Hi there, Eric, and welcome to planDisney! Your
Walt Disney World Resort vacation will be here in just a few weeks, and you must be getting so excited! Now is the perfect time to finalize all of your plans, and that especially includes all of your details about dining.
Eric, one of my favorite things to do during a vacation to the Most Magical Place on Earth is take time to eat a great meal at a table service restaurant. The
Disney Dining Plan is a great fit for my family because we feel like it offers us a great value and it encourages us to try new and different dining experiences. Having a set time to relax at the dinner table each day gives us a chance to unwind and recap all of the best moments from our adventures.
Did you know that you're welcome to use your meals and snacks whenever you'd like, from the day you check in until midnight on the day you check out of your
Disney Resorts Collection hotel? That means that you can choose to only use a couple of meals and pay separately for others all at the same time. This would be the case if you would like to order something that's not included in the dining plan, such as an additional beverage or appetizer - you'd just pay separately for those items when you get your bill. I, too, have a kiddo around your son's age, and candidly, the adult menu can be a little intimidating for him at times. I understand your concern, and it's always best to keep everybody fed and happy during vacation.
That being said, your son is welcome to order a different menu item than what would normally be included in his meal. However, you'll want to check with your server at the time about what his options would be. Some dining locations have the ability to offer items and modifications for pickier eaters or those with dietary restrictions. While kids meals are typically reserved for Guests under 10 years old, your server might be able to help your son choose a meal that would be more to his liking. Your server will also be happy to discuss ahead of time the pricing of any items you'd be ordering, since you wouldn't be using a credit from your dining plan.
Dining locations like
Tusker House Restaurant have become our go-to in recent years, because they offer something for everyone. The African-inspired dishes are unique and offer flavors we don't often see in our hometown, so I love trying new things there. However, I find that we all (kids and adults included) stop by the kids section of the buffet to check out what's being offered there, too! A buffet with a multitude of flavors feels like a low-risk way to try to branch out, but it's easy enough to stay within our comfort zone at places like this.
Eric, I hope this is helpful for you as you plan an amazing adventure for your family. Please stop back by
planDisney with any other vacation planning questions you have as you prepare for your journey!
See you real soon!
Jennifer