Visiting The Disney Parks With A Picky Eater

Planning a Disney World trip with a picky eater can feel a little overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to balance magical moments with mealtime meltdowns. The good news is that Disney is one of the easiest vacation destinations for selective eaters of all ages. Each park offers familiar foods, customizable options, and snacks that can satisfy even the most particular tastes. With a little planning and a few strategies you can keep everyone fed, happy, and focused on having fun in the parks instead of worrying about mealtimes. Here’s how to make dining in the parks stress-free with your picky eater.

Preview Menus Before You Go

Every menu at the Disney parks restaurants, both quick-service and table-service is available to preview online prior to leaving for your trip. If you are traveling with a picky eater or someone with food avoidance, it’s definitely a good idea to peek ahead at these menus in order to make your dining plans. Typically, every menu will have a kids menu that is full of “safer” food like chicken tenders, pizza, or burgers, but some restaurants have “safe” foods for adults as well. If you are looking for vegetarian options, there will be at least one or two plant-based dishes at each restaurant at the parks and resorts. Disney is very good about adding variety to their menus, and they are well-known for their typical theme park food alongside some more unique dishes.

Encourage But Don’t Overwhelm

When visiting the Disney parks it can be tempting to try and introduce your picky eater to new foods. It’s important to remember that you are away from home and in an unfamiliar enviroment with a lot of stimulation. It’s good to encourage trying new things, but remember that it can become overwhelming very fast for those who struggle with food.

Pack Snacks and Familiar Food

Many guests don’t realize that Disney allows you to bring in your own food and drinks. Their only rule is no alcohol, and no hard coolers. Guests can definitely pack lunchboxes full of familiar food for their picky eater, and bringing snacks is a great way to ensure your child has something to eat during your very busy day.

Look For Restaurants With Variety

If you are traveling with a group it will be very important for you to try and find restaurants with a wide variety of options available. Our favorite restaurants with great options for everyone’s tastes include Sunshine Seasons in EPCOT, Crystal Palace at Magic Kingdom, and all food courts at Disney resort hotels.

Be Mindful Booking Table-Service Meals

When booking table-service meals, be sure to be mindful of the menu and how it suits all members of your family. Most kids menus will have some basic options for those who are on the pickier side, but for adults who struggle with food it might be more difficult. If you need extra accommodations for your meal then be sure to speak to a Cast Member at the restaurant and they will find a way to best serve you and your family.

Do you have a picky eater in your family? How does it tend to affect your family vacations? Where do you enjoy going to eat at Disney World? We want to hear from you in the comments below!

Featured Photo: Emily Murray.