Older children

[mom25kiddos]

We have five kids ranging in age from 2-12. Our oldest two are in the over 9 category, but in no way shape or form can eat an adult meal. They don't finish children's meals. Also, given we are seven at a table, we don't typically order meals for everyone (the two year old shares with the 3 & 5 year old etc.), or we have food overload. So I am wondering at TS restaurants what my choices are for the older children-can they still order off the children's menu (even though it says ages 3-9), or do we need to have them agree to split an adult entrée or something? Honestly DH and I typically get an appy and share a entrée as it is so much food. So what would you suggest? totally recognize that at any buffet meals they are considered adults and have to pay full adult price (which kills me and may mean they never eat at buffets-there really should be an in-between).

 

[wilkeliza]

I am pretty sure you can still order off the children's menu. I think last time I did it they charged me an extra buck or two for the fact I had an adult beverage. If not then splitting and adult entry would be fine if they will agree on something. Seems that some TS places will let anyone order off the kid's menu while others will make you order an "adult size" and charge as such or will flat out refuse. I am 27 and actually prefer the children's portions as I think some portion sizes on adult meals are outrageous and not just at Disney.

 

[sharonabe]

As long as you're paying OOP, you can order whatever you want and share however you want. You'll be fine.

 

[bumbershoot]

have to pay full adult price (which kills me and may mean they never eat at buffets-there really should be an in-between).

For every kid like yours there's a kid like mine, who eats more than DH and I do combined, sometimes. Unless they are going to stand there and monitor intake (and they aren't going to do that), there's no way to prove that you have your kids and I have mine.

We only go to two buffet places at WDW now (that DS is 11), because, actually *I* don't eat enough to make it worth it. Since there's really only one of us left who likes characters (DH), the food has to be REALLY worth it for us to go.

 

[purple figment]

At most restaurants anyone, regardless of age, can order from the kids menu. Once in a while someone will post that a particular restaurant or server adhered to the ages 3-9 that is stated on the menu so it is best to ask first. In most cases it has been at the third party owned restaurants.

As a group of 7 you will be charged the 18% automatic gratuity because it is based on the number of people at the table and not the number of meals ordered. As you said, your over 9's will be charged the adult price at buffets, as well as all you care to eat family style meals, fixed price meals (e.g. CRT, Akershus), Fantasmic and Candlelight Processional Dining Packages, special events (e.g. Fireworks Dessert Party), the 3 dinner shows and the family platter at Whispering Canyon Cafe.

 

[mom25kiddos]

For every kid like yours there's a kid like mine, who eats more than DH and I do combined, sometimes. Unless they are going to stand there and monitor intake (and they aren't going to do that), there's no way to prove that you have your kids and I have mine.

Yes, I understand this to be the case, however for us it ends up being a significant amount of wasted food and we wind up getting very poor value for the amount eaten-plus it is a waste. So I am just exploring whether we have alternative options or not. if my child ate as your child did, it would be totally worth it to buy them an adult meal, however for my children more than half would go uneaten, likely 3/4

 

[mom25kiddos]

As a group of 7 you will be charged the 18% automatic gratuity because it is based on the number of people at the table and not the number of meals ordered. As you said, your over 9's will be charged the adult price at buffets, as well as all you care to eat family style meals, fixed price meals (e.g. CRT, Akershus), Fantasmic and Candlelight Processional Dining Packages, special events (e.g. Fireworks Dessert Party), the 3 dinner shows and the family platter at Whispering Canyon Cafe.

Thanks for the info, we are fine with the gratuity and normally tip quite well, so that isn't a concern, we have a candlelight booked and expect to pay 'adult' prices for the 10 and 12 year old.

 

[kiramay]

On our last trip we ate more CS than TS, and frequently the 3 kids split 2 meals.

 

[happymommy]

I wouldn't worry! My DD used to ask for a kids' menu when she was older than 9. She couldn't eat much at a time, and sticks with more plain food. We never had any server ask her age or anything; matter of fact, I'm sure we said we knew she was over 9 but really prefers to get a child's meal, and they've always been kind enough to bring her a kids' menu and crayons of course!

I know things can change, but we never had anyone say no, she must order an adult meal at a TS place. If they did, honestly, we'd probably leave. Turns out my DD has a medical condition that we didn't know about that greatly affects her digestion, so she was eating what she could tolerate.

 

[buzzrelly]

Last time we went, my DD was 11 and still ordering off the kid's menu. That is one of the reasons the DDP wouldn't work for us any longer. Also, My DM and I usually split a salad and an entree and skip dessert (…until later, anyway!!).

 

[Nancyg56]

My 14 YO DGD orders off of the childrens menu at times as does her mother. There has never been an issue. I remember when Kady was 5 and still on the children's DDP. My DD would sometimes order an adult meal for her and she would choose the children's grilled cheese for herself. When she turned 10 she was a Disney Adult but many times wanted a smaller meal. We paid OOP for the kids meal and saved her credit for another meal.

 

[shortnsassy730]

I'm 34 and I order off the kid's menu at 50's Primetime. It's the only way I can eat their fried chicken and fit in a Peanut Butter and Jelly Milkshake