Hello Mandy,
Thanks for stopping by the Disney Parks Moms Panel. My family enjoys the value of the
Disney Dining Plan, especially when we have booked Character or Signature Dining Experiences. We also love having the option of different Plans since during each of our visits we like to try new Restaurants, so we need a Plan that fits with those particular Dining Experiences. I have some picky eaters in my family too however, we have always been able to find menu choices at the
Walt Disney World Resort Hotels and Theme Parks that make them happy. I suggest looking over the
Disney Dining Plan Locations list ahead of time and then making your Advanced Dining Reservations based on the menu selections at the Restaurants. It will give your son the opportunity to find other meals that he will enjoy outside of the Children's Menu offerings.
That said, you'll be glad to know that you may use your Disney Dining Plan meal entitlements in any way that you would like. You are more than welcome to purchase a side dish or any other menu item. I recommend speaking with the Cast Member serving you to see if you can use snack credits toward any side dish items your son would like to order.
I hope this information helps. Please visit us again if you have any additional vacation planning questions.
Magical Wishes,
Susan