My family will be visiting Disney World soon with a 3-year-old. We were also at the park last year and ate out for every meal, but he didn't eat much and it was a waste of money. This time we have arranged to have a refrigerator and microwave in our hotel room, but what other suggestions do you have for helping us find food he will eat?
You've made a great start by arranging for a fridge and microwave. Being able to fix a simple breakfast in your room is one way to both hold down expenses and make sure you'll have food on hand that your child will eat.
It's also helpful to keep snacks in your room. With younger kids I suggest you make an early start to the theme parks in the morning, then return to your room for a nap and/or swim during the hottest and busiest times of the afternoon, then return to the theme parks in the evening. Being able to offer the kids a cheap and familiar midafternoon snack is a real bonus.
But you won't be in your room all the time, so it's also important to be on the lookout for the best dining options in the theme parks. Here are some tips:
1. Servings are huge in the theme park restaurants. If they're young, two kids can easily split a kids' meal. (And, to be honest, adults can split entrees as well.)
2. Almost all Disney restaurants post menus at the entrance so you can make sure that there's something inside the kids will eat before you line up. This is especially vital at the ethnic restaurants in the World Showcase at Epcot, since kids often balk at unfamiliar cuisine. But you'll usually find some familiar offerings like chicken strips on the kiddie menus.
3. Carry a couple of ziplock bags in your purse. If you're served enough fruit or chips for an army, pack them up for a later snack.
4. Carry juice boxes or water bottles in your backpack with you. If you freeze them overnight, they'll melt gradually and be ready to drink by the time you need them. Drinks are a major expense in the parks--at $2.75 for a bottled water or Coke, it can add up fast!
5. The buffets are a great idea for picky eaters; there are so many choices that everyone is bound to find at least a couple of things they like. The Crystal Palace in the Magic Kingdom is a good example--there are separate buffets for adults and kids and the kids' buffet has lots of surefire kid pleasers. Another option is to go to a food court like Sunshine Season Food Fair in the Land Pavilion at Epcot. With so many choices, you can get something different for every member of the family.
6. Headed for a big deal meal? Go at lunch instead of dinner. Not only are the meals cheaper, but service is usually faster at lunch than dinner.
7. Also consider eating at "off hours" such as 4:00 P.M. The odds are you'll be served a lot faster when the restaurant is less crowded and this can be a big factor with young kids. The theme park restaurants can be maddeningly slow at peak dining times and if the kids are already tired and hungry, this can make for a total emotional meltdown.
8. There's no reason why you can't pick up familiar fast food for the kids (such as getting McDonald's food at the Restaurantosaurus in the Animal Kingdom) and carry it along with you to a restaurant that's offering food more appealing to the adults.
9. Looking for healthy snacks in the parks? There are fruit stands on Main Street and in Liberty Square at the Magic Kingdom, near Echo Lake and on Sunset Boulevard in MGM, and between the China and Germany pavilions at Epcot.
10. Finally, be aware that the full-service Disney restaurants are generally able to adapt menu items upon request, so if you want them to leave the sweet and sour sauce off the Sweet and Sour Chicken, just ask.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Originally published in April 2001. Last updated January 2006.
