Tips for Dining with a child-like eating teen?

[kandb]

Can't believe someone took a 15-year-old who eats like a 5-year-old to 'Ohana, an AYCTE restaurant, then was upset when the restaurant wanted to charge what it was supposed to. Oh, but they "spent plenty" over the years.

Why do you have a problem with it if the person asked and the restaurant obliged? Maybe you do things that some don't think are appropriate either. I think you should MYOB.

 

[marikujawa]

Why do you have a problem with it if the person asked and the restaurant obliged? Maybe you do things that some don't think are appropriate either. I think you should MYOB.

I suppose you're right. I just got a little annoyed by the statement that 'Ohana "wanted" $33 for a grilled cheese, which is totally misleading given the nature of the restaurant.

 

[maxiesmom]

Why do you have a problem with it if the person asked and the restaurant obliged? Maybe you do things that some don't think are appropriate either. I think you should MYOB.

No one has to MYOB once a poster puts something out there. And I'd bet that customer won't be missed at 'Ohana either. It is fine if they wanted a discount and got it, but not to act like they somehow deserved it because of the money spent on a vacation. It was pixie dust, it was nothing that poster earned.

 

[CinderDuffy]

I suppose you're right. I just got a little annoyed by the statement that 'Ohana "wanted" $33 for a grilled cheese, which is totally misleading given the nature of the restaurant.

I took that to mean that the bill came with the appropriate charge & the poster demanded it be reduced. That, to me, is ridiculous.

 

[Chernabog#1fan]

To get back on topic of this thread, OP, can you let us know if you were planning on using any of the dining plans? That would help with any recommendations I have on where to eat for a picky teen or a person who just does not want a full adult sized portion.

Also, does your 9 year old like kids' type meals or actually prefer adult styled meals?

 

[marikujawa]

I took that to mean that the bill came with the appropriate charge & the poster demanded it be reduced. That, to me, is ridiculous.

That's how I interpreted it also - but that's not what the poster said. Someone unfamiliar with 'Ohana and looking to this thread for information on how to accommodate a picky eater could come away thinking that 'Ohana tried to charge some unfortunate person $33 for a grilled cheese sandwich, then rightfully backed off this outrageous charge because (1) it was "over the top;" (2) the restaurant wouldn't miss it; and (3) the poster had "spent plenty" over numerous trips to WDW. The first point is clearly misleading because 'Ohana is a fixed-price meal based on the age of the customer, and the remaining two points simply provide no basis for disputing the bill.

My husband and I visited WDW for the first time in 1984 and fell in love with it. We've been back (with various family members) at least once every year since then and even more frequently since we became DVC members several years ago. If there are discounts to be had based on number of visits and money spent over the years, tell me where to line up!

 

[DisneyDiana]

I have a kid the same age with similar tastes. We do some Table Service Restaurants.
MK- Tony's (pizza)
Epcot-Via Napoli(pizza)
Hollywood Studios- Sci Fi Dine In (popcorn chicken), Mama Melrose (pizza)
Animal Kingdom-Yak and Yeti( chicken tenders and french fries) Rainforest Cafe (chicken tenders and fries)
Boardwalk- Trattoria al Forno (pizza)
Animal Kingdom Lodge- Jiko (flatbread pizza) Sanaa (flatbread pizza)
Disney Springs- TRex Cafe and Rainforest Cafe- (Chicken nuggets and fries)
Wolfgang Puck-(pizza)

 

[Momto2minniemice]

I think disney is one of the best places for the food stubborn person. I have ate at many places with my girls and they will notice that they are not eating and will offer something more normal to them. Another thing to note is many places have chicken (nuggets, popcorn, strips, ect) since it is a allergy free food. I totally agree with buffets and like relaxing some instead of walking around! BOG has great mac and cheese! When it comes to quick service you will just have to pick the right location, but the nice thing is many menus are online. I would avoid the dining plan to save on cost.

 

[kandb]

My 2 13 year olds are rather picky eaters and my dh and I love Ohana's. We make a adr for just my husband and I because I refuse to pay $40/each for my kids to eat bread and lomein noodles. They will normally charge you full price once Disney considers them an adult, even if they don't want to eat/like the food. Don't know if going alone and letting the kids stay in the room and getting something from CS for them (we stay onsite) is an option for you. To be honest, I think the price OOP for Ohana's for a young child (over 9) is outrageous, even if they eat the food.

 

[goofyintoronto]

Also, our 9 year old will be a week shy of turning 10 (phew! Or we'd have the same problem!) Will we need to provide any proof of age other than what we provided when booking? Or will it all be connected through his magic band? He's quite tall for his age, so I just am guessing they won't automatically give him a kids menu (most local restaurants are starting to ask). I'm just anticipating that with a cutoff of 10 they must have to be pretty strict about it.

Honestly, no. You dont need to worry about proof of age. My son has always been taller than other kids his age...he was always mistaken for older, yet nobody at disney ever asked proof of age for him when ordering.

 

[goofyintoronto]

1) Don't buy DDP.
2) Just pay for meals OOP.
3)You will probably save big bucks.
4)This way, anyone can order from the kid's menu at the kid's prices (except at AYCTE, buffets, shows).

One more thing...I agree with this. In your case it wouldn't be worth it to buy the DP. I'd pay out of pocket.

 

[4GoofyCrew]

Thank you for all of the information and advice! I apologize for the delay in reading/responding. We were busy with Christmas and the 'big reveal' to our kiddos!

Most table service restaurants will serve adult sized portions of the kids menu items at an increased price.

Perfect! I just don't want to be a pain-in-the-butt customer. I was hoping that, if they are already making kid meals anyway, they could make an adult sized/adult priced portion. Afterall, a 13 year old IS still a kid.

Are you using the DDP? I'd have a very hard time using the DDP if I was paying for nuggets with an adult meal. I'd go out of pocket for sure.

No, we will be paying OOP this time. A huge reason behind that is because of the picky eating. Now if we could have gotten it for free like we did the last two trips...

I simply let them know he is 9 (and that is the age listed in MDE) and had no problems with getting a kids menu or, in the case of the AYCTE, being charged the kids' price.

I don't know what AYCTE means? All you can eat? But yes, excellent point that all of the age info would be attached to our reservations for all sitdown meals.

 

[DISNEY1975]

I have the same child! She never has an issue ordering from the kids menu. They usually offer to give her a larger portion, though we decline because she doesnt eat more than a child. Mac N Cheese is her favorite and will order that everywhere that has it, which is a lot of places. We do buffet breakfasts so she can be picky there.

I wish I took a picture of the PB and J she got at The Plaza last year. The waitress brought it to our table and said she "adult sized" it for her. It was basically a PB and J Club. 4 pieces of Texas Toast with PB and J layered in between. It was the size of my head. She took 2 bites and didnt want any more.

Worst case scenario, she eats the desserts only! She is on vacation, and walking 10 - 15 - 20 miles per day, so I let her eat more junk than normal. The only place she truly doesnt like ANYTHING on the menu is San Angel Inn. Their kids menu is not very kid friendly to her!


Artist Point! 2 (adult) table credits for this little bit of pasta !!!

Cinderellas Royal Table. Another 2 adult credits for chicken nuggets!

Via Napoli Pasta....no meatballs please!

Trails End (buffet) This is all she wanted...oh, and a chocolate milk !!!