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-sized 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.

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&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 and 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)

For Smaller Stomachs -- If your kids aren't satisfied with the offerings on the kids' menu (though many feature pint-sized 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 follows when requesting items a la carte. Disney's menus won't always reflect a la carte items, though they are often available if you ask.

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 $33 for adults and $11 to $23 for children 3 to 9; those that serve dinner charge $28 to $45 for adults and $13 to $26 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 below were accurate when this book went to press, 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.

Other Casts of Characters -- Not wanting to feel left out, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld have instituted their own character dining experiences. Like Disney's meals, these are very popular experiences, so be sure to reserve your spot as far in advance as possible.

At Islands of Adventure, the Confisco Grill is home to a character breakfast buffet where Spider-Man, Captain America, the Cat in the Hat, and Thing 1 and Thing 2 all join in on the fun. It runs Thursday through Sunday, from park opening until 10:30am. The cost is $16 adults, $10 kids 3 to 9; park admission is required but not included in the cost. Call tel. 407/224-4012 for more information or to make reservations.

At SeaWorld, you can chow down on a buffet lunch right alongside the killer whales at the daily Dine with Shamu, at the Shamu Stadium. The cost is $37 adults, $19 children ages 3 to 9; park admission is required but not included in the cost.