Kids meals on dining plan

[OkanaganAmanda]

We are coming in August and got free quick service dining, and are upgrading to the regular Dining Plan. We are coming up on our 180 days and trying to narrow down choices. Our kids are 4 and 6 and are generally going to be happy with the offerings on the kids menu. How does it work for the TS kids credit where they get an “entree, beverage and dessert”? It seems as if most of the kids meals now are a combo, choose a side and the typical drink choices (Minute Maid juice etc) - really, the inclusions sound just like a QS credit. Can kids not choose a specialty beverage off the menu (ie a slushy) or a dessert, or is their whole credit wrapped up in what the $10 kids meal combo already includes? We are looking at menus and trying to see how much we’ll need to pay out of pocket to upgrade so they don’t have to have the exact same boring combos at every meal. I was listening to today’s DIS Unplugged about Jungle Skipper Canteen and that sounds so appealing, but the kids menus are so limited.

 

[TheOneWithTheTriplets]

The rule is that kids are supposed to chose their entree, beverage, and dessert from the kids menu. So, yes, the limited options you're seeing there are what is included. Some people have had luck asking if, say, a child can get a milkshake as his beverage instead, but I wouldn't count on it. A server telling you that kids have to order a kids drink and/or dessert as listed on the kids menu would be 100% in line with the written policy.

 

[LongLiveRafiki]

We are coming in August and got free quick service dining, and are upgrading to the regular Dining Plan. We are coming up on our 180 days and trying to narrow down choices. Our kids are 4 and 6 and are generally going to be happy with the offerings on the kids menu. How does it work for the TS kids credit where they get an “entree, beverage and dessert”? It seems as if most of the kids meals now are a combo, choose a side and the typical drink choices (Minute Maid juice etc) - really, the inclusions sound just like a QS credit. Can kids not choose a specialty beverage off the menu (ie a slushy) or a dessert, or is their whole credit wrapped up in what the $10 kids meal combo already includes? We are looking at menus and trying to see how much we’ll need to pay out of pocket to upgrade so they don’t have to have the exact same boring combos at every meal. I was listening to today’s DIS Unplugged about Jungle Skipper Canteen and that sounds so appealing, but the kids menus are so limited.

As the previous poster stated, kids on the dining plan must order the entree, beverage, and dessert from the kids menu. Unfortunately, kids don't really have any fun drinks on their menus so if they wanted slushes/shakes, etc it would have to be paid for out of pocket. You can certainly ask if anything can be substituted, but I wouldn't expect it. Also bear in mind if you purchase slushes or drinks that they don't generally offer kids sizing and pricing for those, so it may be a rather large beverage for a young child to consume, especially when combined with their meal and dessert.

While aging them up and paying for an adult plan for one or both is an option, definitely consider whether or not they will really be able to eat an adult sized meal or the DDP upcharge may not be worth it. Remember that kids on any of the dining plans get 2 snack credits as well so you might want to consider using those for a special slush or ice cream or something as a midday and nighttime snack.

Oh, and in regards to the kids dessert for TS meals, it seems most restaurants are now putting the desserts under the kids sides selections and allowing kids to pick 2 sides. If desserts are listed in that section and you want your kid to have a dessert, you will need to select the dessert as one of the sides. They'll still bring the dessert to the table after the meal, not with the entree, but if you select like corn and rice as your two choices, you would not also be able to get them a dessert. Hopefully that makes sense.