How strict on age for childrens menu?

[VEROFORUS]

I have been reviewing the restaurant menus on allearsnet.com and I am quickly realizing that my DD age 12 will not like 99% of the items on the regular menu, she would much prefer the childrens menu items. How strict are the CM's about who orders from the childrens menus?

Also, could I put her on our dining plan as a child if I fib a little on her age?

 

[Amy&Dan]

No you cannot fib about her age. Especially with a package where you have theme park tickets too. I know, major bummer, I have an 11 year old son and it really stinks paying full price. My non dining plan experience is that at fixed price buffets you will always have to pay full price, this includes character meals and places like O'Hana and Hoop de Doo. At restaurants with menu's however she can probably order off the kids menu. My son orders off the kids menu at Sci Fi, Rainforest, CA Grille, Le Cellier and at Marakesh (sp?) they let him share with me. The only menu type place they would not let him do this was at CRT for dinner before the changes. However, if you are on the dining plan you will have to pay full price for her. Since the cutoff is 9 and under she is way over that limit. This is one of the many reasons we don't do the dining plan. For one thing the portions at WDW are huge and we frequently share at both full service and cs places. Good luck!

 

[keishashadow]

If not on dining plan, she could order from appetizer menu or ala cart...that's waht my youngest DS does when he's sick of chicken strips - good luck.

 

[bicker]

Yeah, I would draw the line there: Dining Plan and buffets, you've got to pay the regular price, not the discounted child price. Outside of Dining Plan and buffets, you can surely ask for a child's meal for your 12 year old, and if the restaurant doesn't question her age, I wouldn't worry about it. (Of course, if they do question her age, you should tell them the truth, and then leave it up to them as to whether to charge a regular price or a child price -- you may be pleasantly surprised how often they'll be generous.)

 

[geetey]

My dd, 11 on our last trip, had no problem ordering from either menu. Most of the time she wanted the kids meal but with a side salad as well. On occasion she ordered from the main menu. I think most of the waiters/waitresses realize a child's taste may not appreciate their offerings.

At all buffets, character meals, you will be charged the adult price for your 12 yr old. No way around that.

No, you can not 'fudge' about your child's age for the dining plan. I feel your pain since I have a 10 and 12 yr old now. We won't be using the dining plan for a looooong time.