Is there anything more depressing than a kids menu?

[Beer Me]

Just to add some perspective. My “kids” are in college now. Looking back it was such a minor and unimportant part of their childhood. We just did the best with whatever options were available. That’s really all there is to it.

 

[eileen2664]

Maybe your idea of good food is different then mine. Let's look at MK. Right now in MK, Pecos bills has the rice bowls, which are decent but who wants to eat the same meal all day, every day. The only other decent option is Liberty Tree, but both of those are seafood options. good luck if you have seafood allergies. Pinnocchio Village Hause flatbread is just pizza again. So you are pretty much stuck with just Pecos Bills for lunch and dinner if you are not eating at a sit down. So I would not say that there are a lot of options right now. Everything else falls under the processed, breaded, or fried category. I am not the one that "refuses" to see the reality of the horrible food that is offered.

with a kid or kids under 10, do you really spend all day every day in MK? If so, maybe your kids aren’t crabby because of the processed food
Might I suggest venturing out of the theme park to have lunch or dinner at the Poly, Contemporary, GF or WL. I spot checked a few QS menus there and found grilled chicken salads, chicken quesadillas, turkey sandwiches, etc.
My point is there are ways to feed your kids foods that meet your needs, they may just take some effort.
side note: if you’re this concerned about theme park food, I encourage you to start a compaign to change school lunches, you know the food kids eat 180 days/year vs the 7 days you’re worried about.

 

[The WDW 3]

Not when you actually have real children to feed.

so, my child isn’t real?

 

[nancipants]

You have actually proven my point. There are very few decent options and 2/3 of those are seafood. The rest is junk. Cosmic Rays used to have decent food. They had a rotisserie chicken meal that came with green beans and potatoes. It's a shame that they have changed from a decent meal to chicken strips.

You're basically excusing every option because you don't like it. Which is fine. But you're proving the point that people have different tastes. I loved the rice bowl at Harambe Market. *shrug*

I will agree with you about Cosmic Rays, though. Actually, I would posit that ALL the counter service options at MK suck right now. I loved that rotisserie chicken and mashed potatoes. However, it is still available at Sunshine Seasons. It's a half chicken so it's plenty to share with my son and I get sides of rice and green beans.

 

[FCDub]

“Sorry, kids, no holiday gifts this year because I spent all my time arguing with strangers about chicken tenders at Disney World”

 

[TwoMisfits]

So, is this whole thread from OP just an "I'm sad Cosmic Ray's changed our favorite kid food" meal b/c she doesn't want the healthiest kids meals, which seafood meals are, and she doesn't want other healthy options in MK b/c they are repetitive ("who wants to eat rice bowls every day"), but she just keeps hyping one meal. I mean, to me, it sounds to heck with her kids, but she just wants to save herself $10 ordering the kid meal for herself to eat every time.

I mean, why else fixate on one meal and one missing thing, and ignore ALL THE EVIDENCE TO THE CONTRARY. Unless you're personally sad they took away your own favorite meal...like one might be if Dole Whips were removed from Adventure Island.

Really, it's the only way this thread makes any sense at this point...

 

[OhDannyBoy]

Right, and that is great. My point was that they should have a balance of good foods with the standard kid stuff. But everyone seems to think that it is somehow normal to not have every counter service offer regular food on the kid's menu. You all are twisting everything and getting your panties in a bunch all because some of us would like better options for our kids. Oh, the horror of that.

So don't be cheap and buy food you see fit. You have the option, it just costs more. Oh the horror in that. It's amazing to me people will spend thousands on a vacation and whine they may have to buy a meal for their kids that is a few bucks more. You are aware the adults menu doesn't have a height or age requirement right? Pony up butter cup. Stop being so entitled.

And for the 40th time, it's a theme park. Not a Michelin star restaurant. Most of the food in the adult menu is mediocre at best too. And I don't know where you are from but this is what is common on kids menus most kids menus. Especially at fast food places. And what is a quick service place? What word is synonymous with quick? That's right, fast. As in fast food.

 

[DLgal]

So, seafood options for kids "don't count" because of a specific dietary restriction?

Interesting...

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I disagree,its definitely better to put in the effort to not have a picky eater kid before they become an annoying teenager or adult who expects other people and dining establishments to cater to them.

I have a friend with a picky teen who cant even order her own meals at 15 years of age for whatever reason,so the parents have to order her something from the children's menu, plain with sauce on the side.they allow this at home and tailor their meals to her preferences. We dont go out to eat with them very often.

This is an older comment but you know picky doesn't have to be synonymous with bland or plain or boring. Have you ever met that person? You know the person who snubs their nose at a place that doesn't serve octopus or squid or some very fancy steak? You know the person whose discerning palette runs the other way? You know the person who won't go to places unless they have the options for their discerning palette?

I know it's common to think about the person who has the bland boring taste buds when talking about picky eating but truly there are parents out there that choose to serve their kids such food that one would call them adventurous and sometimes those kids turn out to be adults who are of the less fun bunch to go out to eat with when they snub their nose at anything less than what they are used to and sometimes it's because their parents in turn snubbed their nose at more "basic" options because well my kid won't eat that stuff no way.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

For a place as big as WDW, for a place that gets as much visitors as they do actually Disney does far and above IMO. To date they are from all sorts of opinions one of the best places to go vacation for food sensitivity and food allergens. I've seen many posts from people who choose to visit mainly WDW just for those options.

Back in 2017 I spent a long time looking over menus, I made an excel spreadsheet and a word document. While I know the menus have changed and scaled back there truly is a lot of options out there. Overwhelming so TBH. Takes a while to go through all those menus.

Healthy is subjective here, I think people need to realize that. Unless you're comparing the nutritional menus of each item it can be deceptive in just a blind assumption. You're normally safer with salmon but chicken is really going to depend how much salt is added. Fried food may sound bad but something else could be full with salt or butter and make it just as bad if not worse. Salads can be good but you do need to watch dressings.

I do think the larger conversation I saw in this thread is more about wanting to pay less for a meal or an annoyance that a particular meal option was removed (I get that disappointment but it's not the first time it's happened and it happens to adult meal options a lot). My husband and I often split adult meals, def. at QS/CS places so as two adults who share a meal it's not completely out of the possibility for an adult and kid to share a meal too just depends on the appetites of all involved although it's been pointed out portions of kids meals are normally thought to be less so I would assume that splitting an entree should be fine for the kid and it's been said that people feel the portion sizes are too much often at Disney for adult meals so again I would assume splitting an entree should be fine for the adult. Of course that meals the adult and kid have to like the same item but well if you're of the "must eat healthier" crowd you'd be more likely to eat the same meal item as your kid you're trying to get to eat healthier. However, I'm confused about the discussion related to healthier options because in the end it doesn't seem like that was really what the complaint was about. Seafood is on average healthier and seafood is def. not boring or bland food to most people.

Also while it may be more work perhaps you can also look to bring food. Some food may not travel well but it's an option for at least some food options.

 

[Pickles516]

with a kid or kids under 10, do you really spend all day every day in MK? If so, maybe your kids aren’t crabby because of the processed food
Might I suggest venturing out of the theme park to have lunch or dinner at the Poly, Contemporary, GF or WL. I spot checked a few QS menus there and found grilled chicken salads, chicken quesadillas, turkey sandwiches, etc.
My point is there are ways to feed your kids foods that meet your needs, they may just take some effort.
side note: if you’re this concerned about theme park food, I encourage you to start a compaign to change school lunches, you know the food kids eat 180 days/year vs the 7 days you’re worried about.

Listen, Eileen - you’re missing the point. The point I’m making - and the only logical conclusion to be drawn from the arguments and evidence put forth - is that I’m better than you. I’m a better parent. And my kids are better. My little Payleigh is first chair in her recorder orchestra, and it’s because she only eats whole and free range foods that I grow outside of my cottage in the countryside. My little Braxton can throw a football 500 yards because he churns his own almond butter for twelve hours a day. It’s called parenting look it up. It’s incredibly frustrating that WDW doesn’t acknowledge and account for the fact that my kids (who are inherently better than yours or any other kids) want mouse-shaped foods that nourish their minds, bodies, and souls. If a multi-National conglomerate can’t understand that my kids have superior pallets, what hope is there?

 

[OhDannyBoy]

Listen, Eileen - you’re missing the point. The point I’m making - and the only logical conclusion to be drawn from the arguments and evidence put forth - is that I’m better than you. I’m a better parent. And my kids are better. My little Payleigh is first chair in her recorder orchestra, and it’s because she only eats whole and free range foods that I grow outside of my cottage in the countryside. My little Braxton can throw a football 500 yards because he churns his own almond butter for twelve hours a day. It’s called parenting look it up. It’s incredibly frustrating that WDW doesn’t acknowledge and account for the fact that my kids (who are inherently better than yours or any other kids) want mouse-shaped foods that nourish their minds, bodies, and souls. If a multi-National conglomerate can’t understand that my kids have superior pallets, what hope is there?

 

[Lilsia]

So don't be cheap and buy food you see fit. You have the option, it just costs more. Oh the horror in that. It's amazing to me people will spend thousands on a vacation and whine they may have to buy a meal for their kids that is a few bucks more. You are aware the adults menu doesn't have a height or age requirement right? Pony up butter cup. Stop being so entitled.

And for the 40th time, it's a theme park. Not a Michelin star restaurant. Most of the food in the adult menu is mediocre at best too. And I don't know where you are from but this is what is common on kids menus most kids menus. Especially at fast food places. And what is a quick service place? What word is synonymous with quick? That's right, fast. As in fast food.

I think that you are confusing me with someone else posting about spending more on an adult meal. We always bought our kids and adult meal for them to split because the kid's meals were so crappy. We spent quite a few meals at the buffets just so they can get some vegetables and a decent protein. You are all completely missing my point. Would it kill them to have some broccoli or green beans as a side at the counter service restaurants?

 

[Lilsia]

Listen, Eileen - you’re missing the point. The point I’m making - and the only logical conclusion to be drawn from the arguments and evidence put forth - is that I’m better than you. I’m a better parent. And my kids are better. My little Payleigh is first chair in her recorder orchestra, and it’s because she only eats whole and free range foods that I grow outside of my cottage in the countryside. My little Braxton can throw a football 500 yards because he churns his own almond butter for twelve hours a day. It’s called parenting look it up. It’s incredibly frustrating that WDW doesn’t acknowledge and account for the fact that my kids (who are inherently better than yours or any other kids) want mouse-shaped foods that nourish their minds, bodies, and souls. If a multi-National conglomerate can’t understand that my kids have superior pallets, what hope is there?

That is how I see people who let their kids only eat mac and cheese and chicken strips. Whatever their baby wants, that is what they get. Never mind that they are being nutritionally starved and that a child should not be making such important decisions, like getting proper nutrients, themselves. What kid wouldn't want to eat junk all day, every day. Might as well just let them eat cake and candy. We are the complete opposite of what you posted and I know that, for some reason, that is how you see me. But it could not be further from the truth. Meals were the one thing that was non negotiable in our house. You eat a decent meal because your body needs it for proper growth and development. So that is where we drew the line. Other people see it differently and we are all supposed to be supportive of their parenting decisions. But a parent that actually wants some healthy food for their kid is fair game, right? It's like reverse bullying. You all are bullies. And I know that my kids grew up extremely healthy and eat a huge variety of foods. So it doesn't matter what you think, because I know that I did right by my children. It's a pity that more don't see it that way.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I think that you are confusing me with someone else posting about spending more on an adult meal. We always bought our kids and adult meal for them to split because the kid's meals were so crappy. We spent quite a few meals at the buffets just so they can get some vegetables and a decent protein. You are all completely missing my point. Would it kill them to have some broccoli or green beans as a side at the counter service restaurants?

With all due respect reading this thread I've found it a hard time just trying to figure out what your point is. It's changed too many times. The goal posts (haven't used that term in a while lol) have seemed to move page after page, discussion after discussion.

Disney really does try, much more than many other theme parks. I was fairly confused trying to follow the conversation because just as I thought a poster or posters answered a concern for you another one would pop up. That could be on me though for my reading comprehension.

I did find QS/CS options with specifically green beans or broccoli as a side for a kid although green beans seemed to be more common. I did not do an exhaustive search though, a very brief one. There were also some places where that was an option a la carte. There are also seafood options for kids in a variety of places, seafood being a good source of protein (salmon and shrimp) and yes served with broccoli or green beans.

Maybe you want a specific place or you want all the QS/CS places. That's also probably why you're getting some pushback here. Are you necessarily alone in your desire? Of course not, but really there are options provided just maybe not exactly to a T what you want.

 

[bsmcneil]

We just did the best with whatever options were available. That’s really all there is to it.

I just think this should be printed on the blankets and hats that come in some hospitals (and any/every-thing else baby related up to, like, age 18).

 

[eileen2664]

That is how I see people who let their kids only eat mac and cheese and chicken strips. Whatever their baby wants, that is what they get. Never mind that they are being nutritionally starved and that a child should not be making such important decisions, like getting proper nutrients, themselves. What kid wouldn't want to eat junk all day, every day. Might as well just let them eat cake and candy. We are the complete opposite of what you posted and I know that, for some reason, that is how you see me. But it could not be further from the truth. Meals were the one thing that was non negotiable in our house. You eat a decent meal because your body needs it for proper growth and development. So that is where we drew the line. Other people see it differently and we are all supposed to be supportive of their parenting decisions. But a parent that actually wants some healthy food for their kid is fair game, right? It's like reverse bullying. You all are bullies. And I know that my kids grew up extremely healthy and eat a huge variety of foods. So it doesn't matter what you think, because I know that I did right by my children. It's a pity that more don't see it that way.

Honestly I want to try to help you. I get having a kid who won’t eat what’s on the menu (mine’s so picky he won’t even eat chicken nuggets, but I understand the frustration nonetheless). It sounds like your issue is the menus as a whole, not just the kids menus.
Let us help you, provide some basic info: where you’re staying, what parks you’ll be visiting, allergies, etc.
Also, I ask that you think about this: if you were at home for a week without a kitchen to cook in, where would you go to eat every day?

 

[bsmcneil]

Healthy is subjective here, I think people need to realize that. Unless you're comparing the nutritional menus of each item it can be deceptive in just a blind assumption. You're normally safer with salmon but chicken is really going to depend how much salt is added. Fried food may sound bad but something else could be full with salt or butter and make it just as bad if not worse. Salads can be good but you do need to watch dressings.

Also while it may be more work perhaps you can also look to bring food. Some food may not travel well but it's an option for at least some food options.

I think this is a super important point. Like, tbh, typically food cooked in restaurants is going to be relatively less "healthy". Rotisserie chicken and green beans are great options - but if cooked like, for instance, Boston Market cooks their food - it's not on the whole "healthy" (though certainly these options are generally better than only fried chicken and green beans like my mama used to make). Salads are great options ... except when loaded down with things. There's not any one perfect thing - so, as a ton of people have said, you do the best with what you can for your needs. I haven't seen a single post that says ban anything remotely healthy (though, to be fair, if so - maybe that was the ghost of my mama's cooking - which, God love her, wasn't healthy even if it wasn't overly processed. We may have gotten vegetables from the garden outside but some flour and butter and salt usually hit them before they hit the plate). I'm also the weird Southerner (and was the weird kid) who absolutely loved fresh vegetables from the get-go and really can't stand pizza. Any given day, I will choose "healthier" food over what I grew up eating (which is the claim often being bandied about - that if I wasn't given mac and cheese from an early age, I wouldn't grow to want it). I just sent a side order of veggies back last night because the place just burned them to a crisp and threw salt on it - and I was like, "No, this isn't what we do with vegetables!" (and I knew it's not how they usually came at the restaurant - I'm sure the cooks just got busy).

I'll also admit that when my oldest was pretty young, I felt such a smug sense of superiority when they ate certain foods. We absolutely wouldn't do sugar (after making their baby food for most of their early stages) and refused to do processed stuff for a while. My kid refuses to eat McDonald's chicken nuggets. And yet, there's still a major issue of what they will eat - throwing out of the window all the stuff that worked early on for them. It's been super trying (and like someone said earlier, they will just not eat as we've tried the whole "you eat what's made" plan). And, what I've found that is actually working right now, is reducing the pressure and just making things an option - and they're getting to it, even if it's at their own pace. Which I loathe and have learned is the whole underpinning of parenthood for us.

 

[Disneybuckeye]

All I know is I had a lovely pork taco with a rice side and a bottle of water at ABC commissary from the children's menu. Who knew I was really eating chicken nuggets and mac n cheese in disguise.

OP we get it. You do not like the food at Disney and there is nothing that you consider healthy your kids will eat. I agree with the prior suggestion to pack your own foods. There are many people who do it. Use google and you will find the info.

Personally I can think of many more things that are way more depressing than a kids menu at Disney World.

 

[OhDannyBoy]

To the OP: I'm sorry your original point has gotten so buried in all of this that it was completely lost. I'm bored at work so arguing about this stuff is sort of a time killer for me. i don't think the OP has posted in here much.

It's like playing chess with a pigeon. No matter what happens, they are just going to run and poop all over the board.

But I'm bored and since we are doing this......

I think that you are confusing me with someone else posting about spending more on an adult meal.

Nope, it's you. But you keep changing your LOL point LOL so often I think you confused yourself. Go back a few pages and look. YOU complained about the cost of the meal, which, when we get down to it, is the crux of whatever semblance of an argument you kind of tried to have.

We always bought our kids and adult meal for them to split because the kid's meals were so crappy.

Yeah fast food tends to be like that.

You are all completely missing my point.

Which point? You've flip flopped between a few. You are failing to make a consistent and coherent one to not miss. Hard to hit moving targets.

Would it kill them to have some broccoli or green beans as a side at the counter service restaurants?

So it can satisfy whiny minority? Because that's what most kids at an amusement park look forward to. A side of broccoli. That will be a big seller. And again, you can get broccoli, it's just under a different header. But you can get broccoli. Just not everywhere as to make it part of the menu and have to stock it at fast serve locations to satisfy a few who forget they rare at a theme park can order it would cost a lot and hinder the quick service. I know it's hard to believe but trying to make everyone happy will make no one happy. That's why they don't do it. Not to make YOUR dining experience less than what you feel is optimal. It's quick service. Slower service will have more options.