Kids Over 9 Oredering From Kids Menu About This Page:

[Tinko]

I have an autisitc son how is 13 and is unable to eat very much without getting sick. He cannot even finish a kids meal. He is also very picky and refuses to eat anything other than chicken and fries. Is it ok for me to order a kids meal at table serice restaurants? We will not be using the dining plan for him if this makes a difference. Thanks for your input!

[WHMom]

My boys were able to order kids' meals with no problem after they turned 10. They were never "carded." I have heard that they sometimes charge more if you're over 10, but it's never happened to us.

[HakunaMatata]

Our older kids are 10. We did sometimes have them order off the kids menu - with no problem. DD especially does not eat enough to require an adult-size portion. Though DS will probably not be good too much longer with kids' portions

[Dave Marx]

You shouldn't have any problems.

It's a shame you have to pay for an adult Dining Plan (and you do pay indirectly, even when it's free dining, because you are usually not getting a discount on your hotel room). This is one of the times when paying out of pocket for meals could be beneficial. Under the current Dining Plan pricing most folks end up being very close to "break-even," and it can be a challenge to come away with significant savings.

[Tinko]

Thanks for your replies. I feel more at ease ordering from the kids menu now.

[eff051102]

Yep you shouldn't have any problems ordering off the kids menu. Also as an
adult who can't eat much (lapband for weightloss) I've ordered off the kids
menu myself. Don't forget to get a GAC card if you think you might need one
for lines and such. It can really be a help.

[twinsljo]

My 15 year old daughter ordered off the kids menu a few times which they said was no problem at all.

[Joanne929]

My 11 YO DD ordered off the kids menu in April with no problem. (Some servers may ask if you want a 'kid-sized' portion of an adult meal - we didn't do that though since she just wanted pizza or chicken and fries).

I also have a friend who has 3 girls and 2 of them seem to only eat pasta and maybe pizza - they both ordered off the kids menu and they were older than 15!

[Tinko]

We could never go wihtout the Fuest Assistance card its the only way that makes Diney possible for him. I think Disney is great with it comes to disabilities.

[yalibrarian]

Ah yes, our guy would also eat fried chicken and french fries at every meal if we let him!

I would think this could be treated like any other dietary need; TS places seem pretty willing to work with you, especially with advance notice. Call a couple of days ahead to discuss your son's needs or at least ask to speak with someone when you get to the restaurant about accommodating his eating needs (small portion, plain food). You may find a Guest Assistance card helpful, although we've managed for several years without one.

My son is 21, with autism. He ate at Boma last year: chicken nuggets, macaroni and cheese, lemonade, fruit and two chocolate chip cookies. Of course we had to pay the adult price, but many other teens/adults were eating like he was, so he didn't stand out.

We normally eat at CS in part because of our son's dietary issues--just don't want to be spending $$$ when he really only wants some fried chicken/cheeseburger/pizza. He loves the kids' meals so we get those often, and believe me, no one will chase you to your table to see if a kid is eating it! At the food court at Music (where we stay each year), I asked about adults being able to get mac and cheese and they served me a double portion, without any fuss. You also have more choices on CS meal sides these days, with fruit in place of fries even for adults. You can also order sandwiches without fries and normally save money--although fries are what our guy thinks of as vegetables. Anyway, if you let the restaurant know your needs, whether TS or food court at your resort, they should be able to serve your son appropriately.

[WDWJAMBA]

Our older son (12) still likes to order off of the kids menu. We've never been made to feel that it was wrong in any way, nor does he seem particularly different from those his age. If anything CM go out of their way to make sure he leaves full.