Hey there, Josephine!
Thanks for bringing us your question. As a fellow mom of picky eaters (much to my foodie heart's dismay), I'm happy to help! My family hasn't used a
dining plan just yet, but I have been to my fair share of dining venues across Walt Disney World Resort. My son has become more adventurous as he enters his teen years, but my daughter still hasn't developed a palate for much beyond chicken nuggets, macaroni & cheese and pizza.
During our visit to
Nomad Lounge at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park last week, she was anxious about the small bites menu offerings. Thankfully, the Cast Member serving us let her know that there were other options available even though they weren't printed on the menu. She ended up ordering chicken nuggets and macaroni off menu (surprise) and said it was her favorite macaroni all week. I'll take the wins wherever I can find them! I can't guarantee a separate menu at every dining location, but it never hurts to ask what magic might be possible in the kitchen.
If your family is planning on any Table-Service meals with a buffet or family-style experience, your children would still be charged for a Table-Service meal even if they opted not to eat any of the items available. They can likely bring in another comfortable food option to the venue, but meals would be deducted from your dining plan as indicated in the reservation terms and conditions. We have always found kid-friendly options across all the buffets we've experienced, so I'm hopeful your children can do the same. You may have more flexibility at a la carte venues, but I would confirm with your server upon arrival. Similarly, you would not be able to use a Table Service meal at a Quick-Service location. From what I understand, the way meals are allocated on dining plans can't be modified or substituted.
I know this is likely not what you hoped to hear, and I know how tricky it can be when planning meals around limited palates. You may want to consider adjusting to the
Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan instead of the
Disney Dining Plan if you think Table-Service meals will be a challenge. I've been able to find something to accommodate my daughter at nearly every venue we've dined so I'm crossing my fingers you'll be able to do the same.
Josephine, if I can offer any further guidance or restaurant recommendations please don't hesitate to come back and let me know. There are so many amazing restaurants to choose from I'd be happy to share my favorites as you narrow down your top choices.
Bon Appétit!
Amy