Got the Dining Plan for me, my 16-year-old and my 11-year old. I realize the 11-year old actually paid for the "adult" dining plan, but does anyone know if he will be able to order from a child's menu if he so chooses? Thanks

They might let the 11 yrs old...but why? You are paying for an adult so you might as well enjoy better food.

They might let the 11 yrs old...but why? You are paying for an adult so you might as well enjoy better food.

Well he likes good food (prefers grilled chicken strips over fried for example), but sometimes he prefers the kid's menu selections. I just thought I'd ask if anyone had encountered this type of thing.

If I recall correctly, your youngest can choose from either, but I would surely take a look at the adult menu first. Most dishes can be customized to a point to suit certain tastes. Things like sauces on the side, or omitted, are an example of such a request.

This is a case where I am not sure being on the dining plan makes sense. Having a Tween in the group makes it difficult because they are usually a little old for the kids menu yet not always willing to go down the path of the adult menu. Not being on the dining plan may actually save you money overall while giving your Tween a choice.

You might want to take a look at some of the menus of the places you think you might be eating. (Link to menu info (http://www.mouseplanet.com/misc.php?pg=wdw_dining)) If your Tween thinks that the kids menus are more appetizing, then you might be better off without the plan. Its about making sure that you dont waste money on a plan that you will not use to its fullest potential.

Your best bet is probably to make as many TS meals as possible buffets, so that he can pick and choose what he wants to eat. I think pretty much all the buffets have a "kids section" with mac and cheese, etc., but he probably won't limit his meals if there are lots of other choices. The pre-plated kids' meals are pretty monotonous and plain, and, I don't think very appealing. For awhile, we have made a point to choose restaurants that have a better selection, or (when not on the plan), even ordering one adult steak for my kids to share. I think most of the buffets are a better deal with children (even if they are considered "adults," for the purpose of the dining plan).

That's a great idea mom22gls!

As far as the original question- yes, an adult can order a child's meal. However, a child cannot order an adult meal (usually- it never hurts to ask though).

My children ages 11 & 12 are considered adults on the basic dining plan (I will consider them an adult when they get a job and start paying for the food they eat ;). My question is when we are at a table service restaurant must they order off of the regular adult selections or can they order from the childrens selections? Need help on this one. THANKS

snowgoer, I merged your question with a similar one. Read the posts above for thoughts on the subject.

Thanks Cathy, they are helpful

That's a great idea mom22gls!

As far as the original question- yes, an adult can order a child's meal. However, a child cannot order an adult meal (usually- it never hurts to ask though).

That's not my experience. My DS ordered off the adult menu a load of times at different places. We paid the adult price, of course, and he couldn't eat it all, of course, but he was really not going to live with the awful children's options day after day. DD less of a problem as she loves pasta with any kind of sauce so lots of places do a variation of that. We are going for as many buffets as possible next time to keep him happy as we'll have the DP so he'll be stuffed otherwise :(

Oh, as long as you're not on the dining plan, kids can order off of the adult menus no problem. It's just when you're on the plan that there's an issue!

My 11 year old is a little horse! In fact, last time he would order a kid's meal, and I'd order what he wanted off the adult menu, then we'd switch. He's an "adult" this time, though, which is thrilling him to no end---not only does Disney think of him as an "adult", but he gets to order the GOOD stuff! :D

We went last year with several tweens, and I think there was only one time that it was a problem, with an adult tween ordering from the kids menu. The waiter went back with the order and it got aproved by the manager, so it all worked out. Of course that same meal my wife was asking for a adult size of the children chicken at Coral Reef so that may have totally confused the poor waiter