Ordering from kids' menu at signatures?

[pangyal]

So, we are still recovering from our epic feastfest with DxDP in mid-December. I don't think we'll use the DDP on our next trip, but I am taking my dad (a first-timer), who is not only a picky eater but a small eater. There are a lot of places he would like to try, but the portions are just too large and I know we won't want to share dishes as I usually go for seafood, which he hates.

Long story short- I've searched and read ad nauseum about people being allowed or not allowed to order off the kids menus at TS places, but it seems to be an issue only if they are on the DDP. Does this hold true for signatures as well? Looking at the gigantic portions over our last trips, and being someone who mostly orders the kids meals for QS, I know that these would be much more in line with both of our preferences, but I would hate to be told no after showing up for dinner. I'm thinking of ordering items such as the kids' steak skewers at the Yachtsman, for example.

Does anyone have experience with this? I admit I am still a bit confused as to when they will offer an adult-sized portion of a kids' item (and charge adult pricing accordingly) versus bring out a kids' meal for anyone who wants one, regardless of age.

Thanks !

 

[Cinderella94]

Take this for what it's worth, because it's not my own personal experience, but what I've read here. I've read that in most or many cases, you can order off of the kid's menu, but they may charge you more and make it an adult sized portion.

 

[pangyal]

See, I read the same for some experiences, and this is exactly what I'm confused about. I'm not sure if that's standard or just for people using DDP. We are after the portion sizes primarily, so obviously that wouldn't be a viable option.

 

[Chernabog#1fan]

The difference is not so much whether you are using the dining plan, but the location that you are eating. If it is a restaurant that is not Disney owned, they generally do not allow it. If it is Disney owned, they normally will.

 

[Cinderella94]

See, I read the same for some experiences, and this is exactly what I'm confused about. I'm not sure if that's standard or just for people using DDP. We are after the portion sizes primarily, so obviously that wouldn't be a viable option.

I assume it applies to the non-DDP people, because I've read experiences in which people were charged more money, meaning, not credits. But, I don't have personal experience here.

 

[Dis703]

Take this for what it's worth, because it's not my own personal experience, but what I've read here. I've read that in most or many cases, you can order off of the kid's menu, but they may charge you more and make it an adult sized portion.

This is my understanding from most reports as well. There doesn't seem to be a set rule by restaurant even and it may rely more on what CM you have. In general most child menus do clearly indicate they are for children and the ages they are intended for, so I wouldn't expect places to allow adults to order without some alteration to price or portion size. You may do better splitting meals if you are just looking to eat less.

 

[Chernabog#1fan]

Every Disney owned restaurant that we have eaten at has allowed my mom to order the child size portion at the child size price if she asked. Exceptions would be any all you can eat and the non Disney owned.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

If paying OOP, anyone can order from the kid's menu (except at character meals, buffets, AYCTE, or dinner shows).

 

[CinderDuffy]

Not sure why you'd go to a Sig to order off the children's menu, but they should allow you to do it.

I'd rather simply eat half of an adult entree, even if that meant the other half of it went back. You can control your own portion size. No reason to eat boring food just so that someone else will do it for you.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Another option would be to have him order from the appetizer part of the menu. No confusion with portion size, and unless he only eats the foods on the kids menu, more interesting choices.

 

[pangyal]

If paying OOP, anyone can order from the kid's menu (except at character meals, buffets, AYCTE, or dinner shows).

I'm so glad you jumped in, thank you! I was hoping you might provide an expert opinion on this one .

I wonder why some people were given adult sized portions and charged accordingly, then? I'm guessing that was at non-Disney owned eateries?

 

[married2mm]

Not sure why you'd go to a Sig to order off the children's menu, but they should allow you to do it.

I'd rather simply eat half of an adult entree, even if that meant the other half of it went back. You can control your own portion size. No reason to eat boring food just so that someone else will do it for you.

As the op stated-for the specific selection of food available on kids menu & the size of the dish.

Both me & dmil have ordered from kids menus many times-not yet in a signature restaurant.
However; fully intend to on our next trip.
Throughly looking forward to it.

 

[CinderDuffy]

As the op stated-for the specific selection of food available on kids menu & the size of the dish.

Both me & dmil have ordered from kids menus many times-not yet in a signature restaurant.
However; fully intend to on our next trip.
Throughly looking forward to it.

The food on the kids menu is generally bland and/or junk & is IMO a disservice to children.

I just can't see an adult subjecting themselves to it if they don't have to. But, to each their own.

 

[Chernabog#1fan]

I'm so glad you jumped in, thank you! I was hoping you might provide an expert opinion on this one .

I wonder why some people were given adult sized portions and charged accordingly, then? I'm guessing that was at non-Disney owned eateries?

I will give you my situation to explain it. I eat more than a child, but at one particular location, nothing appealed to me. I just wanted a hot dog and fries, but more than 1 hot dog since they were small. They did 2 hot dogs and fries and charged me a few dollars more. Basically, some people want a larger portion of a kid friendly food.

With that said, a child's steak at Yachtsman will not be the same quality as an adult steak. It will be similar to the child steaks at other table locations.

 

[rwdavis2]

Not sure I understand th OP. Why would her dad want to go to a signature or TS restaurant but then order kids,eals? The kids meals are not anywhere close to the same food as the regular menu. The kids meal defeats the purpose of going to a better restaurant.

 

[TwoMisfits]

Is he gonna be bothered by the cost of the meal or the food in the meal or both? It's not hard to ask for steaks done "plainly" at the Disney restaurants, but it's pricey. It seems he might be better served by going offsite to a casual steakhouse - then he can order things like the 6oz plain steaks they all have with just a single side, and be happy with the food taste, the food amount, and the food price, and not be potentially embarrassed or shot down by the restaurant for his order...

Since you aren't using DDP and the restaurant you mentioned isn't in the park, it seems like a viable solution (and even if you have no car and have to Uber, it will likely save you all $25/person)...

 

[pangyal]

The food on the kids menu is generally bland and/or junk & is IMO a disservice to children.

I just can't see an adult subjecting themselves to it if they don't have to. But, to each their own.

We order the Mickey Check meals for QS from the children's menus almost exclusively, to be honest, and find them neither bland nor junk. I'm sure it depends where you are looking.

 

[pangyal]

I should try to convey that the main thing my dad likes about dining out these days is the ambience and the experience of being somewhere different, having nice conversation, etc. He would love to try the signatures for their atmosphere, but the food is very secondary for him (I'm the opposite and am all over the food ). I was looking for advice on finding a way to make us both happy, and being able to order the kids meals sounds like the perfect solution. I have received some great advice, so thank you all!

 

[Chernabog#1fan]

I should try to convey that the main thing my dad likes about dining out these days is the ambience and the experience of being somewhere different, having nice conversation, etc. He would love to try the signatures for their atmosphere, but the food is very secondary for him (I'm the opposite and am all over the food ). I was looking for advice on finding a way to make us both happy, and being able to order the kids meals sounds like the perfect solution. I have received some great advice, so thank you all!

In this case, the signature locations I would suggest are California Grill (amazing view!), Jiko's - I am pretty sure they have a filet on the kid's menu and if he gets the mac n' cheese with it, it is amazing!, and Flying Fish due to being on the Boardwalk and we have had incredible meals there.

 

[married2mm]

I should try to convey that the main thing my dad likes about dining out these days is the ambience and the experience of being somewhere different, having nice conversation, etc. He would love to try the signatures for their atmosphere, but the food is very secondary for him (I'm the opposite and am all over the food ). I was looking for advice on finding a way to make us both happy, and being able to order the kids meals sounds like the perfect solution. I have received some great advice, so thank you all!

That's delightful.
I'm with your dad all the way.