Taking the Kids: Eating your way through Disney World

Eileen Ogintz, Tribune Content Agency on Oct 14, 2021

While many might think this is only for adults, small portions (and prices) can be a terrific opportunity for kids to try new dishes and flavors, suggested Chef Phillip Rizzo, a member of the festival team.

New this year and big hits: The Noodle Exchange with Pho, Lobster Landing (how about a lobster tail?) and Mac & Eats. The best-selling dessert: S’mores Whoopie Pie-Lon with smoked chocolate brownies, marshmallows, graham crackers, chocolate ganache and a candied bacon topping.

(The festival is included in your ticket; you pay for food at all theme park eateries. There is a free Festival Passport that will help you find your way. For kids there’s the $9.99 Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak opportunity to find statuettes of the “little chef” hidden throughout the World Showcase and Global Marketplace. Complete the hunt and get a special surprise. Also take part in Emile’s Fromage Montage, purchasing five participating cheese dishes. Collect all five stamps and get a prize at the Shimmering Sips booth.)

No worries about calories. You literally are walking miles. I walked nearly 16 in two days, in fact.

Disney chefs lament that too many visitors still think the food here is just about burgers, ice cream and turkey legs. During the 50th Anniversary Celebration, they are on a mission to change that perception once and for all — and encourage kids to expand their palates. Not only that, but Disney World is a great option for those with food allergies and preferences as they can be accommodated throughout the parks and resorts.

“Kids,” said Chef Thrush, “Are more adventurous eaters today. They want to eat what their parents are eating.” To accommodate pint-sized foodies, restaurants now offer smaller portions of adult dishes, whether a petit filet mignon, salmon at the Columbia Harbor House in the Magic Kingdom or smaller ham and cheese and hazelnut chocolate crepes at Epcot’s new Le Creperie.

Take the opportunity to share, especially the gigantic “Cheers to 50 Years!” sundae (you’ll find it at the Magic Kingdom Plaza restaurant) that could easily feed five, complete with cookie crumbles, brownies, hot fudge and caramel, “EARidescent” sugar and a Mickey pretzel.

Come hungry!

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(For more Taking the Kids, visit www.takingthekids.com and also follow TakingTheKids on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram where Eileen Ogintz welcomes your questions and comments. The Kid’s Guide to Philadelphia, the 13th in the kid’s guide series, was published in 2020, with The Kid’s Guide to Camping coming in 2021.)