Kids Meal Disappointment

[NOLADisneyFan]

This past January while we were in the World, DD(6) tried some of the Mickey Check meals for kids. I must say, she, DW and I were very disappointed.

DD is not a finicky eater. She likes the staples: grilled cheese, chicken nuggets, mac and cheese, spaghetti.

But, one meal in particular was really bad. It was a "grilled cheese" on a wheat-type bread, that had zero taste. I wound up having to buy her something out of pocket, which was a little frustrating considering what we spend for DDP. Don't get me wrong, most of the time the food selections were great for her, but other times portions are super small or just don't taste right.

Anyone else have a similar experience with the kids selections?

 

[HRHPrincessAriel]

Why didn't you take it back up to the counter/send it back if you were not happy with it?

 

[Weather_Lady]

My kids were generally fine with what they got -- they ate a combination of "Mickey Check" meals and non-Mickey Check selections. Your observation about portion sizes was true in our experience, and that's doubly true of the Mickey check meals, which are designed to be lower in calories, although overall my kids were satisfied -- at least enough to tide them over until we used a snack credit mid-afternoon.

However, just because our experience was generally positive doesn't mean yours is less valid: perhaps whatever was done to the cheese in that sandwich to make it more healthful, also made it flavorless. ("Too bland" is my most frequent complaint about Disney food in general, although admittedly I like my food very spicy.)

Still, you should not have had to purchase something else out of pocket, to make up for a meal that was not up to the advertised standard, especially considering the high cost of the DDP! Next time, take (or if at a TS restaurant, send) it back, preferably before there is more than a bite or two missing. Politely explain the problem, and ask for an alternate kids' menu meal option. If a CM tells you "no," ask to speak to the manager. In our experience, and especially if you have a positive and non-confrontational attitude, they'll do their best to make it right.

Another option for next time: skip the DDP altogether, so that the entire family can order exactly what they want. Depending on how well the DDP fits with your usual preferences, you may find that you'll spend the same or less by paying out of pocket. (For example: left to our own devices, we never order fountain drinks and very rarely order desserts, and sometimes DH and I would prefer an appetizer as our entree, or a burger instead of a steak. We've learned that we spend far less if we pay out of pocket than if we use the dining plan, even when you factor in the added costs of sometimes allowing the kids to order a grownup entree instead of chicken nuggets.)

 

[NOLADisneyFan]

Thank you all for your insight! DW, DD and I will certainly try to resolve it that way in the future.

 

[MadameGaston]

CMs will always give you something else if your child doesn't like the meal they got first you should never pay for a second meal out of pocket for lack of taste!

Also, a CM told us on our last trip that there is no distinguishment in child and adult meals at QS restaurants, only FS. So, if your child eats a lot or you have two children who can share one meal since they'll probably be hungry again in a couple of hours, you can get them adult meals instead of children's and no one will ever be the wiser or say anything. It was a big help with my brother and nephew who could get one adult meal and share because they would be anxious to go on more rides and then be hungry again in a little while. There's also a lot more options when it comes to adult meals.

 

[EvilQueen-T]

We too were disappointed with the Mickey check meals on our last trip. My granddaughter has never been afraid to try anything and actually wants to be a chef when she grows up so she's tries anything at least once. She's at the age where she goes between eating off the kids menu vs the adult menu depending on her mood. We got this meal at jiko. All the offerings were a protein with all the same set up which read as grains and seasonal fruit. The protein in the pic (in case you can't tell) is 1/3 of a grilled chicken breast. This is the meal untouched. We both tasted the grains and they were mush and flavorless (and we don't add salt at home and these were still bland) They tasted like they'd had all the flavor cooked out of them. The broccoli rabe was really hard and inedible. It was just a sad meal. We ended up splitting my short ribs. I'm glad they've taken the step to move past only offering chicken nuggets and pb&j's but they still have a long way to go imo.

 

[NOLADisneyFan]

That is certainly disappointing. I was fortunate to be asked several times this last trip to participate in surveys regarding meals. While I think Disney has REALLY upped its game in recent years for diversity and quality of its meals offered (especially quick service), I hope they can do a little better with the mickey check meals.

Of course, now I know how to work around the issue. It will be a breeze.

I appreciate all of your comments. I'm glad to see I wasn't the only one.