Food and Kids..Need Preparation Suggestions

[mrsw94]

I know this is an odd request, but I thought I'd get some advice from my fellow Diser's. We are heading down to the Happiest Place for a week in Oct. A WEEK!!! (I'm a little excited.) Anyway, I'm a little concerned about what my DS 4&1/2 and DD10 are going to eat. We are staying at the GCH Villas, so breakfast will be in room, along with some lunches. That being said, I am NOT going to feed them chicken nuggets and pizza for a week!

So, my question is this....in the next 6 weeks, what kind of food should I serve for dinners to prepare them for the amazing variety at DLR? We had Chili and Potatoes tonight. DD loved it, DS, not so much...

Thanks for your help!

 

[lorieintucson]

Have have you had a chance to look at the menus and the kids menus for the different restaurants on property? http://allears.net/dlr/din/menu/menus.htm has a great updated listing of menus items. There are plenty of places where the kids menu is all about nuggets and hamburgers-- but if you do research there are plenty of healthy and less processed options. Things like citrus chicken breast and rice and a kid's pizza that is on a whole grain crust with carrots and apples as a side. My DS4 has a lot of food allergies, so I know my menus backwards and forwards before I go and since we usually have a plan as to what land we will be in at meal times I haven't had a problem of finding something my kids will eat.

We still get bouts of picky eating blues here and there, and that's why I always have a little cooler bag with a sandwich, crackers, cheese sticks, raisins, and animal crackers.

 

[chrissiecutie]

Yes- check out menus online. And keep in mind that you don't HAVE to order them a kids meal. DS almost never gets one. Mainly we just split 2 adult meals between the 3 of us.

We are an all organic, no processed, natural food family. So vacation & Disney can really do a number on us! We take a pepto about 20 mins before meals & I do my best to try & get food in its most natural state & in a variety of colors. Plus, I freeze dinners & muffins for those times when we aren't eating out. And I always buy fresh fruit & veggies to pack in...I just prefer not to try & change our good habits to eat not so good for you food, KWIM?

Good luck!

 

[Bungle]

You can always split an adult entree for them if they are healthier eaters, but honestly I don't recall seeing a lot of chicken nuggets at DL. Last trip I think one night we had pasta, and the other night the boys shared a steak and veggies (adult entree). You can also just get meals that are quick and go back to the room for dinner.

 

[KateDrake]

I totally agree with the idea to check out the menus before you go. You might want to include your kids in your menu review, because then they can pick things that appeal to them. Knowing what is available will help them get used to the idea.

One thing that has helped me when trying to get my little cousins (G10, B11) eat something new is to focus on what familiar foods it is made of. So a dinner of kabobs at Paradise Garden Grill might seem unique to your kids (not sure how much ethnic food you eat) but when you explain that it is essentially just chicken, rice, bread and salad, with fun sauces to dip everything in, it will probably sound pretty appealing. This technique works with Mexican, Asian, just about anything.

They also like novelty sometimes, so something like a salad in a bread bowl instead of soup(Pacific Warf Cafe) or assembling their own carne asada tacos (Rancho del Zocalo) and things like that can be fun.

I'd also suggest sharing adult entrees, because the Disney portions are huge! We always split 2 between me, DH and DD3, and we usually still end up throwing food away. DD3 has always been an adventurous eater, and I like that it is generally easier to find a semi-healthy meal on the adults menu. Lets me save my calories for Dole whips and churros as snacks In fact, that is a reason to share two meals between all of you right there! Eat light, and get a Mickey pretzel in the afternoon. And don't feel too bad if you let them indulge every now and then, you are on vacation!

 

[DSNY4ever]

What kinds of things do you usually eat at home? Was the chili and potatoes an "exotic" meal for your kids? Just trying to get an idea of what the norm would be for them and what you are concerned about.

There are a million options of pretty standard type meals that most kids that eat a variety of foods at home would be able to enjoy. I would start checking out the menus and keep in mind everyone's suggestion that they can share an adult meal or have some of yours. Plus you can do a grocery delivery if they are really that picky.

 

[AnneUCSB]

I have picky eaters and we are also pretty frugal while at Disneyland so I tend to bring a lot of food with us (or go to the grocery store when we get there). My kids eat cereal with milk or granola bars in the morning, and we bring lunch into the parks. Lunch usually includes: PB&J, turkey sandwiches, yogurt, string cheese, crackers, granola bars, sliced fruits (store in small Tupperware), and/or Pirate's Booty. We also bring in refillable water bottles (I usually buy special Mickey ones at the Dollar Store) for each of my three boys. This allows us to keep them eating relatively healthy and fresh, save A LOT of money, and splurge on a daily treat while inside the parks. It's so much easier than trying to find a restaurant where everyone can find something to eat and helps us avoid the inevitable chicken nuggets for every meal

 

[mrsw94]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm going to sit down with my 10 year old and go over menus. The little guy is actually the pickier of the 2, but he also skips dinner at home often if he wont' eat what I've served, so I'm not too worried!

We eat a decent variety of foods, but has a tendancy to order from the kids menu. I really like the idea of looking for things for us to split.

Thanks for all the suggestions!