Hi there, Crystal!
According to Disney restaurant policy, a "child" eligible for ordering off the children's menu is considered to be between ages 3 and 9.
As you correctly note, any Guest over the age of 10 at a buffet restaurants is
required to pay the adult price, regardless of how much or what items they
eat.
This holds true for character meals and dinner shows as well; every Guest over the age of 10 must pay the adult price, which factors in the cost of the food
and the experience.
Most Cast Members don't have an issue accommodating those Guests with smaller appetites or more discriminating palates who wish to order off the children's menu (this is particularly true at Counter Service locations, when generally one or two adults handle the ordering process for the children in the party).
Guests ages 10+ are not, per Disney policy, permitted to order off the children's menu, but this rule is not always enforced at regular table-service restaurants. Again,many Cast Members will allow adults (and/or children over the age of nine) to order.
Some table service restaurants will require the Guest an "adult portion" of an item on the children's menu, and will charge accordingly for the larger portion.
Make sure to make your
Advance Dining Reservations to enjoy all of the food - and the fun!
See you later, celebrator,
-Deborah B,.