Hi there, Peter!
Thanks for stopping by the Disney Parks Moms Panel with your question about the
Disney Dining Plan. It sounds like you're well on your way to maximizing the use of your entitlements from your Disney Dining Plan. If your son would prefer to order from the children's menu, then paying out-of-pocket for his meal would be wise. Just let your server know that is your intention. (The one exception, of course, would be if your family were dining at a buffet. Then you would need to use an adult credit for your son's meal.)
One of the things I appreciate most about the Disney Dining Plan is its flexibility. You can use your meal and snack credits for anyone and at any time between when you check in at your Walt Disney World Resort hotel and midnight on the day you check out.
Now that your son is 14, don't forget that he is at an age where he can enjoy some pretty spectacular meals and events that are reserved for adults and older children. I love exposing my teenage students and son to these exciting opportunities. For instance, guests 14 and older can learn more about the magic behind the Disney theme parks by
Dining with an Imagineer at The Hollywood Brown Derby or
Cítricos. Your son is also old enough to peek behind the scenes of Magic Kingdom Park as a participant in the
Walt Disney: Marceline to Magic Kingdom Tour. A whole new world is opening to your teenage son with activities like these.
Let us know if you need any additional advice.
Best wishes,
Jill