Jump to content

Tips from the DFB Guide: Dining with a Picky Eater


Disney4me
 Share

Recommended Posts

For many of us, there’s nothing better than planning a trip to Disney. I mean, sure…attractions and cool resorts and stuff. But best of all is the FOOD!

2016 book cover dfb guide

What happens if you have a super uber picky kiddo (or other member of your party) among your ranks though? It can really rock your trip. But it doesn’t have to!

And that’s why I dedicate a lot of attention to making plans with picky eaters in the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining. This is a great time to pick up your copy of this handy guide because it’s just been completely updated for your 2016 travel plans!! Don’t forget to use code HAPPYPLACE for $4 off the price!

Today, I want to share some of the tips that I’ve scattered through the book on how to deal with the pickiest eaters when you’re in Disney World. Need some help with this subject? Read on!

Picky Toddler? Head to the Buffet

There are so many reasons why I recommend buffets when you have a picky eater in your party. For starters, nearly everyone is bound to find something he or she likes, due to sheer variety alone!

Mickey Waffles

Mmmmm…Mickey Waffles!

But buffets are especially great when you have a toddler in tow. Sure, an argument can be made for character meals where service is family style. But I love buffets when I have a hard-to-please preschooler along for the ride because they can share from my plate at no additional charge.

Corndog Nuggets at Tusker House

Corn Dog Nuggets at Tusker House

And this is especially awesome when you just know that your kiddo will either eat like a bird or be too distracted by characters or surroundings to actually consume much. Looking for something a bit different? Check out Cape May Cafe for breakfast or Tusker House for lunch. Both offer great spreads as well as character dining.

Unique Meal Suggestions for Kids

Maybe your picky eater isn’t picky because they don’t like a lot of stuff — but because they don’t like the common stuff. That’s where our suggestions for unique meals for kids can come in really handy.

For instance, Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offers delightful, out of the ordinary fare for everyone — even kids. Our little diner enjoyed the grilled chicken at a recent dinner. But the Peanut Butter Turtle, a kid’s dessert, was a hit with young and old alike!

Peanut Butter Turtle at Sanaa

Peanut Butter Turtle at Sanaa

At Magic Kingdom, opt for lunch at Be Our Guest Restaurant. Their Braised Pork, Coq au Vin Style is anything but common.

Braised Pork, Coq au Vin Style

Braised Pork, Coq au Vin Style

And be sure to pencil in time in Epcot for…just about anything! You have your pick of interesting meals from around the world here. From Moroccan food at Tangierine Cafe to a variety of fantastic Japanese offerings and everything in between.

Mediterranean Lamb Wrap at Tangierine Cafe in Epcot

Mediterranean Lamb Wrap at Tangierine Cafe in Epcot

This park has everything.

Let Your Child Help with Planning

I don’t know about you, but my kid has major control issues (I have NO idea where he gets those…).Sometimes, the key to getting them to join in is empowerment. Let them help with the planning, and suddenly, they’re on board!

When planning, and encouraging a picky child to help with the plans, think about your group or family and the reason for your Disney World visit.

Gelato Frizzante

Every Disney Meal is a Celebration — So Don’t Forget Dessert, Like Gelato Frizzante at Via Napoli

After all, eating in Disney World isn’t just fuel — it’s part of the party! How do you think you and your dining companions will most enjoy celebrating your vacation together? It’s a great question to get the ball rolling on your plans.

For older kids, we have lots of planning tools, like our Brainstorming Worksheet and our section on Making It Personal that will have them excited about the new adventures that lay before them! And don’t forget to check out our DFB Disney Restaurant Search Tool!

Order Sides or A La Carte Items to Make a Meal

Making meals from side dishes is a great way to customize a meal for a picky or small eater. Lots of times, items like Macaroni and Cheese are available as entrees — but they can also be available as a la carte side items as well. (And speaking of my favorite side dish — here’s a recipe for one of Disney’s Best — the Mac and Cheese at Jiko.)

Oak Grilled Filet with Mac and Cheese

Request a la Carte Servings of Favorite Sides, Like Mac and Cheese

Don’t see it on the menu? Ask your server. Disney restaurants are, for the most part, extremely accommodating. Chances are, if you see it someplace on the menu, you can get a serving of it.

Bread with Butters and Olive Oil

We Asked For Spicy Tomato Butter at Mama Melrose Because It Was So Good!

We also like to take advantage of appetizers for meals. Again, this is especially great for guests who are lighter eaters.

When All Else Fails…Child Care!

You have sacrificed signature restaurants and upscale options to keep the peace for the whole trip. And now it’s time to splurge a little! Kids Clubs offer age-appropriate activities that will keep Junior busy while you enjoy a relaxing evening.

Polynesian Village Resort Lobby as viewed from upstairs

Lilo’s Playhouse at the Polynesian Village Resort Is a Favorite

Most Kids’ Clubs are open from 4:30 until midnight, and are available for potty-trained children ages 3-12. Dinner and snack are provided.

Give it a try sometime! I guarantee that most kids would prefer finger painting and playing video games to an evening in a “grown up” restaurant. :-)

2016 book cover dfb guide

Ready for All of Our Best Tips?

We’ve got TONS of Disney World Dining Tips — including LOTS of restaurant suggestions for your every need — in our big, bold 2016 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining!

With more than 530 pagesThe DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 20+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs!

With sample dining itineraries, plus our “Disney Dining at a Glance” section, featuring “Where Can I Find?” options, you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to get your copy of The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining E-book — and use code HAPPYPLACE for an extra $4 discount for a limited time!

Now we want to hear from YOU! What are your best tips for dining with picky eaters in Walt Disney World? Leave a comment and share below!

Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and:


View the full article

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...