Is it really ok to order a kids meal for a grownup at a counter service restaurant?

[Angie2009]

Ever since I was called out for ordering off the senior menu at Dennys (before they had the neat small portion menu options they have now - is anyone else happy and full with a couple of pancakes?) I feel like I'm cheating when I order a kids meal for myself. But grown up portions are just too big for me and who can take leftovers home at the park?

I've heard it recommended that you can at counter service places just order kids meals for the grownups who want them as well as for the kids. Can I just walk up and buy 4 kids meals or will they call me on it and say they are only for kids under 12 or something? Has anyone done this?

If this will work, it will probably be better for everyone's health than my usual strategy of me eating more than is good for me at one meal and then not wanting to eat anything else until I realize everyone else is starving, or my alternate strategy of skipping meals at the park and just eating churros, corn dogs, popcorn, etc.

[MammaSilva]

At the counter service locations no one will even blink if all you order are kids meals. At the table service places like Blue Bayou and Cafe Orleans at Disneyland, they won't allow it for adults unless you have a medical card such as a gastric bypass card. I haven't seen a 'lite' menu on any of the sit down places yet but with the new focus on healthier options I'd expect to see it sooner than later.

[monkeyboy]

At the counter service locations no one will even blink if all you order are kids meals. At the table service places like Blue Bayou and Cafe Orleans at Disneyland, they won't allow it for adults unless you have a medical card such as a gastric bypass card. I haven't seen a 'lite' menu on any of the sit down places yet but with the new focus on healthier options I'd expect to see it sooner than later.

One of the things I did at Cafe Orleans last April was split a meal with two other friends - we ordered one side of garlic fries, a Monte Cristo Sandwich and a grilled chicken salad - it was more than enough for three of us, and they brought us extra plates to use as well. I think there are a few places that may charge an extra plate fee, so you may want to check in advance.

[bennette]

It is really okay. I do it all.the.time. I do it when it's just me. All by myself.

It is also okay to say "I want an adult hamburger, no fries" even though the board only shows a combo.

I've even had success ordering kids meals at a few sit down places by asking very nicely, referring to not being very hungry, and offering to pay an adults price. I've never been charged the adults price. I would not do this at Blue Bayou or Cafe Orleans, as these popular locations have plenty of people trying to share meals already. I'd be prepared to share meals and pay for the extra plate or split fee.

Disney portions have been downsized a bit with everything else in this economy and there are healthier options at many places so you might want to consider those options in addition to the kids menus before making your "final order."

Enjoy your trip.

[dlfansx4]

My DD generally still prefers the kid's menus (she is 14) and orders off of them almost all the time (counter and table service). We have never had a problem with her ordering kid's meals at any of the restaurants. We of course have to pay as an adult for her at fixed price locations (buffets, etc) and we paid adult prices for a kid's meal at Club 33, but I've never had them tell us at any other place that she had to order off the adult menu.

[Malcon10t]

but I've never had them tell us at any other place that she had to order off the adult menu.

Youngest will still sometimes order off the children's menu at Disneyland sit down locations, and she will get a double portion of the food, and we pay the adult price.

[Drince88]

It is also okay to say "I want an adult hamburger, no fries" even though the board only shows a combo.

Is Disneyland getting better with having a non-fry option for sides? No fries/side at all is one thing, but there were a few places that would not let us substitute sides. This was a trip or two ago, though.

[bennette]

On kids meals, yes. Adult meals...hmm. I know a few things have apples as an option (like the deeply fried corn dog and chicken nuggests!). They also have sweet potato fries at several places which are technically beter for you than white fried potatoes but I wouldn't call them healthy.

The Mediterranean place in DCA has cucumber salad as their side--just vinegar and cukes.

The Jolly Holiday offers a small fruit cup as a side in the morning but I don't think so for lunch.

Hungry bear has slaw as an option but I've not had it so don't know if it's mayo-based or vinegar-based.

Carnation Cafe will have fruit when it reopens.

Tomorrowland Terrace has fruit.

I'm afraid I don't eat enough adult counter service meals to have a complete answer. A fruit choice is better than nothing but I usually don't like the look of their fruit cups. :0

[adriennek]

Is Disneyland getting better with having a non-fry option for sides? No fries/side at all is one thing, but there were a few places that would not let us substitute sides. This was a trip or two ago, though.

I know, for example, at the Hungry Bear the choices are fries, sweet potato fries, onion rings or their slaw salad.

[Malcon10t]

Ever since I was called out for ordering off the senior menu at Dennys (before they had the neat small portion menu options they have now - is anyone else happy and full with a couple of pancakes?)

I don't have a problem with something like that. If there is something I wanted that was on the senior menu, I simple ask for it and tell them to charge me the regular price, same as I do when my daughter wants to order from the kids' menu.

[Koala Gurl]

I often order off the kids menu. (shh, one of my favorites is the toddler meal at the Mexican place in DCA.)

I understand they want to make money, but I hate that meal portions are SO large!

[PhiSigDuchessCV]

As everyone else said I do it all the time with no problem. We generally eat at Plaza Inn on Main Street and the adult meals are big. I wouldn't mind splitting it with someone but most of the time we all want something different so we all will order the kids meals. since a kids drink will come with the meals, we wil generally all get the small kids water to carry around with us and then order whatever adult size drink we want

[Angie2009]

Back from our trip and successfully ate kids meals at River Belle Terrace and Plaza Inn and the French Market. Lovely!