Lurker who has read it all...

[TravelAgentJen]

Sand castle club sounds like a nice relaxing better solution to op situation.

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

I spoke with a manager named Kirsten.

I truly am not trying to be snarky, but I would insist this is writing from Kristen as I have never been to a buffet where everyone was not charged.

It would be the same for anyone else doing this. Don't go in with well I read it on the Disboards, because someone will be unhappy, either the person who doesn't get to eat because they are not prepared to pay for the whole meal to the person who pays full price for the child to eat a brownie!

 

[disneyfav4ever]

I've been to buffets where my friend's son wasn't charged because he didn't feel well. I do think the kid's club or a small snack at their regular dinner time, and then just eat at the buffet with you sounds like a good idea. Will you be on a dining plan? Or will you actually be paying for the meal?

 

[JULIE21]

I just don't want to pay oop for something they won't eat! They would rather have mcdonalds for cheap...staying off property with rental.... I like my food but geesh!!! Guess I got used to free dining

 

[nicki.momof3]

I just don't want to pay oop for something they won't eat! They would rather have mcdonalds for cheap...staying off property with rental.... I like my food but geesh!!! Guess I got used to free dining

I think the ansewr to your question has been answered many times but I don't think you seem to like the answers.

You solutions are:

1. Feed the kids a snack than have them eat dinner with you. I have 3 kids (ages 5,6,7) and one is a over the top picky eater. NO meat, fish, chicken, rice, salad and so on. He found something to eat there and was happy. Also I am sure you have adjusted your kids dinner time in the past (who hasn't). They will not starve.

2. Book them into the kids club

3. Don't eat there

We go to WDW 2x a year many times not on free dining. We pay for the DDP everytime and many times we go places my son (the picky eater) will not eat. For example, we are going to Teppen Edo on 12/22/11. Looking at the menu there is not one thing he will eat. He will eat after we leave at a CS and we will pay for him to sit at the table with is at Teppen Edo. He can color while we eat. Do I like having paying for him not to eat -NO. Is it what you have to do if you travel and eat out at table service resturants - YES.

I would never count on a what you are told over the phone by a manager who you only know the first name of. If it is not in writing they will not guarantee it.

Please don't take my post the wrong way -I am not trying to be snarky. I simply hate when people complain about a system that is clearly in place for a reason. If you travel to WDW and make ADR's plan on spending the $$$ = Period.

 

[TwoAtDisney]

OP, I think talking about what you want to do & experiencing what will really happen are two totally different realities. I could be wrong, of course, & definitely won't be the first time.

However, even though you have children who only like McDs, don't you think there is a big possibility that they will want a taste of something they see at CM? I find it hard to believe that they will not spy something they want - chocolate desserts maybe? Or other desserts - choc chip cookies? Bread? Mac & cheese? I know there is a child's buffet & maybe there are hamburgs & fries on there - aka McD! I just wouldn't feel comfortable or enjoy my meal while telling my child, "No, you can only watch me eat!" Oh, that sounds so wrong to me, & a big possibility of what could happen. Do you really want to do that? I realize you will explain the situation to them beforehand (when they choose McD), but they are children, not adults, so is it reasonable to expect a child to envision the future situation at CM.

I also understand you not wanting to pay full child price for children who will only pick at a few items.

So, to me, you have the choice of
1. going earlier & paying for them (every time we've gone, walkins were always accepted if you get there when they open), or
2. giving them an apple to hold them off until their buffet meal (& you pay the money you don't want to pay), or
3. sending them to WDW child care (costs money), or
4. you & your husband each go alone while the other stays with the children, or
5. not going at all. I have no doubt that you are familiar with these type of selfless decisions we parents must make - as painful as such decisions can be sometimes, especially if you love crab legs as well as my DH loves crab legs!

I think if saving the child care money is important, I'd go for #4. After wearing yourself out at the parks & tending to your family all day, a nice quiet meal alone with only yourself to think about may be better than a spa treatment! Ahhh, envision, slowly & quietly raising that well buttered crab leg to your mouth without anyone saying, "Mommy, I have to go to the bathroom!".

Enjoy your trip.