Hi there, Jamie! Thanks for stopping by planDisney with your question. I’m so glad you did!
As a mom of three boys who were all once picky eaters, I completely understand where you’re coming from. You want to enjoy the amazing dining experiences Walt Disney World has to offer, but you also don’t want to worry about whether your daughter will have something she’ll actually eat. I’ve been there!
The good news is that many table-service restaurants at Walt Disney World will absolutely do their best to accommodate picky eaters. Chicken tenders and fries are a go-to request, and while they’re not always listed on the menu, it never hurts to ask. I’ve personally been at places like
’Ohana,
Garden Grill, and
Liberty Tree Tavern where my son wouldn’t touch anything on the regular menu, and they brought him exactly what he wanted. Sometimes restaurants that share kitchens (like in the same resort or park area) can grab items from one another, even if they’re not officially on the menu. Just keep in mind that it’s never a guarantee, but Cast Members are almost always willing to help.
A tip before you book: take a peek at the kids’ menus for the restaurants you’re interested in. Many of them do have familiar, kid-friendly favorites like mac and cheese, chicken strips, or pasta. My son declared that the grilled cheese at
Le Cellier Steakhouse was the best ever! If your daughter is over age 9, she can still order from the kids’ menu; you may just get a larger portion or pay a small upcharge.
Character buffets are also a great option for picky eaters! There’s usually something for everyone. My kids have always loved the chicken strips and tots at
Chef Mickey’s, the country fried chicken and mashed potatoes at
Crystal Palace, and the more basic dishes at
Tusker House.
Now, if you’re eyeing a restaurant that doesn’t have her favorites, here’s what I’ve done: I’ll feed my picky eater something familiar from a quick-service spot before we head to the table-service restaurant. Then, once we’re at the restaurant, I’ll let him order a dessert so he still feels included and has something special to enjoy with us. It’s a little workaround, but it lets the rest of the family enjoy a meal we’ve been looking forward to without stress.
At the end of the day, picky eaters are part of life, and in my experience, Disney really shines at meeting families where they are. With just a few simple tweaks, everyone in your party can enjoy the magic...meals included.
I hope this gives you some helpful food for thought, Jamie! Feel free to reach out again if you need help choosing restaurants or want specific menu ideas.
Wishing you a delicious (and stress-free) vacation,
Eean