where to take spoiled rotten kids to dinner?

[iwannago!!]

Alright - here is the history...
DH and I are taking our 8 year old and her friend to WDW for 10 days. We will also have our 6mo baby girl with us.
So, DH, myself and our DD8 usually share 2 meals between us and have plenty. I thought that we would do the same with all 4 of us eating, figuring that we could get 2 adult meals. DD & friend could share and DH and I could share. (portions are so big there)
I have just been informed by dd and her friend that they want to eat STEAK and SHRIMP and CRAB LEGS the WHOLE time that we are there. And friend tells me that 'she really doens' t eat kids meals anymore'- her mom tells me that she is an eater!! AUGH!
So - obviously these kids have been spoiled rotten;-) where the heck are we going to feed them without breaking the budget?
I do have 10 Q&C for lunch and I also have 4 adult and 3 kids VKL for late lunches..

HELP!! something tells me McD's isn't going to cut it...

 

[HM]

Hey.....my kids always seem to want the expensive stuff too. Crab legs and other seafoods are their favorites. We also share meals between us at WDW (kids are 9 and 7) and still have left overs. I think the sharing idea is right on track. Two adult meals should fill the four of you.

OK, I would say let them know that you will be going to a few nice restaurants and having the type of meals that they want, but that sometimes burger and chicken fingers will be the fare.

Also, at WDW we usually find we don't eat as much as we think we will because of the heat and humidity. You'll probably find thier appetites aren't what they are at home (unless you run them ragged ).

-HM

 

[DMRick]

I have just been informed by dd and her friend that they want to eat STEAK and SHRIMP and CRAB LEGS the WHOLE

Hopefully you are exagerting this to make a point, and that the kids don't get to decide where you'll eat at any cost. If they do (and you let them), then it's going to be a long 10 days.

That said, using the lunch coupons, two adult meals (at dinnertime) will feed you well at the Rainforest at AK. Order off the menu (not on the menu), the stuffed lobster and steak (upgrade at no charge to the primal steak, which is big) and subsitute the lobster for the cocoanut shrimp..you get a lot of shrimp in exchange for that lobster. With the appetizer, and dessert, you'll fill them right up. Of course you'lll still be paying $61 plus the extra drinks for the two meals, but they'll get their wishes.

For some of the meals, I would suggest the outside buffets, so they can pick what they want off the buffet...or even one night at the Contemp at Chef Mickey's where they usually have some sort of beef and peel and eat shrimp. They won't be able to share, of course.

 

[prncess674]

If you are paying for the friend to go then you set the ground rules. Also after having a few meals with the child you will be better able to gauge how much this girl really eats. Have the child over for dinner one night and take her to a local restaurant back home to get a feel for how much she really eats.

At a sit down meal an adult entree between two 8 yr old girls should be plenty. Also since you are paying tell both girls they may order X, Y or Z or anything from the kids menu but don't give them carte blanche. Also think about ordering appetizers as an entree, many times they are just as filling.

Our family of four adults usually orders two appetizers and two entrees and this feeds a family of four with little leftover. We also get a bit more variety this way.

Don't let an 8yr old rule your vacation!

 

[Robinrs]

If you are paying for the friend to go then you set the ground rules.

aMEN!

My son has a friend whose mother just thinks it's the CUTEST thing that she likes shrimp and lobster and crab legs...

I'm sorry, I don't find that cute at all.

My response to a request like that would be "then I guess you'll have to PAY for it."

Kids that age have no true conception of cost and what it takes to afford the "best". Let them know that they will eat what they are given and they will have the best when they get a job. My son was trained that way since day one. He knows better than to ASK. I heard him tell someone at a restaurant in Orlando last month that he is always my "cheap date". He knows to order water, a kids meal and that's it. And he's TEN and five feet tall! {BTW, I order kids meals alot, too!}

Don't let an 8yr old rule your vacation!

Another Amen! Smile, set the guidelines and remember who's in charge.

 

[joyfull]

I have to agree with the others. If the "spoiled rotten kid" likes to eat that kind of food then they should at least pay for some of it.

On another note. If you are at epcot eat at the garden grill. Not only is it reasonable but Mickey and Minnie come by to say hello.

 

[hentob]

When I was young, my mother made it a point to tell me EVERY TIME I went out to eat (when others would be treating) to choose the cheapest thing on the menu. I still follow that rule.


Hentob

 

[claudia]

Kids that age have no true conception of cost and what it takes to afford the "best". Let them know that they will eat what they are given and they will have the best when they get a job. My son was trained that way since day one. He knows better than to ASK. I heard him tell someone at a restaurant in Orlando last month that he is always my "cheap date". He knows to order water, a kids meal and that's it. And he's TEN and five feet tall! {BTW, I order kids meals alot, too!}

I agree that adults should set the ground rules. We traveled with our son and his friend, we had decided to pay for the friends meals as well. We did ask if there was anything special that they both would enjoy, and did indulge in a special meal.
The only reason I'm even responding, is that when I read the part about your son knowing better than to even ASK, it made me feel so sad. You are certainly entitled to raise your child as you see fit, but it just tugged at my heart strings that he felt that he couldn't even ask for something. And in MHO, there is nothing cute about a child refering to himself as a "cheap date".

 

[Sugardimples]

Why not tell the kids the truth? "Gee, that sounds great, but we just don't have the budget to eat like that all the time!" Kids are pretty smart - they understand when limits are laid out for them. Then let them know that there will be a few "special" meals that you are all looking forward to.

Don't let this intrude on your good time!

 

[Robinrs]

Originally posted by claudia
I agree that adults should set the ground rules. We traveled with our son and his friend, we had decided to pay for the friends meals as well. We did ask if there was anything special that they both would enjoy, and did indulge in a special meal.
The only reason I'm even responding, is that when I read the part about your son knowing better than to even ASK, it made me feel so sad. You are certainly entitled to raise your child as you see fit, but it just tugged at my heart strings that he felt that he couldn't even ask for something. And in MHO, there is nothing cute about a child refering to himself as a "cheap date".

Let me explain one thing. I am a single parent. We live in a nice house, have a nice car and we go to Orlando 5 times a year. My son knows that the trip is the main expense. He doesn't ask because he KNOWs that Mommy struggled to give him the major things he wants. Exuberant meals do not fit in my top priority field.

When I was growing up I appreciated everything my parents did for me. I didn't ask for unnecessary extras because I knew I was getting the best they could afford. I am thrilled my son feels the same way. I never felt that I was losing out on anything. In fact, when I buried my parents this past year, it was the fact that they taught me priorities that I was so proud that they were my parents.

Michael jokes about the cheap date because he saw the way his other friend expected fancy food and stuff. He would shake his head and tell me that he knew that if he was like that it would cut into the other things we like to spend money on. It's HIS choice based on a sensitive child who respects his parent.

If I held back the things he loved and he'd better not ask for, then I'd understand your heartstrings being tugged. A fancy meal is not a necessity and I'm glad my child knows that.

 

[joyfull]

Just a point....... Some people can not or will not pay for a child that demands the best of everything. So if a child isn't aware of the cost of items and act accordingly then they may not get asked to go with others. It is ok to give your child the best of everything, but I don't think it is fair to expect everyone else to.

 

[CJMickeyMouse]

I guess I will consider myself lucky here... I have two boys ages 13 and 11 who would rather have pizza than anything else on the planet!

We eat 2-3 big sit down meals when we are in Disney World for two weeks. Everything else is grab and go counter service (including lots of salads and fruit) or snacks off the concierge menu. ESPN Club is our absolute favorite.

If we had someone with us they would have to adapt to our family..... they are not going to make the rules for us. Splurge once or twice, but you establish the rules and the children follow, IMO.

 

[iwannago!!]

Wow! I didn't mean to give the impression that I was going to let the kids call the shots!!
I am looking for a few places to take these kids to dinner where they can have steak, crab legs, shrimp etc without breaking the bank.. i.e. SIZZLER! haha... I am not about to wine and dine my 8 year old and her friend!
At the same time, I don't think that I will 'get away with' grilled cheese and hot dogs from the kids menu at dinner time.

just looking for ideas... I have no intention of having a 'bad time' and the kids eating habbits certainly won't get in the way... just want to get ideas.

I can' t be the only one out there with a kid that likes seafood and steak, right?

 

[MOMTOMOOTOO]

Originally posted by iwannago!!
I am not about to wine and dine my 8 year old and her friend!

Too funny!!

No you are not the only one with a kid that likes to eat steak and shrimp. My 6yo dd loves it as well. While I can still get away with kids meals for the most part if she really wants fried shrimp I usually cave. If she wants steak she shares with me & dh.

And Robinrs, I totally agree about the water. My kids know better than to ask for soda. We don't even drink soda at home, so why would I pay 2.00 for a glass of soda.

 

[LIFERBABE]

It's okay to splurge on a budget!

I knew the OP would get alot of "parenting" advice from her post, but I think it would be more helpful to direct her to some nicer but inexpensive places that she could work into her budget to accomodate her little guests. She can then make the decision on how much "accomodation" she can afford.

The RFC is an excellent idea and we may try that one ourselves.

We all have to make choices, so the more information the better!

 

[CJMickeyMouse]

To the OP... I see you are from the midwest... IMO you will be very disappointed with the beef in Florida! Take the kids out for a good steak before you leave!

As for seafood... I am sure that is better in FL, but I can't help you there because our family doesn't eat it.

Enjoy your trip!!!

 

[prncess674]

At the same time, I don't think that I will 'get away with' grilled cheese and hot dogs from the kids menu at dinner time.

Actually I am glad to see that your children's taste buds have moved past the kid's menu. I think it is crying shame when kids only grow up eating kiddie items such as chicken fingers and mac and cheese. I feel like parents make picky eaters out of their kids! An adult entree of steak with a side should certainly feed two 8yr old girls. If they feel it won't be enough for two order each a salad or an extra side if you need to add to the meal.

You didn't mention if you are staying off site but if you plan on venturing off site try Macaroni Grill. They have some good seafood pasta dishes.

http://www.macaronigrill.com/

I personally don't like Red Lobster but they have inexpensive seafood dishes as well. I am from New Orleans where seafood is caught fresh practically in your backyard. Looks like RL even has a club you can join for discounts and such.

http://www.redlobster.com/default.asp

 

[prncess674]

check here for dining options all along International Drive

http://www.internationaldriveorlando.com/dining.htm

 

[erinch]

the Cape May buffet has seafood items (and kids pricing).
for $10 the girls could get steak and crab legs--all they could eat!

'ohana brings out steak and shrimp on skewers. Again you and your dh would be paying for 2 adult meals in addition to the 2 kids meals, but the kid's price is reasonable and it's a great special meal.

Teppanyaki (in Japan) does an awesome steak and shrimp combo, with performing chefs to boot!

We think Boma is our most special dinner place. Steak available.

The Big River Grille on the Boardwalk has cheaper steaks than the other resort steakhouse alternatives

Cap'n Jacks in DTD does steak/shrimp/lobster combos at the lower end of the price food chain

And--you can always offer to take them to the Little Mermaid Show to "sea" all the shrimp and lobster they want! (My answer to my DS

 

[claudia]

Let me explain one thing. I am a single parent. We live in a nice house, have a nice car and we go to Orlando 5 times a year. My son knows that the trip is the main expense. He doesn't ask because he KNOWs that Mommy struggled to give him the major things he wants. Exuberant meals do not fit in my top priority field.

You don't really owe anyone and explanation nor do you have to be a single parent to be struggling. My son is from my current marriage, but we both have a child from a previous marriage....quite a struggle...emotionally and financially. But exuberant meals do fit into our top priorities.

Michael jokes about the cheap date because he saw the way his other friend expected fancy food and stuff. He would shake his head and tell me that he knew that if he was like that it would cut into the other things we like to spend money on. It's HIS choice based on a sensitive child who respects his parent.

But there is a big difference between expecting and asking. Anyway, I think what I was trying to get across is that having that special meal is sometimes what a child may love. I completely understand that this is not a priority for you and your child, but just understand as well that it may very well be a priority for others. We should always be accepting of what is a priority of others as well. I can honestly tell you that my son would choose a nice meal out on vacation over anything else. He will pass on souvies, snacks, extras, better hotel room. Basically it is the same thing, making choices for what we deem to be important. For my son it is a nice meal, for your son he makes a different choice to have the things that he enjoys.

If I held back the things he loved and he'd better not ask for, then I'd understand your heartstrings being tugged. A fancy meal is not a necessity and I'm glad my child knows that.

As far an anything being a necessity....the only necessity is for food, shelter and clothes for a child (not to mention tons and tons of love, hugs and kisses!)....anything other than that is truly a blessing. As far as my heartstrings, yes, it does make me sad that a child feels he cannot ask....that is what a child does. He should not feel bad about it.

When I was growing up I appreciated everything my parents did for me. I didn't ask for unnecessary extras because I knew I was getting the best they could afford. I am thrilled my son feels the same way. I never felt that I was losing out on anything. In fact, when I buried my parents this past year, it was the fact that they taught me priorities that I was so proud that they were my parents.

In essence what you are saying is that if children ask for something more, it means that they are not appreciative of what their parents do for them. I know that I was well taken care of by my parents, and I most certainly was grateful and appreciative for everything....but if I asked for something, it means that I am not appreciative? I think it is human to ask, especially for a child. It is that wonderful bond between a parent and child that a child should feel it is okay to ask, just as it is okay for a parent to say no. I don't mind my son asking for anything, because this opens up a dialog between us for my reasons for any decision I will make. I think it is important for child to hear this. I never take his asking as disrespectful to me. I take it as a childs question.

I am sorry for the passing of your parents. It sounds like you had a very loving and supportive relationship....all too rare these days.

I didn't mean for this to get into any great discussion
It sounds like you and your son have a wonderful relationship, and that you are very proud of your son.....and that he is truly responding to you in a loving and sensitive manner. After all of this I guess what I am trying to say (besides the asking thing) is that we all have priorties in our lives, they don't have to be the same for all of us, they just have to be right for us.
1 John 4:7