Kid's Menus (At Least For Dining Plans) SUCK!!!

[mrzrich]

"If you take a child that is not yours to WDW, you are not familiar with this child's eating habits, you are not used to disciplining this child, and this child is over the age of 6, do not use the dining plan, unless you enjoy griping, complaining, sulking, pouting, or plan to eat buffets every meal. Most buffets have a good selection for all ages. :

l

From the otherside, if you take said child to the buffet and pay OOP, try not to blow a gasket when they eat one roll, 2 raviolis and a cookie. MY DD's BFF ate this at CM, she was 12 so we paid about $30 for that plate of food. DH was trying so hard to be gracious. But of course I heard it later that night!

 

[Teresa Pitman]

For us, it's not that we think a week of chicken nuggets or burgers will make the kids obese, it's that they either won't eat that stuff because they're not used to it or if they do eat it, they end up with upset tummies.

However, there are usually options. Some places (Sunshine Seasons, for example) will give you an apple or orange or banana instead of dessert if you ask. You can get carrots, grapes and applesauce as the kid's meal sides. You can use your snack credits to buy fruit and veggies at the carts in the parks. And - ASK! If it's not busy, and you get the right person, they might make you a smaller version of an adult meal or something not on the menu at all for your child.

Teresa

 

[Vickis3js]

Other then chicken nuggets we never saw anything fried on the kids menus. My kids always got carrot sticks and grapes as sides at CS places. TS places almost always had a fish, none fried, and grilled chicken with pasta. Definatly not things that are going to cause kids to get obese during a vacation. Buffets my kids loved because of all the salad and my DS could live off of brocoli LOL. WDW definatly has better options then just burgers and nuggets.

 

[ToyStoryBo]

We've not done the DP before, but plan to on our upcoming trip. After studying the menus quite a bit, I've decided to eat mostly buffets and all you can eat's. Oldest DS will be on the adult plan, but another DS will be 9 and very much eats like an adult. I considered upgrading him to an adult, but like I said, we'll opt for the buffets. Seems like there are plenty of healthy options out there if you look for them. I agree that it would be pretty disappointing to be stuck with nuggets and burgers if that's not what you wanted. I don't really like my kids to eat them either.

 

[mrzrich]

Yeah, CS is limited, but it is out there. If I were you I would forgo the DDP and share with my child.. I find adult portions at the CS very large. DH and I often split a wrap at Cosmic Rays, a half rotiserie chicken at Flame Tree, etc. If we need a little something more we grab fruit or a yougurt.

Most TS have some option like grilled chicken, fish or steak, there is also usually a pasta choice. They usually get carrot sticks, a fruit cup or a bowl of soup too. We like taking our kids to Ohana where we all eat the same.

I scoured the CS menus for items other than nuggets, PB&J, Pizza, Mac& Cheese, Hotdogs or Hamburgers.

At AK
Flame Tree BBQ: Rotiserie Chicken Drumstick

At DHS

ABC Comm : HAm and Cheese Wrap
Studio Catering Company: Chicken Drumstick

Epcot

China CS:Beijing Barbecue Drumstick
Japan CS:Teriyaki Chicken with mixed vegetables, steamed rice and a child size soft drink

Electric Umbrella: Turkey Pinwheels

Sunshine Seasons:
Sweet & Sour Chicken
Make your own Mini Sub
Chicken Leg with Mashed Potatoes

MK

CHH: Mixed Greens with Chicken

Cosmic Rays: Mixed Greens with Chicken

I do have a beef about the DDP, but kind of the opposite of the OP, at TS when mom and dad get some decadent lovely piece of cake, the kids look on from their scoop of vanilla ice cream, or fruit cup? At Teppan Edo the child's desert was a del monte fruit cup in the little plastic bowl. No substitutions. (DH and I passed on dessert there and shared some pastry with the kids later that night in France)

 

[Tricia1972]

I just ran through the kids meals again, and I just don't see where the kids choices are that horrible. Most CS locations offer a healthy option that kids may not go for, and the usual junky kids fare that you find across the country.

It's like when you go to McDonald's and order a Happy Meal, or Wendy's and order a Kids Meal, etc. Fast food locations across the country consistently offer you a cheeseburger option, a hamburger option, and a chicken nugget option. It's up to you whether you want to choose their healthy side offering or fries. IMO Disney understands that you're a captive audience and at least tries to offer a healthier (or at least different alternative) to burgers and nuggets at almost all of their CS locations.

Flame Tree BBQ

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]For Guests Ages 3-9[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]All meals include choice of 2 sides: grapes, carrot sticks, applesauce or fruit punch gelatin Choice of: 1% milk, Small Bottled Water or Apple Juice[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Baked Chicken Drumstick $4.99
Hot Dog $4.99[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Chocolate Chip Cookie or Soft Drink substituted upon request[/FONT]


Pizzafari

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]For Guests 9 & Under
All meals served with choice of 2 sides
Grapes, Carrot Sticks, Applesauce or Fruit Punch Gelatin
Choice of Beverage: 1% Mickey Milk, small bottled water, or apple juice [/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Macaroni and Cheese $4.99
Child's Cheese Pizza $4.99[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Chocolate Chip Cookie or Soft Drink substituted upon request

Yak & Yeti[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
All meals include choice of 2 side items: Carrot Sticks, Applesauce, Fruit Punch Gelatin or Chicken Fried Rice. [/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Choice of 1% Mickey Milk, Small Bottled Water or Apple Juice[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Cheeseburger $4.99
Chicken Bites $4.99
Pork Egg Roll $4.99[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Chocolate Chip Cookie, French Fries or Soft Drink upon request[/FONT]


ABC Commissary

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]For guests 9 and under
All meals include choice of two side items: grapes, carrot sticks or applesauce
Choice of: 1% Mickey Milk, 1% chocolate milk, small bottled water or apple juice box[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Chicken Nuggets $4.99[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Cheeseburger $4.99[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Ham and Cheese Wrap $4.99[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Chocolate Chip Cookie, French Fries and Soft Drink available upon request.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Backlot Express[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]All meals include choice of two side items: grapes, carrot sticks, or applesauce
Choice of 1% Mickey Milk, 1% chocolate milk, small bottled water, or apple juice box[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Chicken Nuggets OR Sloppy Joe $4.99[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Chocolate Chip Cookie, Chocolate Pudding, French Fries and Soft Drinks substituted upon request[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Fairfax Fare[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]All meals served with applesauce, carrot sticks, and choice of 1% milk, bottled water, or juice[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Peanut Butter & Jelly $4.99[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Macaroni and Cheese $4.99[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Studio Catering Company[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]All meals include choice of two side items: grapes, carrot sticks, or applesauce
Choice of: 1% Mickey Milk, 1% chocolate milk, small bottled water or apple juice box[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Macaroni and Cheese $4.99[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Chicken Drumstick $4.99[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Peanut Butter and Jelly $4.99[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Chocolate Chip Cookie or Soft Drinks available upon request[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Toy Story Pizza Planet[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]for guests 9 and under[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]includes grapes and applesauce, plus choice of 1% Mickey Milk, small bottled water, or apple juice box[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Cheese Pizza $4.99[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Chocolate chip cookie or soft drink substituted upon request[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Electric Umbrella[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]for guests 9 and under
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]All meals: $4.99 each
with choice of two: applesauce, grapes, carrot sticks or fruit punch gelatin
and a beverage: 1% milk, bottled water or apple juice box[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Cheeseburger
Turkey Pinwheels
Kid's Cheeseburger[/FONT][/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Sunshine Seasons[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Sweet & Sour Chicken and Beverage $6.49[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Macaroni and Cheese with Beverage $4.99[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Make your own Mini Sub and Beverage $4.99[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Chicken Leg with Mashed Potatoes and Beverage $6.49[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Smuckers PB&J Uncrustables Lunch Kit $4.49[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Lotus Blossom Cafe[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Beijing Barbecue Drumstick - with 1% milk, small bottle of water or juice $6.95[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Tangierine Cafe[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]All kid's meals are served with choice of 1% milk, bottled water or juice.
Kid's meals are served with Carrot sticks and apple slices. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Hamburger $6.95
Chicken Tenders $6.95[/FONT]​

Potato Chips and Soda available upon request


Yakitori House​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Teriyaki Chicken with mixed vegetables, steamed rice and a child size soft drink $5.99[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Columbia Harbor House[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]For Guests 9 and under
All meals include choice of two sides: grapes, carrot sticks or applesauce.
Choice of: 1% Mickey Milk, small bottled water or apple juice.[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Mixed Greens with Chicken $4.99
Chicken Nuggets $4.99
Macaroni and Cheese $4.99
Peanut Butter and Jelly $4.99[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Applesauce, Cookie, French Fries, or Soft Drink substituted upon request[/FONT]

Cosmic Ray's
All meals include choice of 2 side items: grapes, carrot sticks or apple sauce
Choice of: 1% Mickey Milk, small bottled water or apple juice

Chicken Nuggets $4.99

Mixed Greens Salad with Chicken $4.99

Peanut Butter and Jelly $4.99

Chocolate Chip Cookie $1.19


[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe[/FONT]
For Guests 9 and Under​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]All meals include two side items: grapes, applesauce. Choice of: 1% Mickey Milk, small bottled water or apple juice. Chocolate Chip Cookie, Fries or Soft Drink available on request[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Hamburger $4.99[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Mixed Greens Salad with Chicken $4.99[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Chocolate Pudding $1.19[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Pinocchio Village Haus[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]All meals include choice of 2 side items: carrot sticks, grapes or applesauce
Choice of 1% Mickey Milk, small bottled water, or apple juice[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Peanut Butter and Jelly $4.99
Macaroni and Cheese $4.99
Cheese Pizza $4.99
Chocolate Pudding $1.19[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Chocolate Chip Cookie, French Fries or Soft Drink substituted upon request[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]

​

 

[okeydokey]

My son is a pretty eater and doesn't eat a whole lot. At home we have fruit on his plate every day, he drinks milk, whole grain breads. The last time at Disney I think he had mac and cheese 4 out 6 days we were there. I figure it's his vacation too so I don't sweat the week.

 

[mhsjax]

this is why we upgraded dd7 to the adult plan....

We did the same thing with our 9 year old. My 9 year old loves chicken nuggets, but gets tired of them, I don't want him eating hot dogs all the time either and he can't have cheese. There is so much cheese that sometimes we do have a hard time finding something for him to eat. I do see listed a drumstick, HA HA, one drumstick doesn't fill up a 9 year old boy or girl for that matter. We ordered a steak for him off of the kids menu once, no joking, it was 4 bites. "that is crazy. He also prefers the adult food, this is the reason we upgraded him to adult this time.

 

[Dixiemom]

Good points all. While it is true no one held a gun to my head and made me book a dining plan, I did not put in nearly the research on the restaurant menus that I did on attractions, etc. We will be eating lunch at Sunshine Seasons, 50's Prime Time Cafe as well as Flame Tree BBQ. I do have us booked for a couple of dinner buffets as well, I just hoped there would be more than what is offered in the way of healthier food. Still they won't die eating chicken nuggets or burgers. Thanks!

 

[Dixiemom]

Grat idea about upgrading! Our son is 9....think I'll check into this! That way DD (5) can share with us all and we can keep the nuggets in my bag for a snack.......

 

[Tina0109]

What a great thread
At first i was worried when i started reading, we are hoping to go next year and ds will be 9 dd will be either 7 or 8 depending upon if we go before may or after. I am thinking that i will end up doing DDP and the kids can eat what they want as others have said it's their holiday too If the adult potions really are soo big no doubt we will end up sharing what's on our plates to supplement their meals anyway. That way the kid's get to try new foods too without any pressure of having a full meal of something different they may not like.
the only food my ds does not eat is mashed potatoe so food he does not like is not likely to happen. lol and dd is even better at eating than him

 

[3prettyprincesses]

I don't know that I'd say the kids' meal choices suck. It's pretty varied depending on where you eat. We've been doing the deluxe dp lately and it works really well. Buffets are a great option too since kids can eat the same as adults. Having said that, my DD just turned 10 and is really looking forward to eating off the adult menu. She's an adventurous eater and willing to try pretty much anything so next time we go, she'll be thrilled. Also, as the previous poster said, some of the adult portions are large so we've always given a bit to our kids too. That way it leaves plenty of room dessert!

 

[quadsthen1]

I agree that there are not a lot of choices at many of the CS places...I also agree with the notion that splurging on less healthy food is part of the vacation experience. I will say this...the DDP is a great thing as far as value and convenience, so therefore, I just have to put in a little more planning effort to find variety for the children so they don't get bored with the same meals twice a day for a week. It can be done...just requires a little patience and planning!!

 

[disneymom0104]

We were there for 10 days on the DDP and my kids didn't eat a burger at all and only had chicken nuggets once. I did research before and planned places that offered healthier/different choices for them. It can be done on the DDP- you don't have to settle for nuggets/burgers/fries.

 

[humboldthny]

Did you happen to see my recent post on CS choices?

I have to say I don't love the CS choices for kids...not the greatest health-wise, but more to the issue for us is that dd (6) doesn't like most of the choices - no mac and cheese, chicken nuggets, and she's picky about her cheeseburgers. Which, most places, doesn't leave much....

Because of this we almost didn't get the DDP for this trip, but I'd booked 4 character meals and some nice places at Epcot and it was still a decent deal. We often end up sharing some of what we get with dd and she always opts for the carrots/grapes/etc at CS.

And like ohanamama we pack in our own healthy snacks (fruit strips from Trader Joe's, granola bars, trail mix, etc.) and eat breakfasts in our room most mornings (box of cereal, applesauce and fruit cups, fruit). Also some of the QS places offer fruit (found one behind the castle where the fruit was $1).

 

[eeyorepixie]

I TOTALLY AGREE 150%

The chicken nuggets for kids are crap, the adults chicken nuggets are great.

what the ....why are kids treated like second class citizens!

This is my biggest gripe! I constantly had to use my adult credits to help my kids out. One adult CS chicken nugget will feed two of my kids and I ended up doing this constantly.

It was so funny because my kids loved Chef Mickeys and had to return for the chicken nugget (because they were like the adult ones at POR c/s) our return to Chef Mickeys guess what...they had the crappy kids chix nuggets.

You would think kids would be treated better by Disney they are just expendable dollar signs I guess.

 

[angelmav]

I have a different opinion on he kids options, while I dont think the choices are all that bad, the portions were all over the place! Sometimes it was enough for a 9 yr old, other places it wasnt adequate for a 5 yr old. It was that way at both CS and TS places! 50's had the dinkiest kids meatloaf portion I have ever seen! Those kids subs 1 piece of ham or turkey, one piece of processed cheese on a bun slightly larger than a dinner roll. That was my biggest complaint!

 

[La2kw]

Well, actually they are. On the DDP it states that kids must order from the kids menu when available. It is more than a few dollars. Not asking for the moon, would just be nice to see grilled chicken instead of breaded/deep fried.....maybe a carrot stick or two, etc.....I'm certain we will be sharing our food with our kids. Just find it odd that the Happiest Place on Earth isn't healthier for those for whom the park was created (sort of)....

No one is forcing you to get the dining plan either.

 

[Elise79]

I TOTALLY AGREE 150%

The chicken nuggets for kids are crap, the adults chicken nuggets are great.

what the ....why are kids treated like second class citizens!

This is my biggest gripe! I constantly had to use my adult credits to help my kids out. One adult CS chicken nugget will feed two of my kids and I ended up doing this constantly.

It was so funny because my kids loved Chef Mickeys and had to return for the chicken nugget (because they were like the adult ones at POR c/s) our return to Chef Mickeys guess what...they had the crappy kids chix nuggets.

You would think kids would be treated better by Disney they are just expendable dollar signs I guess.

I agree with the statement about the chicken nuggets - if the adults are getting breast nuggets why are they giving kids processed rubbish? They were trying to make their food healthier - they should give kids the same nuggets as the adults.

I actually have no problems with the menus as there are choices but I would like to think the food is the same quality adult or child!

 

[Dixiemom]

oops