Eating with Toddler - Do I HAVE to get the children's option?

[tinkermomma]

So my daughter is a really good eater, very seldom is she picky and she is usually willing to try new things. Whenever we eat out in fact she would much rather eat off our plate even when we have gotten something for her off the "kid's menu" she's often dismissed it in favor of something one of us have.

I'm trying to plan a tentative trip for the end of June and after reading one of Hydroguys' tips I am solidified in wanting to do a character meal for dinner. For us, it not only makes sense from a "get more out of the parks in the morning" perspective but also "toddlers fade, naps and food is crucial" perspective.

So here's my question: Ariel's Grotto is switching from WOC to a princess dinner on the 15th from what I understand and it seems like the perfect option for us, given that she's pretty much terrified of talking stuffed animals and I think "live" characters will be less intimidating and a sort of introduction to characters...

So (finally) here's my question: I have this weird feeling they will expect her to have her own meal, even though she will only be 18 mo. from looking at the menu, I just have this suspicion it would be expected, they can't force us, correct?

 

[disneymom0104]

We went there for lunch last Oct. My son was 19 months. They offered him a free smaller sized kids meal of our choice. It was perfect for him. I think if they are under 3, the non-buffet sit down restaurants will give the complimentary smaller meal.

Hope that helps!

 

[tinkermomma]

We went there for lunch last Oct. My son was 19 months. They offered him a free smaller sized kids meal of our choice. It was perfect for him. I think if they are under 3, the non-buffet sit down restaurants will give the complimentary smaller meal.

Hope that helps!

Huh. That's interesting. How cool!

I guarantee she's still be all over whatever I have though

 

[Jacie]

Kids under 3 in Disney are pretty much just free. When we went to WDW, we had the dining plan and had 5 sit down meals, all of which my (then 18 months) son had his own drink- usually milk- and was offered something to eat at everyone- we were never charged for him. The only time we had to buy him anything is when we bought from Quick Service and got him a milk or some snack. But at all restaurants they brought him free items, although he usually ate off my or my husbands plate.

 

[NiceOneSimba]

Our 2.5 year old got the free meal at Ariel's Grotto, too. I think the choice was Mac and Cheese or Spaghetti with meatball lollipop. The appetizer (at least the non-seafood one) also has plenty of items toddlers will like, like string cheese, jello, carrots....it's served family style, so your DD will feel like a "big kid" eating it.

If she is 3 or over, though, they will expect that you get her a meal of her own, I'm pretty sure. Ask when you make the reservation. They should know the exact details on the age limits. ;-)

 

[pixiewings71]

If she's not going to eat the free toddler meal (which she will be offered) then simply ask for an extra plate and share from your plate. It won't be an issue, especially since she is under 3.