Ordering off the kids menu at table service

[rentayenta]

I know that ordering from the kid's menu at a counter service is easy but what about the kid's menu at a table service? In the last 18 months I have lost and kept off 35 lbs via changes in portion control, yoga, and walking (no diet food here) and have NO intention of putting it back on. The reasons for wanting a child's portion are two-fold:

~ I hate to waste food hence the reason I got so chubby to begin with. I am all about leftovers but can't see trekking through the park with a doggie bag all day.

~ Again, I just don't eat like I used to.


The only places I will have to worry about it are the Blue Bayou which I think I can manage by sharing with my oldest DD and splitting the meal ourselves. Our other table service meals include Wine Country, Storyteller's for breakfast (ordering off the menu as buffest are a HUGE waste for my family), and Ariel's Grotto for dinner. And maybe somewhere in DTD.

I know that people who have had gastric bypass can bring a note but what about the rest of us? I am sure I can get my doc to scribe me a generic note but curious what others have done if anything?

 

[sierranevada]

You should be fine ordering off the kid's menu at most places. The only place my then 13 yr old son had an issue was Blue Bayou - the server would not let him order off the kid's menu. So he and his friend spilt an adult entree and that was perfect. When we went back in Dec, my sister and I spilt an adult entree (the ribs which are awesome!) and had more than enough food.

BTW, I recently discovered that Tomorrowland Terrace has a great and healthy grilled vegetable sandwich as does La Brea bakery!

And congrats and the weight loss and keeping it off!

 

[rentayenta]

You should be fine ordering off the kid's menu at most places. The only place my then 13 yr old son had an issue was Blue Bayou - the server would not let him order off the kid's menu. So he and his friend spilt an adult entree and that was perfect. When we went back in Dec, my sister and I spilt an adult entree (the ribs which are awesome!) and had more than enough food.

BTW, I recently discovered that Tomorrowland Terrace has a great and healthy grilled vegetable sandwich as does La Brea bakery!

And congrats and the weight loss and keeping it off!

Tomorroland Terrace, really? Good to know. I eat all the treats and stuff but we share. I'd rather have a little of something fabulous then lots of fruit.

I think at the BB, I will just share with my 13 y/o. Thanks!

for the congrats! Turning 40 was a huge catalyst to living a healthier lifestyle. If you aren't yet 40 people listen up: It takes so much more effort in your 40's to take it off and maintain so do it now!!!!! I wish I would have listened.


I have been looking at the kids' menu options too.

 

[nana50]

When I turned 40 I quit smoking and lost 67 lbs. I felt better at 40 than I did at 30. Still not smoking.........but I got diabetes, turned 60 and I gained back about 40 lbs.

I know what you mean about portion size, America is crazy with their portion sizes. At Plaza Inn the adult order of chicken is ridiculously huge. Agree about the leftovers, I'm, not carrying them around all afternoon. I can usually order senior meals, but you are kind of stuck.

 

[bumbershoot]

With Blue Bayou, you don't really want the kid's meals anyway. The mac and cheese (not that you'd be eating that, but it's what we've sampled) was heinous.

Trattoria...our server had no problems whatsoever with me ordering a kid's grilled cheese.

Ariel's...I think you're just going to have to chalk the adult cost up to the characters and experience.

Storytellers...something to think about...the buffet includes a drink like coffee or soda. I found that ordering a la carte, plus a drink, brings the cost almost up to the buffet cost, but without the variety (and at Storytellers, there's a BIG platter of fruit on the buffet!!!!!). So if you'll be ordering coffee or juice etc, you might consider that, since you'll then have access to the FRUIT on the buffet, mmmmmm. And again, just chalk up the cost to the experience and characters, and don't try to eat the money's worth. (it's taken YEARS for me to really be able to do that!)



editing to add...I went back and read (instead of the earlier skim) and saw that you aren't *wanting* lots of fruit. Whoops!

 

[jlindley9]

Just out of curiosity, why would they deny an adult from ordering off the child's menu?

 

[sierranevada]

Just out of curiosity, why would they deny an adult from ordering off the child's menu?

The server was adamant that they were over the age limit - the kid's menus say "for 9 years and under". The BB is the only place we have ever had this issue. My sister even ordered off the kid's menu at Napa Rose. It could have been the server.

 

[rentayenta]

When I turned 40 I quit smoking and lost 67 lbs. I felt better at 40 than I did at 30. Still not smoking.........but I got diabetes, turned 60 and I gained back about 40 lbs.

I know what you mean about portion size, America is crazy with their portion sizes. At Plaza Inn the adult order of chicken is ridiculously huge. Agree about the leftovers, I'm, not carrying them around all afternoon. I can usually order senior meals, but you are kind of stuck.

I agree, that meal is HUGE. My girls and I share that with an extra dinner salad and roll.

With Blue Bayou, you don't really want the kid's meals anyway. The mac and cheese (not that you'd be eating that, but it's what we've sampled) was heinous.

We will share at the BB.

Trattoria...our server had no problems whatsoever with me ordering a kid's grilled cheese.

Thanks. Good to know!

Ariel's...I think you're just going to have to chalk the adult cost up to the characters and experience.

That's where the MD note will come in. Due to health reasons eg. wanting to stay healthy....................

Storytellers...something to think about...the buffet includes a drink like coffee or soda. I found that ordering a la carte, plus a drink, brings the cost almost up to the buffet cost, but without the variety (and at Storytellers, there's a BIG platter of fruit on the buffet!!!!!). So if you'll be ordering coffee or juice etc, you might consider that, since you'll then have access to the FRUIT on the buffet, mmmmmm. And again, just chalk up the cost to the experience and characters, and don't try to eat the money's worth. (it's taken YEARS for me to really be able to do that!)

We never get our money out of a buffet. Ever but that's okay. Thanks for the tip on pricing.

editing to add...I went back and read (instead of the earlier skim) and saw that you aren't *wanting* lots of fruit. Whoops!

I love fruit, don't get me wrong. I am just not going to eat an apple while everyone else is eating popcorn. I have learned to have little amounts of what I want. Sometimes I do want an apple but rarely at Disney.

The server was adamant that they were over the age limit - the kid's menus say "for 9 years and under". The BB is the only place we have ever had this issue. My sister even ordered off the kid's menu at Napa Rose. It could have been the server.

At Napa Rose they let her?

 

[*BTMRR*]

Just out of curiosity, why would they deny an adult from ordering off the child's menu?

Kids menu usually means lower price which will probably mean lower tip for the server (this from a server acquaintance who hated when adults ordered off of the kids' menu).

 

[rentayenta]

Kids menu usually means lower price which will probably mean lower tip for the server (this from a server acquaintance who hated when adults ordered off of the kids' menu).

This is exactly the reason.







I worked in the restaurant business for many years during my under-grad and what I do know is that servers have no authority so when in doubt, ask for a manager.


It looks like I shouldn't have any issues with ordering from the kid's menu or sharing except at AG which I am sure will work out.

 

[joeysmommy]

I tried to order a PB & J masterpiece from the kid's menu while dining at Carnation Cafe and they wouldn't allow it. My kids wanted to have a masterpiece competition and I do love PB & J..but none for me

The salads there are sooo good and really big- I split a salad with my hubby and ordered a bowl of loaded baked potato soup..the best!!

 

[MG3G]

I don't know about other places but when we were there in March they waitress wouldn't allow the table beside us to (4 or 5 college age kids) to order off the kids menu at BB. The table decided that they couldn't afford/didn't want to spend the money (?) to eat there so they left. I would think that most table service places would be like this because the kids menu is cheaper and includes a drink and dessert usually. (Most restaurants near our house are the same though - no kids menu for adults.) Counter service you are fine at because they have no idea who you are ordering the food for. When we were at BB I wasn't $30 hungry so I didn't order anything and just picked off of my kids/hubbies plate and then we ordered desserts for all.

 

[rentayenta]

I tried to order a PB & J masterpiece from the kid's menu while dining at Carnation Cafe and they wouldn't allow it. My kids wanted to have a masterpiece competition and I do love PB & J..but none for me

The salads there are sooo good and really big- I split a salad with my hubby and ordered a bowl of loaded baked potato soup..the best!!

I love pb and j too. Love the sharing.

I don't know about other places but when we were there in March they waitress wouldn't allow the table beside us to (4 or 5 college age kids) to order off the kids menu at BB. The table decided that they couldn't afford/didn't want to spend the money (?) to eat there so they left. I would think that most table service places would be like this because the kids menu is cheaper and includes a drink and dessert usually. (Most restaurants near our house are the same though - no kids menu for adults.) Counter service you are fine at because they have no idea who you are ordering the food for. When we were at BB I wasn't $30 hungry so I didn't order anything and just picked off of my kids/hubbies plate and then we ordered desserts for all.

It's so funny because what about those of us that want to be/stay healthy? A good idea might be to offer a smaller portion of adult entrees. They always assume it's about money when for me, it's really about health and wasting food. I think the portions at most restaurants are ridiculously big for one person. I don't want to be stuffed after a meal.

 

[sierranevada]

It's so funny because what about those of us that want to be/stay healthy? A good idea might be to offer a smaller portion of adult entrees. They always assume it's about money when for me, it's really about health and wasting food. I think the portions at most restaurants are ridiculously big for one person. I don't want to be stuffed after a meal.

I completely agree! It isn't the money, it is just that I can not eat that much! That is a large part of the reason we bring in homemade turkey sandwiches a lot to DL. I have a hard time finding anything healthy. Of course, I am not a stickler and definitely buy my share of snacks (churros, popcorn, etc)!!

 

[rentayenta]

I completely agree! It isn't the money, it is just that I can not eat that much! That is a large part of the reason we bring in homemade turkey sandwiches a lot to DL. I have a hard time finding anything healthy. Of course, I am not a stickler and definitely buy my share of snacks (churros, popcorn, etc)!!

I love my snacks too. Sharing is huge for us. We go to Rocket Redd's and order a slice of pizza, a large pasta with meatballs, and a chicken Caesar large salad and share. Good for the wallet and waistline.

 

[AmericanItGirl]

Storytellers...something to think about...the buffet includes a drink like coffee or soda. I found that ordering a la carte, plus a drink, brings the cost almost up to the buffet cost, but without the variety (and at Storytellers, there's a BIG platter of fruit on the buffet!!!!!). So if you'll be ordering coffee or juice etc, you might consider that, since you'll then have access to the FRUIT on the buffet, mmmmmm. And again, just chalk up the cost to the experience and characters, and don't try to eat the money's worth. (it's taken YEARS for me to really be able to do that!)

When I ate at Storyteller's, the portion size of the french toast was so big that it was my meal for the day (and then some...but it was really good and I'd order it again in a heartbeat), so you may be able to get something and split it with the youngest. Keep in mind too that most items on the menu come with a glass of juice.

 

[rentayenta]

When I ate at Storyteller's, the portion size of the french toast was so big that it was my meal for the day (and then some...but it was really good and I'd order it again in a heartbeat), so you may be able to get something and split it with the youngest. Keep in mind too that most items on the menu come with a glass of juice.

This is the reason we will be ordering off of the menu. If an order of french toast comes with 2 slices, that will be plenty for my two youngest kids- they just don't overeat. Not sure about the rules on sharing if it is a character meal though. Thankfully we don't have to order the buffet so we may be able to share.