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For Kids

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 beginning to take place in restaurants all over the country -- and 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 ($29 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 heart-shaped PB and Js and sip apple juice "tea" while they play with Alice and the Mad Hatter ($29 per child). Call tel. 407/824-3000 or 407/939-3463 for details on both programs.

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):

  • Coral Reef (Epcot): Grilled mahimahi ($8)

  • Rose & Crown (Epcot): Bangers & Mash or Cottage Pie ($8)

  • Flying Fish Café (BoardWalk): Lettuce Salad ($3), buttermilk-fried flying fish of the day with roasted potatoes and veggies ($8)

  • Artist Point (Wilderness Lodge): Baked salmon with mashed potatoes and veggies ($9)

  • Citricos (Grand Floridian): Chicken noodle soup ($2), oak-grilled filet of beef ($12)

  • California Grill (Contemporary): Grilled petit filet with mashed potatoes and veggies ($11)

    Only in Orlando: Dining with Disney Characters

    Dining with your favorite costumed characters is a treat for many Disney fans, but it's a truly special occasion for those younger than 10. Some of the most beloved movie characters seemingly come to life: shaking hands, hugging, signing autographs, and posing for family photos (most never speak, with the exception of the princesses and a very small handful of others, so forget about conversation). These are huge events -- it's not uncommon for Chef Mickey's to have 1,600 or more guests on a weekend morning -- so make your Advance Reservations as far in advance as possible (when you book your room, if not earlier). Don't expect more than just a few moments of one-on-one, but what time there is, is sure to bring a big smile to your little ones' faces.

    The prices for character meals are much the same, no matter where you're dining (with one exception; Cinderella's Royal Table). Breakfast (most serve it) runs $19 to $32 for adults and $11 to $22 for children 3 to 9; those that serve dinner charge $28 to $40 for adults and $13 to $25 for kids. The prices vary a bit, though, from location to location.

    To make reservations for WDW character meals, call tel. 407/939-3463. American Express, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, and the Disney Visa Card are accepted at all character meals.

    For Internet information, go to www.disneyworld.com.

    Note: Although the character appearances were accurate when this guide was written, lineups and booking requirements change frequently (as do menus and prices). I strongly recommend against promising children they will meet a specific character at a meal. And you should never mention dining with the characters unless your Advance Reservations are confirmed first; character meals book up quickly and trying to make Advance Reservations too late in the game (or worse, attempting to walk in) will mostly likely result in disappointment. If you have your heart set on meeting a certain character, call to confirm his or her appearance when making your Advance Reservations.


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    Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.


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    Frommer's Walt Disney World & Orlando 2008 Frommer's Walt Disney World & Orlando 2008

    Author: Laura Lea Miller
    Pub Date: September 04, 2007
    Price: $16.99

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