Hi Leigh,
We just had this problem last year. We were on the dining plan, my nine year old was just getting to the stage where he wanted to order from an adult menu, but we still wanted to save some money and purchase a child's dining plan. You do have the option of purchasing an adult plan for your son if you don't mind spending the extra money.
I let him know beforehand that in some instances he would have to order off of the children's menu but that I - 1)would try to find places with food he would like and 2)I would let him use my dessert credit to order off of the regular menu.
Having said that, there are several restaurants that are either buffets or serve family style all-you-can eat meals. These are the best options as your son can eat both the children and adult selections. I've listed some of my favorites:
- Garden Grill at Epcot is a character meal at the Land Pavilion. Some of the food is even grown on site.
- Biergarten in the Germany Pavilion at Epcot.
- 'Ohana at the Polynesian.
- Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary Resort.
- Boma at Animal Kingdom Lodge.
- Crystal Palace - you may think your son is too old to dine with Winnie the Pooh, but the food is great!
- Tusker House at Animal Kingdom.
I noticed that you've already booked a dinner at Whispering Canyon Cafe - excellent choice! This is my oldest son's favorite restaurant.
Hope this helps. Have a magical vacation!