Pack reliable eats
Don’t forget that Walt Disney World allows you to bring your own food and drinks into the park. If you have picky eaters who will likely turn their noses up at what’s on the menu, consider bringing your own bites along. You can pack your own Uncrustables for a fraction of what you’ll pay in the park. Fruit, crackers, and cheese sticks are easy to pack as well.
Stashing a small soft cooler in the bottom of your stroller can save you many a tantrum if you have small children who are particular about what they’ll eat. Even if you have to Uber it to a local grocery store to pick up staples, this can offer a cheaper and more convenient option than trying to force mealtime in a restaurant.
Go buffet style for special meals
If you’re going to splurge on a sit-down meal, consider hitting a buffet to appease picky eaters. Buffet-style meals give you a chance to taste everything and turn down whatever you don’t like. Disney’s buffets almost always include a kid-friendly section with options like Mickey waffles and scrambled eggs for breakfast, or pizza, chicken nuggets, and macaroni and cheese for lunch and dinner.
If your children are occasionally willing to try new things, or are inconsistent with what they’ll eat on a given day, a buffet will give you the chance to serve up something special with the back-up option of allowing them to pick favorites that they’re more familiar with on their second trip to the buffet.
Check menus before you go
One of the most convenient features of the Walt Disney World website is its full inclusion of menus. You can look up the current menu offerings for any dining location on property. Get to know the options available throughout the parks before you go, so you’re not left wandering aimlessly with an empty belly.
There are many locations that serve up favorites as their main feature so you don’t have to worry about special menus. Casey’s Corner at Magic Kingdom is all about hot dogs. At Animal Kingdom’s Pizzafari, the regular menu includes a selection of flatbreads, including a simple cheese version.
You should also be aware of restaurants that don’t offer typical kids meals. These are particularly prevalent in Epcot’s World Showcase. Here, the kids menu is usually as culturally appropriate as everything else at the restaurant. At the Lotus Blossom Café, kids can choose from sweet-and-sour chicken or potstickers & spring rolls. Monsieur Paul serves a roasted chicken breast, breaded red snapper, or filet mignon grille for children. Know your dining options well so you don’t sit down to a dinner reservation only to find there’s nothing for your kids on the menu.
With a little planning and research, you can plan an easy-going vacation where everyone stays fed, no matter how particular their preferences at Walt Disney World.
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