Who doesn’t have a picky eater in their family? Picky eating affects 1 out of every four Americans. It’s a scientific fact I just made up. We all have that one kid (or adult) that simply won’t branch out in the culinary sense. We come up with ways to work around it and manage the situation as need be. However, when taking a vacation with a picky eater, some of our best strategies go right out the window. With a quickly growing reputation among foodies, Walt Disney World is one of those places where a picky eater could potentially pose a problem; but only if you don’t know your way around a Disney meal. These Disney World picky eater tips will have you right back at your comfort level again.
5 Best Kept Secrets For Walt Disney World With a Picky Eater
Bring Your Own Food
You are allowed to bring your own food into Disney Parks, which is a good way to save a little bit of money, but it’s fantastic for picky eaters. This one thing will supply you with emergency snacks that are tested and approved apart from going on this trip. Go prepared with your picky eater’s favorite snacks and treats so there will always be something they will eat while you are in the parks.
Fruit Markets
Fruit, veggies, and nuts are practically easier to get than a hot dog in Disney Parks these days. Understandably, healthy whole fruit and vegetables may not be your picky eater’s favorite food, but they are likely to find at least a fruit they will enjoy. There are apples, oranges, bananas, pickles, pineapple spears and more to choose from. There is also hummus and vegetables for a good healthy snack. If that doesn’t work, hot dogs are still pretty easy to find.
Kids Menus
Kids menus are pretty extensive at many Disney restaurants. There are two different types of kids meals to choose from. Disney Check Meals are healthier meal options that pass a nutrition standard set forward by Disney. These tend to have kid versions of adult entrees, turkey sandwiches, pasta, and power packs. The other kind of kids menu is more the Mac and Cheese and Chicken Nuggets category. Between these, you will likely find something your picky eater finds suitable. If they are outside the age range for kids meals, you will still have no problem ordering them at a quick-service restaurant.
Study Up
On the official Walt Disney World website, they make it very easy to read and compare menus. You can see what is available at every restaurant. If you read up on the different menus for restaurants you are interested in you will have a good idea of which places are best for your picky eater. Include them in your planning to make things extra easy when you get there.
Use the Buffet
The Disney World picky Eater thrives in the buffet. It’s all about picking food. They can pick and choose what they want to eat and how much. There are plenty of Buffets in Walt Disney World. There is one in almost every park and 5 resorts. Epcot kind of has a Buffet at Akershus, but it may not be ideal for picky eaters. There are also family-style services where picky eaters can also choose what to put on their plate. Most buffets are character meals, which might be a pro or a con when considering the option.
There you have it the five best-kept secrets on how to survive Disney World with a picky eater in tow.
Do you have a picky eater in your family?
What would you do at Disney World with your picky eater?
Be Prepared for Emergencies
Subscribe to get our FREE Emergencies Preparation List printable for Helping Little Kids Cope now.
Jen says
You had me at Dole whip. Is there anyone who does not like that awesomeness?!
My kids will always eat the churros there too. Like they could live off of them, but we enforce a visit to the fruit market when we are there too 🙂
Janine says
Jen, you are speaking my language with Dole Whipe and Churros, oh my! But yes to the fruit market. as well 🙂
William D Holland says
I love the scientific fact you made up. LOL I’m the picky eater in our family. It drove my parents crazy. Bev, she just lets me do my thing, and for that I am grateful. Now, what did I do with that macaroni and cheese? 🙂
Happy Thursday my friend! 47 degrees this morning…brrrrr!
Janine says
Aw, Bill, you and my picky eater would get along famously as she is totally a mac and cheese girl at heart! And was 49 here this morning. Too cold for me and not ready at all!! Happy Thursday though 🙂
Dara says
We do have a picky eater who thinks Disney mac and cheese is the best! We also always bring our own food!
Janine says
Dara, our picky eaters sound very similar as mac and cheese reigns for ours, as well 🙂
Tamara Bowman says
I’ve got a picky eater here! That’s part of the reason we love Disney World. They’re so attuned to nearly anything, that the kids get excited about the food. Even the picky kid!
Janine says
I couldn’t agree more and honestly Disney just does everything right – even food for picky eaters!! 🙂
Kristi Campbell says
You know, I’d NEVER have guessed you can bring your own food in. It seems like one of those taboo things, and I appreciate all of your picky eater survivor tips! You’re definitely the Disney expert. I think we’re going again (to the California one) in March and I already can’t wait. It’s too far away 🙁 but also DISNEY!
Also I love that fruit is so easy to get. That’s huge.
Janine says
Aw, yay to your upcoming, March trip and so excited for you now 🙂
Mother of 3 says
While I know we can bring in our food we often forget to; luckily though my kids are picky eaters there is so much to chose from at Disney that it has never been a problem.
Janine says
I do agree with you that Disney does make it pretty easy even for those of us with picky eaters, well 🙂