Meal choices are overwhelming me - help

disney-a-go-go · 05-28-2003

I will be traveling to WDW in August and staying at the WL. My husband and I last went to WDW 11 years ago. We are taking our three children ages 6,3,1 for the first time. After much wringing of hands,we finally decided on WL, and now I am moving on to restaurants and it is completely overwhelming! Can anyone make suggestions based on the following criteria?

We will mostly eat breakfast in the room.
My children are slow eaters who eat very little at meals - typically when we eat out they split one kid's meal between the three.
Based on their eating habits, quick, simple meals would probably be best, but DH and I don't want to personally eat hamburgers every meal...

As far as character meals, they all seem to be "all-you-care-to eat" which for my kids would be "nothing." Will the restaurants let you split kid's meals, or will I be forced to buy one for the 3 and 6 year old?

Finally, the 1 yr old will turn 2 while we are there. Any suggestions for a B-day celebration - keeping in my mind that she doesn't have a clue about any Disney characters...

Thank you!!!

Willbegone · 05-28-2003

Okay, as far as the buffetts they will not let you split a kids priced meal regardless of how much the child eats. I personally would do at least 1 character meal for the experience. It is worth the $$ for the character interaction. Keep in mind lunch is cheaper than dinner. For the youngest BDAY, I would recommend Crystal Palace with Pooh and friends. My DD was 2 1/2 when we went in March and she LOVED it! Lunch is great and our PS was for 11:45 and we were like the 2nd family let into the restaurant.

As for other meals, many counter service restaurants at WDW now offer healthy selections and there is soooo much to chose you don't have to eat burgers all week. Go to wdwig.com, this site has all the menus from around the world including counter service. I would DEFINETLY recommned Pecos Bills, they have a great fixings bar. You could also try some of the other sit-down restaurants that aren't buffet. I know lots of other people will give their opinion and help you out. Ask away! By the way, welcome to DC!

Amneris · 05-28-2003

Get Birnbaum's book. It lists all the Disney places to eat and generally what they serve, with the number of dollar signs next to them for price. All of the eating places have kids menus, so you can use the guide to find the "$" ones that serve food other than burgers. The Plaza on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom is one of my favorites -- HUGE sandwiches and ice cream treats (especailly those yummy shakes!). There are several $ places that offer non-burger selections and include seating which should be just what you are looking for.

**mickey** · 05-28-2003

Welcome to DisneyCentral. My wife and I have travelled to WDW with little kids for the last 12 years, and have kids that are similar in eating habits to yours. We usually do one character meal, and the kids usualy eat really well there, and it is worth it since it is so much fun.

One thing to remember is that most of the restaurants (sit down, that is) feature kids meals that are fairly affordable, so you can go and have a nice meal and the kids can still have their macaroni and cheese. Many of the EPCOT restaurants also feature entertainment of some sort as well, which will keep them entertained while you eat.

**rlander** · 05-28-2003

I agree, it is overwhelming. When we went in 2000, it was the first time with our kids, DD was 2 and DS was 5. We did not eat at any places that required PS's. We just ate at the All Star's cafeteria and counter service in the parks.

The next time we went in 2002, we planned all our meals. Boy, did we realize how much we missed by not eating at character meals. If any of your kids are girls, you must try Cinderella's Royal Breakfast.

Unforntunatly, you do have to pay for every child at buffets and meals served family style. But the experience your kids get is priceless.

Here's a trick!!!
We ate a meal at Chef Mickey's. Chip & Dale came around to the tables wearing chef hats and aprons. We told our DD that Chip & Dale made the food and they would be very sad if they saw her plate come back to the kitchen with uneaten food on it. Well, she ate all her food!!! Whenever we go to a restaurant where she won't eat, we tell her that Chip and Dale are the cooks and they will be sad if she doesn't eat. Our favorite place is Cracker Barrel. She looks for Chip & Dale everytime we pass the kitchen door.

dlashe4977 · 05-28-2003

I believe kids under three yrs old are FREE at must of the restaurants. :D

ArielBelle · 05-28-2003

Hi Disney-a-go-go!

We are going in August, staying at the Wilderness Lodge with our three children. They are also (approx.) 6, 3, 1.

I think you made a good choice on lodging. The older two can sleep in the bunk beds...did you ask for them? The baby can sleep in a crib or with you.

My oldest is not a good eater, but my 3 and 1 year old eat enough for her. I got frustrated last ime we went to a character meal, because NOBODY ate their meal. And it is pricey. We scheduled character meal buffets this time, anyway. I am hoping they will settle down and eat this time. We went with Chef Mickey's, Cinderella's Gala Feast and Crystal Palace. Check out the menus' at www.wdwig.com to suit your families needs. We are also going to try Teppanyki in Epcot. I think the kids will get a kick out of the "show".

Also, tell the CM at the WL (and everyone else) regarding the baby's 2nd birthday. Espically if you go to the CP for dinner. They will clue you in on special things they will do for the BIG day!:D

ArielBelle · 05-28-2003

Quote:

Originally posted by dlashe4977
I believe kids under three yrs old are FREE at must of the restaurants. :D

Is it under ( or up to) three or three and under???

Oh, disneyagogo, I forgot to tell you tho click on dining at www.wdwig.com :o

tiggerlover1971 · 05-28-2003

www.wdwig.com has the menus from the restaurants so they can help decided befor you go

mattomouseman · 05-28-2003

When in August are you guys going??????????????? We should try to arrange a meet!

**DisneyTeacher** · 05-28-2003

Quote:

Originally posted by disney-a-go-go
As far as character meals, they all seem to be "all-you-care-to eat" which for my kids would be "nothing." Will the restaurants let you split kid's meals, or will I be forced to buy one for the 3 and 6 year old?

As long it is not a character meal I'm sure you can split any meal you want to with your kids. I noticed most restaurants had about the same kids menu for about the same price.

I'm not sure about this but aren't kids under 3 are only free at buffets?? I think if it's order off the menu you have to pay for the meal.

neen626 · 05-28-2003

I think I read that kids under 3 are free at all the restaurants.
I could be wrong, but I am almost positive. Definately check the website www.wdwig.com they have the best information and they have all the menus for you to review which is great. You can get a good idea, and they have the prices on their also.

Good Luck :)

pudgethefish · 05-29-2003

My daughter (age two) was free at all-you-can-eat buffets. When it came to sit-down or counter service we had to pay for her.

Some of the counter service restaurants even have pb&j sandwiches now (the prepackaged kind you can buy in the freezer section of your grocery store). That was a huge hit with my little one.

If you want to have a character dining experience, but do not want to spend alot of money, I totally recommend the Ice Cream Social at the Garden Grill in Epcot ($6.95 per person - all ages).

Enjoy!!!!
Amy aka pudge

ArielBelle · 05-29-2003

Quote:

Originally posted by mattomouseman
When in August are you guys going??????????????? We should try to arrange a meet!

We will be in WDW August 16 - August 23! Right around the corner...Yippee!!:)

iluvwdw · 05-29-2003

Quote:

Originally posted by ArielBelle
We will be in WDW August 16 - August 23! Right around the corner...Yippee!!:)

Our family will be there August 17th - August 23rd! So close, yet so far away!!!! :(

05-28-2003	#1 (permalink)
disney-a-go-go Junior Mouseketeer Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 23	Meal choices are overwhelming me - help I will be traveling to WDW in August and staying at the WL. My husband and I last went to WDW 11 years ago. We are taking our three children ages 6,3,1 for the first time. After much wringing of hands,we finally decided on WL, and now I am moving on to restaurants and it is completely overwhelming! Can anyone make suggestions based on the following criteria? We will mostly eat breakfast in the room. My children are slow eaters who eat very little at meals - typically when we eat out they split one kid's meal between the three. Based on their eating habits, quick, simple meals would probably be best, but DH and I don't want to personally eat hamburgers every meal... As far as character meals, they all seem to be "all-you-care-to eat" which for my kids would be "nothing." Will the restaurants let you split kid's meals, or will I be forced to buy one for the 3 and 6 year old? Finally, the 1 yr old will turn 2 while we are there. Any suggestions for a B-day celebration - keeping in my mind that she doesn't have a clue about any Disney characters... Thank you!!!

05-28-2003	#2 (permalink)
Willbegone Southern Princess Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: South Carolina Posts: 2,498	Okay, as far as the buffetts they will not let you split a kids priced meal regardless of how much the child eats. I personally would do at least 1 character meal for the experience. It is worth the $$ for the character interaction. Keep in mind lunch is cheaper than dinner. For the youngest BDAY, I would recommend Crystal Palace with Pooh and friends. My DD was 2 1/2 when we went in March and she LOVED it! Lunch is great and our PS was for 11:45 and we were like the 2nd family let into the restaurant. As for other meals, many counter service restaurants at WDW now offer healthy selections and there is soooo much to chose you don't have to eat burgers all week. Go to wdwig.com, this site has all the menus from around the world including counter service. I would DEFINETLY recommned Pecos Bills, they have a great fixings bar. You could also try some of the other sit-down restaurants that aren't buffet. I know lots of other people will give their opinion and help you out. Ask away! By the way, welcome to DC! __________________ Feb. 2002: CBR Mar. 2003: POR Oct. 2005: CBR Mar. 2006: POFQ May 2007: POFQ Nov. 2008: SSR My Disney Countdown Counting down to: Thanksgiving week with Mickey! 74 days 9 hours 18 minutes

05-28-2003	#3 (permalink)
Amneris Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 418	Get Birnbaum's book. It lists all the Disney places to eat and generally what they serve, with the number of dollar signs next to them for price. All of the eating places have kids menus, so you can use the guide to find the "$" ones that serve food other than burgers. The Plaza on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom is one of my favorites -- HUGE sandwiches and ice cream treats (especailly those yummy shakes!). There are several $ places that offer non-burger selections and include seating which should be just what you are looking for. __________________ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1985 - off-site 2000 - Coronado Springs 2001 - Contemporary 2002 - DAKL 2002 - Contemporary 2003 - Western Carribean Cruise 2003 - Contemporary 2004 - DAKL 2004 - DISNEYLAND Grand Californian 2004 - Land / Sea 4-Night Cruise 2005 - SOG ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

05-28-2003	#4 (permalink)
mickey Administrator Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 6,226	Welcome to DisneyCentral. My wife and I have travelled to WDW with little kids for the last 12 years, and have kids that are similar in eating habits to yours. We usually do one character meal, and the kids usualy eat really well there, and it is worth it since it is so much fun. One thing to remember is that most of the restaurants (sit down, that is) feature kids meals that are fairly affordable, so you can go and have a nice meal and the kids can still have their macaroni and cheese. Many of the EPCOT restaurants also feature entertainment of some sort as well, which will keep them entertained while you eat. __________________ Frank Costanza: You can drop a grand in Disney World, like that. My Disney Countdown Counting down to: Disneyland, 2008 7 days 13 hours 18 minutes

05-28-2003	#6 (permalink)
dlashe4977 Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Medford, Long Island, NY Posts: 198	I believe kids under three yrs old are FREE at must of the restaurants. :D __________________ 10/01/71 - MAGIC KINGDOM 08/02/76 - Magic Kingdom 6/91 - Polynesian 11/98 - Embassy Suites 5/00 - Grand Floridian 12/02 - All Star Music 11/03 - Polynesian 11/04 - Pop Century & Wilderness Lodge 08/07 - POFQ & Poly or WL again

		MouseBuzz.com > Walt Disney World > WDW Restaurants
Meal choices are overwhelming me - help

05-28-2003	#5 (permalink)
rlander Happy Disney Dreams Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 2,457	I agree, it is overwhelming. When we went in 2000, it was the first time with our kids, DD was 2 and DS was 5. We did not eat at any places that required PS's. We just ate at the All Star's cafeteria and counter service in the parks. The next time we went in 2002, we planned all our meals. Boy, did we realize how much we missed by not eating at character meals. If any of your kids are girls, you must try Cinderella's Royal Breakfast. Unforntunatly, you do have to pay for every child at buffets and meals served family style. But the experience your kids get is priceless. Here's a trick!!! We ate a meal at Chef Mickey's. Chip & Dale came around to the tables wearing chef hats and aprons. We told our DD that Chip & Dale made the food and they would be very sad if they saw her plate come back to the kitchen with uneaten food on it. Well, she ate all her food!!! Whenever we go to a restaurant where she won't eat, we tell her that Chip and Dale are the cooks and they will be sad if she doesn't eat. Our favorite place is Cracker Barrel. She looks for Chip & Dale everytime we pass the kitchen door.

05-28-2003	#7 (permalink)
ArielBelle Big Cheese Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Saratoga Springs Posts: 802	Hi Disney-a-go-go! We are going in August, staying at the Wilderness Lodge with our three children. They are also (approx.) 6, 3, 1. I think you made a good choice on lodging. The older two can sleep in the bunk beds...did you ask for them? The baby can sleep in a crib or with you. My oldest is not a good eater, but my 3 and 1 year old eat enough for her. I got frustrated last ime we went to a character meal, because NOBODY ate their meal. And it is pricey. We scheduled character meal buffets this time, anyway. I am hoping they will settle down and eat this time. We went with Chef Mickey's, Cinderella's Gala Feast and Crystal Palace. Check out the menus' at www.wdwig.com to suit your families needs. We are also going to try Teppanyki in Epcot. I think the kids will get a kick out of the "show". Also, tell the CM at the WL (and everyone else) regarding the baby's 2nd birthday. Espically if you go to the CP for dinner. They will clue you in on special things they will do for the BIG day!:D __________________ WDW 1984 WDW1991 May-June 2001 Disneyland Hotel August 2003 Wilderness Lodge May 2007 Riverside

05-28-2003	#9 (permalink)
tiggerlover1971 Official bouncer of DC Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: 100 acre woods Posts: 4,066	www.wdwig.com has the menus from the restaurants so they can help decided befor you go __________________ Cheryl ^i^ * Postcard Pixie * ^i^ ~ Sharing the Disney magic ~ woohoo only 20 more pounds to go to goal weight

05-28-2003	#10 (permalink)
mattomouseman Grumpmeister Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Westchester Co. NY Posts: 1,746	When in August are you guys going??????????????? We should try to arrange a meet! __________________ Disneyland1972 WDW1975 Disneyland1987 2000~CBR,2001~Wilderness Lodge 2002~Coronado Springs,2003 Poly, 2004 Disneyland Grand Californian NEVER FORGET, NEVER SURRENDER-GOD BLESS THE U.S.A.

05-28-2003	#12 (permalink)
neen626 Big Cheese Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Seminole, FL Posts: 800	I think I read that kids under 3 are free at all the restaurants. I could be wrong, but I am almost positive. Definately check the website www.wdwig.com they have the best information and they have all the menus for you to review which is great. You can get a good idea, and they have the prices on their also. Good Luck :) __________________ Prepare to be awed. Inspired. Thrilled and enchanted. You're about to enter a world where anything can happen, and often does! A world where imagination and adventure come alive all around you! x´¨) x¸.•´ ¸.•´¨)xxxx¸.•¨) (¸.•´xxxxxx(¸.•`xxxxx Nina *´¨) Port Orleans Riverside Grand Floridian~ 2006 Polynesian ~ 2006 Grand Floridian Pop Century Coronado Springs ~ 2005 Port Orleans Riverside ~ 2004 Coronado Springs ~ 2003

05-29-2003	#13 (permalink)
pudgethefish Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: May 2003 Location: Hamden, CT Posts: 120	My daughter (age two) was free at all-you-can-eat buffets. When it came to sit-down or counter service we had to pay for her. Some of the counter service restaurants even have pb&j sandwiches now (the prepackaged kind you can buy in the freezer section of your grocery store). That was a huge hit with my little one. If you want to have a character dining experience, but do not want to spend alot of money, I totally recommend the Ice Cream Social at the Garden Grill in Epcot ($6.95 per person - all ages). Enjoy!!!! Amy aka pudge __________________

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