healthy dining suitable for children?

[wideeyes]

hi, I am at the moment trying to make a short list of restaurants for are trip next October, a little early I know however with all the options this could take a while.

We prefer to eat at fine dining places with table service most of the time however I was wondering what restaurants are best for children to go to. So far thinking about the California Grill and the one at AKL (can not remember its name)

we have one dd who will be 5 and she is not allowed to eat chicken nuggets burgers, fizzy drinks etc (basically mcdonald type food). Is there places that do children menus that don't include these options and have options such as grilled chicken, fish, pasta or freshly made pizza.

Also what type of food do the character meal serve?

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Hi,

Firstly I am no dining expert, however we have booked 3 ADRs for next month and found the links below really useful.

You will get some idea of the menu's available both at the parks & resorts.

http://allearsnet.com/din/dining.htm
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining.htm

 

[Frances999]

Our children don't (often) eat the fast food either. There are plenty of restaurants offering alternative children's options. I have found that the best ones tend to be in the resort hotels.

There are some wonderful restaurants at the GF. Citrico's and Narcoossee's both have excellent children's menus - with food such as grilled chicken, fish and pasta. They have some really fun deserts too - our children love them.

'Ohana is great for children, too. Not only are there the fun games and music, but they enjoy the same food as the adults - the fresh skewer meats and potato/vegetable side portions.

It can be annoying when even the fine dining full-service restaurants simply offer the usual "burger, hot dog or chicken strips" options for children. However, I have found that they nearly always have at least one other option which isn't the usual fast food junk. AND even if they do decide to choose the burger (or whatever) it tends to look much nicer than the counter service versions.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

If you check http://www.allearsnet.com/din/dining.htm there are menus for many of the restaurants.

I know sometimes in the past we have just shared a dish with our child.

I remember at Brown Derby in MGM when my oldest was 1--the chicken was a grilled chicken dish.

 

[Frances999]

what type of food do the character meal serve?

I think that the majority of the character meal restaurants are buffet - so there should be a wide selection including healthier options. We tend to avoid the character meals for dinner/lunch (we don't like buffets) and use them for breakfast instead. Also, if you aren't keen on buffets like us, the 'Ohana character breakfast is served family-style at your table and is a lot of fun.

 

[Goofyish]

It's shame your DD can't enjoy burgers etc. especially on vacation - but if she has a particular medical dietary requirement then if you talk to your server they will get the chefs at most WDW restaurants to try and accomodate you.

The other option is to stick to buffet meals where there is more alternatives to chicken nuggets and burgers etc.

 

[wideeyes]

It's shame your DD can't enjoy burgers etc. especially on vacation.

I know that her eating the odd burger is fine however I would not want her eating this for a whole holiday, (she does not like burgers anyway) especially when she will be wanting Ice Cream every day which is a treat for her to enjoy on holiday.

 

[kkymmy]

you'll be fine at Disney, the manage to cater for the whole world in 50 square miles, and I'm sure your daughter will eat a wonderful array of things....especially in EPCOT where you're challenged to try something new and traditional of another country....no burgers in china!

 

[carolfoy]

Apparently epcot are starting a 'teen cuisine' thing this year but it may only be on during the food and wine festival. this may offer an alternative as snack food then just chips, burgers etc

 

[lorapinky]

Check out this website also as it has good info on food etc...

www.wdisneyw.co.uk