For Kids

Pint-Size & Picky?

Traveling with less-than-adventurous eaters? WDW has plenty of familiar favorites for little ones more willing to ride the roller coasters than try any unfamiliar foods (though pint-size portions of more adventurous items such as mahimahi, salmon, and steak, among others, are available too). Topping the menus are PB&J, pizza, chicken strips, grilled chicken, grilled cheese sandwiches, turkey sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, burgers, hot dogs, pizzas, pastas, and french fries (now available only upon request), among others. Even picky eaters will find plenty to please their palates.

A Balancing Act

In an effort to promote better eating habits, Disney kid's meal menus have been revised; children's entrees now feature healthy options such as low-fat milk, 100% fruit juice, water, and sides such as unsweetened applesauce, veggies, and fresh fruit as standard kid's meal menu items. Soda pop and french fries are still available, but only upon request.

And all of the WDW restaurants (in the theme parks and at the resorts) are currently in the midst of transitioning to become entirely trans fat-free (a trend that is also taking hold at other area theme parks).

Cooking for Kids

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa offers two special cooking programs for children. Grand Adventures in Cooking invites up to 12 youngsters, 4 to 10 years old, to make dessert in a 2-hour decorating class ($30 per child). The Wonderland Tea Party gives kids the same age a 1-hour primer in cupcake decorating -- with their fingers! They also feast on sandwiches (turkey or berry) or chicken nuggets and sip apple-juice "tea" while they play with Alice and the Mad Hatter ($40 per child). Call tel. 407/824-3000 or 407/939-3463 for details on both programs.

For Smaller Stomachs

If your kids aren't satisfied with the offerings on the kids' menu (though many feature pint-size portions of more adult options along with plenty of familiar favorites), try the appetizer menu. They'll have more to choose from, and the price is right. Also, always ask if half-portions are available; they are generally not advertised, though some restaurants offer them upon request. The same applies when requesting items a la carte. Disney's menus (even at quick service restaurants) won't always reflect a la carte items, though they are often available if you ask.

Pint-Size Portions

If your kids are adventurous in the dining department but can't handle adult-size portions, several Disney restaurants allow kids to sample dishes geared to adult tastes that are served in portion sizes suited to smaller stomachs (and at smaller prices, too). Options include (but are not limited to):

• Artist Point (Wilderness Lodge): Baked salmon with mashed potatoes and veggies ($11)
• California Grill (Contemporary): Grilled petit filet or roasted salmon with mashed potatoes and veggies ($11)
• Citricos (Grand Floridian): Chicken noodle soup ($3), oak-grilled filet of beef ($13)
• Coral Reef (Epcot): Grilled mahimahi ($8)
• Flying Fish Café (BoardWalk): Lettuce salad ($4), fish skewer with roasted potatoes and veggies ($11)
• Rose & Crown (Epcot): Bangers and mash or cottage pie ($8)