SN Son and ADR's

[Mike Bartenhagen]

We are leaving for WDW in a few weeks and Broc, our 4 year old SN son, will be with us. He eats table food but isn't doing well with textures so we always need to bring his food with us when we eat out. In the past we haven't eaten at many of the WDW restaurants but would like to this year. I understand that at Character Meals we will probably need to pay for him but at other places is it similar to what we would be used to at home, we pay for what we order and not for the atmosphere or will we be expected to pay for him wherever we go?

Mike

 

[SueM in MN]

I understand that at Character Meals we will probably need to pay for him but at other places is it similar to what we would be used to at home, we pay for what we order and not for the atmosphere or will we be expected to pay for him wherever we go?

Mike

you are correct.
For the Character meals, buffets or meals that have entertainment, you should assume you will pay the rate is for his age. The CM waiter or waitress has the possibility of lowering the rate or waiving the fee entirely, based on your circumstances.

For the restaurants that are full service, sit down restaurants without entertainment, you will pay for what you eat, so you won't have to pay a fee for your son.

 

[Selket]

I just wanted to add that if there are certain foods you think he would eat that the restaurant could prepare then you could mention that when you make your ADR. This would be for the sit-down places only. They will give you a phone number allowing you to contact the restaurants directly and talk to a chef ahead of time.

For example, if you are fairly certain he'd eat a hot dog, a cup of yogurt and some pasta the chef could have the appropriate items waiting and prepare them when you arrive. You are generally charged the price of a kids meal for a 4 year old. Or the price of the child's buffet.

We have been able to pre-order and have waiting certain items (like a hot dog) for my son in a restaurant that doesn't normally serve that food. (who is a type 1 diabetic and has severe food allergies). This works for the restaurants in Epcot too that sometimes have special foods - like Biergarten - they have a ton of sausages and hot dog like things but NOT a regular old hot dog. At one point this was the only meat my son would eat. Not great I know but....

I wasn't sure if your son would eat certain foods and not others or needed something very specific (like a certain brand). I thought this might allow you to not have to bring all of his food along or get some value for your buffet meals that you pay for. Anyway - if that doesn't make sense let me know!