relaxing - and healthier. I also prefer the counter service at World Showcase in Epcot. We often share meals since they are so large.

 

[VernRDH]

How many kids eat adult food anyway.

My six year old daughter does. My problem with most restuarants is that all they offer kids is "garbage"-hot dogs, mac and cheese etc. Why not offer smaller portions of adult meals as well? My DD loves fish, especially salmon. Try to find that anywhere on a kids menu. Why can't kids eat regular, healthy food instead of processed, sodium and calorie laden junk?

We have purchased the DDP for our upcoming trip and have tried to book more buffets so that we have more/better choices.

Another suggestion would be to research the menus on allearsnet.com before you go so you can plan out your meals better.

Just my two cents.

 

[traviesojmt]

Well, I have to say that I also have a DD3 who tends to eat very little for dinner. I know very well when I book a buffet for dinner that I will not be getting my money's worth for what my DD3 will eat. The fact remains, however, that it is a choice. I have chosen to eat at those restaurants, therefore I will pay the price listed. If you really had refused to pay, you should not have eaten at those restaurants. I will not be lying about my daughter's age when I have decided to eat a certain restaurant. Disney is not forcing anyone to eat at any particular restaurant. I really can't see how you can call money that you spend on a vacation robbery. It is a vacation. It is a luxury. In the end, it is not shame on Disney. It is shame on those who feel that they can cheat someone or something (in this case Disney) just because Disney makes lots of money.

 

[Allison]

Well, I have to say that I also have a DD3 who tends to eat very little for dinner. I know very well when I book a buffet for dinner that I will not be getting my money's worth for what my DD3 will eat. The fact remains, however, that it is a choice. I have chosen to eat at those restaurants, therefore I will pay the price listed. If you really had refused to pay, you should not have eaten at those restaurants. I will not be lying about my daughter's age when I have decided to eat a certain restaurant. Disney is not forcing anyone to eat at any particular restaurant. I really can't see how you can call money that you spend on a vacation robbery. It is a vacation. It is a luxury. In the end, it is not shame on Disney. It is shame on those who feel that they can cheat someone or something (in this case Disney) just because Disney makes lots of money.

I completely agree.

 

[scraptoons]

I also think it is terrible what they charge for a ten year old to eat. An adult price??????

I have seen ten year olds eat a little as a three year old. I have also seen ten year olds eat way more than I can eat. And I have a pretty big adult appetite too.

It's unfortunate that the prices have to be so high for a ten year old, but they have to figure in such diversity.

But it's not like we all eat at amusement parks everyday of the year.

Most people just chalk it up as vacation expenses, deal with it, and then go back to their regular everyday "real life" food prices when they get back home.

 

[JerseyGirl1972]

My 10 year old prefers "kid" food, but my 7 year old prefers "adult" food. The dining plan would not suit us well as I would have to pay the price of an adult for my 10 year old. However I can not see him or my 7 year old eating an appetizer, an entree and a dessert. Therefore I would just not get the dining plan and pay OOP for all of us. Having a 2 year old also makes it just that much easier to do more counter service meals than TS. Disney is expensive which is why I don't go as often as I would like but I don't fret over it. It is what it is and I can't change it, so I just go with it and enjoy my vacation.

 

[mommyaof2]

I disagree with the dishonesty part. However, I do think that the menus could have better choices for children. I am trying to choose places that have a better selection for children when we go. You should not lie about your childs age just because they do not eat alot of food. How could a 3 year old pass for a 2 year old anyway? My kids looked 3 when they were 3. I would think you could tell the difference just by looking. You may get caught doing this.

 

[aristocat]

Are you looking to stir up trouble with a post like that?

If you don't agree with the prices Disney charges for buffets and character meals - then don’t go to them!

It’s not up to you to determine the cost for the buffet – it’s Disney’s right as the provider to determine the price and set the age groups.

We all have to pay the prices they set – regardless if you believe that the value you’ll derive from the meal is less than the price you’re required to pay... However, it’s still your choice to patronize Disney World and partake in the character meals offered there.