Not true in our experience. We just got back from our trip and we used the deluxe plan. My 8 year old was allowed to order off the adult menu at every restaurant we ate at.
At some places - the waiter even encouraged her to do so. She even ordered adult appetizers- she had lobster bisque at Narcoossee's. She also ordered a sushi appetizer at Kona Cafe - the volcano roll which another adult in our family ate.
We also are at Teppan Edo. Both kids got the endamas for an appetizer.
You got very lucky or something has changed drastically. That has never been the case for us, not the rules of the dining plan.............
Can children (ages 3-9) on the Dining Plan order from the adult menu at Table Service meals?
No. Children must order from the child’s menu. The good news is that all food is for all people at the buffet-style restaurants. Although buffets have a child-friendly section with items like mac & cheese, chicken nuggets, and pizza, children are not required to limit their food choices to these items. If you have a hungry or adventurous 8-year-old, then the buffets may be a good choice for you.
Can children (ages 3-9) on the Dining Plan order from the adult menu at Quick Service meals?
No. Children must order from the child’s menu where available.
Are there places where there is no kids’ menu so I don’t have to worry about who orders what?
Yes. These are primarily quick service venues, including: Toluca Turkey Legs, Casey’s Corner, Sommerfest, Yorkshire County Fish Shop, Golden Oak Outpost, and others.
My older child (age 10 or above) doesn’t like anything on the adult menu. Can he order from the children’s menu?
This fairly common occurrence is treated on a case by case basis. Technically, adults (anyone age 10 or over) are supposed to order from the adult menu and kids (ages 3-9) are supposed to order from the kids’ menu. In practice, if an older child (or actual adult) doesn’t like any of the food on the adult menu, the server will be happy to bring a larger-size portion of any of the food on the children’s menu. When this happens, an adult credit will be deducted from your account even though the guest is eating “kid” food.