Hoop Dee Doo and Picky Kids

[lovingeire]

HDDR is on my bucket list, but my one son is incredibly picky. Does HDDR offer an alternate menu for kids like Spirit of Aloha does? I think all he'd eat is cornbread, maybe, and I don't want to pay that much for cornbread only! LOL!

 

[Jennasis]

What kinds of things does he typically eat? I think they share the kitchen with Trail's End so may be able to bring him something from there like mac n cheese etc.

 

[lovingeire]

What kinds of things does he typically eat? I think they share the kitchen with Trail's End so may be able to bring him something from there like mac n cheese etc.

That's good to know. He, despite my best efforts, eats pizza, chicken nuggets, grilled cheese and peanut butter sandwiches pretty much. And some fruit and other assorted snack items. But he pretty much refuses to try new things 95% of the time.

 

[POTCfan]

I don't have any experience with this, but have read many times that they will bring something from the Trail's End buffet for picky kids. I wouldn't consider this a guarantee, but it has been done before.

 

[wishicouldgomoreofte]

That's good to know. He, despite my best efforts, eats pizza, chicken nuggets, grilled cheese and peanut butter sandwiches pretty much. And some fruit and other assorted snack items. But he pretty much refuses to try new things 95% of the time.

Fried chicken is the same as chicken nuggets. Is mashed potatoes a "new food" for him?

 

[Barbydoll8]

Another suggested call to Disney Dining. They are usually good at trying to accomodate all diet complexities. I'd definately call them and ask if it's possible. If you do book it, see if it can be noted on your reservation and alert your server as soon as they come to the table.

 

[buzzrelly]

I brought my super picky 12 year old daughter, knowing she wouldn't like the food. I paid for tier 1 despite this because we were really there to see the show. We didn't request special food for her, but our server noticed she wasn't eating and offered to bring her alternative food. He listed off a bunch of choices, and she ended up saying yes to a plate of spaghetti. I don't even know where he got it, but it was so nice of him to do that.

We are planning on going again next year and I won't be making any special requests for her ahead of time. I figure if she doesn't want to eat what's there then, oh well, it's her problem. She certainly won't starve.

 

[buzzrelly]

Another suggested call to Disney Dining. They are usually good at trying to accomodate all diet complexities. I'd definately call them and ask if it's possible. If you do book it, see if it can be noted on your reservation and alert your server as soon as they come to the table.

I think there's a big difference between a picky eater and someone with "diet complexities." Some of those diet complexities include life-threatening allergies. Some have gluten intolerances or religious reasons why they can't eat certain things.

I have a VERY picky daughter. If she doesn't eat, that's HER problem. There is no way I would call Disney Dining ahead of time to request special food for her.

 

[Hopefully]

That's good to know. He, despite my best efforts, eats pizza, chicken nuggets, grilled cheese and peanut butter sandwiches pretty much. And some fruit and other assorted snack items. But he pretty much refuses to try new things 95% of the time.

Of those things you listed the Trail's Inn dinner buffet menu only lists pizza slices. But I have never heard of them serving that at HDDR. They might, but it is not guaranteed.
Even though HDDR is on your bucket list, if your picky child won't eat the food, maybe you need to wait to go until another trip.
Good Luck

 

[lovingeire]

Thanks everyone for the feedback. I do understand the differences between picky and a real dietary issue. Sometimes being a picky eater can also be part of a larger condition as well, not just being picky. I guess it doesn't matter that he's 6 and not double that. But none-the-less, I was just curious if anyone had any personal experience with this. We've paid for many meals he hasn't eaten at Disney in the past, however normally he will eat at least some french fries or something even if he's not eating dinner. I never would have thought of it except that I saw it mentioned about Spirit of Aloha. I will call Disney dining and see if this is an option.

 

[pattyw]

My DS(adult) is very picky and is vegetarian. They brought him a pasta dinner.

 

[Nancyg56]

I think there's a big difference between a picky eater and someone with "diet complexities." Some of those diet complexities include life-threatening allergies. Some have gluten intolerances or religious reasons why they can't eat certain things.

I have a VERY picky daughter. If she doesn't eat, that's HER problem. There is no way I would call Disney Dining ahead of time to request special food for her.

Exactly. I would consider it a courtesy if they served alternate food.

My little princesses were not eating much at 'Ohana. the server noticed and brought hem nuggets and mac and cheese. We did not ask, but we were very appreciative.

 

[Nancyg56]

Thanks everyone for the feedback. I do understand the differences between picky and a real dietary issue. Sometimes being a picky eater can also be part of a larger condition as well, not just being picky. I guess it doesn't matter that he's 6 and not double that. But none-the-less, I was just curious if anyone had any personal experience with this. We've paid for many meals he hasn't eaten at Disney in the past, however normally he will eat at least some french fries or something even if he's not eating dinner. I never would have thought of it except that I saw it mentioned about Spirit of Aloha. I will call Disney dining and see if this is an option.

I don't want to be rude, but YOU are the one who referred to your child as being very picky. Textures and food sensitivities are not the same thing as being picky, IMO.

My DGD had food allergies, and we were so grateful that we could take her to WDW and know she was going to be offered safe food. If she simply did not like the options, her Mom would have either let her figure it out, or we would have booked elsewhere.

 

[luvmyguyz]

That's good to know. He, despite my best efforts, eats pizza, chicken nuggets, grilled cheese and peanut butter sandwiches pretty much. And some fruit and other assorted snack items. But he pretty much refuses to try new things 95% of the time.

I feel your pain! My oldest son is exactly the same, except the only fruit he will eat is apples. It's so difficult dining out with him! At least my little one will try new things - my older son REFUSES!!!

We're considering HDDR this year too. We've never been, so I'm interested in seeing everyone's responses too.

 

[LSUfan4444]

He, despite my best efforts, eats pizza, chicken nuggets, grilled cheese and peanut butter sandwiches pretty much.

He can certainly get his fill of friend chicken at Hoop. Shouldn't be a problem.

 

[lovingeire]

I don't want to be rude, but YOU are the one who referred to your child as being very picky. Textures and food sensitivities are not the same thing as being picky, IMO.

My DGD had food allergies, and we were so grateful that we could take her to WDW and know she was going to be offered safe food. If she simply did not like the options, her Mom would have either let her figure it out, or we would have booked elsewhere.

I did refer to him as picky. Because in my opinion he is. My other two children eat a wide variety of foods without issue. But he does not have any allergies or a medical diagnosis at this time. So it's not a matter of "safe" food for health reasons, although there may be many texture and other issues common with being on the spectrum or sensory processing disorders. But that's really not pertinent. I was only inquiring if anyone knew if they had an alternate menu like other locations do. I didn't ask for exceptions or anything like that. As a matter of fact I even clarified that I asked because I had seen it at another dinner show and wondered if HDDR offered it. And while I knew I would get the judgmental comments about letting him starve if he didn't like it, I also choose not to fight that battle on vacation, and save it for home. So part of my preparation and choosing where to book is utilizing resources, such as the boards, to see if anyone else had personal experience with this.

He can certainly get his fill of friend chicken at Hoop. Shouldn't be a problem.

He doesn't eat fried chicken (on a bone) though sadly. Seems like a common kid food to me, but nothing about him is common.

 

[eeyoreandtink]

Another suggested call to Disney Dining. They are usually good at trying to accomodate all diet complexities. I'd definately call them and ask if it's possible. If you do book it, see if it can be noted on your reservation and alert your server as soon as they come to the table.

This is for true food allergies, not because you don't like what they make.

 

[Missyrose]

That's good to know. He, despite my best efforts, eats pizza, chicken nuggets, grilled cheese and peanut butter sandwiches pretty much. And some fruit and other assorted snack items. But he pretty much refuses to try new things 95% of the time.

I've seen them offer Mac and Cheese and hot dogs for kids, but none of the other things on your list. Maybe have a backup PB&J sandwich in your park bag? Or feed him before heading to Pioneer Hall?

 

[rontu78]

I did refer to him as picky. Because in my opinion he is. My other two children eat a wide variety of foods without issue. But he does not have any allergies or a medical diagnosis at this time. So it's not a matter of "safe" food for health reasons, although there may be many texture and other issues common with being on the spectrum or sensory processing disorders. But that's really not pertinent. I was only inquiring if anyone knew if they had an alternate menu like other locations do. I didn't ask for exceptions or anything like that. As a matter of fact I even clarified that I asked because I had seen it at another dinner show and wondered if HDDR offered it. And while I knew I would get the judgmental comments about letting him starve if he didn't like it, I also choose not to fight that battle on vacation, and save it for home. So part of my preparation and choosing where to book is utilizing resources, such as the boards, to see if anyone else had personal experience with this.



He doesn't eat fried chicken (on a bone) though sadly. Seems like a common kid food to me, but nothing about him is common.

We went through that with my now 7-year-old, who has sensory processing disorder among his diagnoses. I could have written this post 3 years ago, but he has since improved by leaps and bounds. Several of my friends have been in this same boat and had to have their children go through feeding therapy for this issue. I wish I had something helpful to add to the discussion, but I just wanted to send you good vibes. I know it's a struggle.

 

[lovingeire]

We went through that with my now 7-year-old, who has sensory processing disorder among his diagnoses. I could have written this post 3 years ago, but he has since improved by leaps and bounds. Several of my friends have been in this same boat and had to have their children go through feeding therapy for this issue. I wish I had something helpful to add to the discussion, but I just wanted to send you good vibes. I know it's a struggle.

Thank you. Hopefully we will have some answers for him soon. We don't have a lot of resources in our area, and what we do have have long waiting list. In the meantime we do our best. Thank you for sharing your story.