Disney's Polynesian Resort Family Dining

All of Disney's restaurants whether in the park or in a resort, are family friendly, offering high-chairs, Mickey-themed plates (as well as pasta), and frequently some kind of coloring sheet plus crayons.

Families can save quite a bit on meals with Disney's Dining Plan. The plan allows families to choose from approximately 120 different resort and park eateries and includes one quick-service meal, one snack and one table-service meal at select restaurants for each night's stay. The plan must be booked at least three days prior to your arrival and is not available for children under the age of 3. Guests ages 3 to 9 order from a children's menu. Guests can use the meals and snack in any order and in any amount throughout the package stay.

As for the Polynesian, casual grab-and-go type fare as well as grocery items can be had at Cap N' Jacks. Kids love the touch screen ordering screens (with pictures of sandwiches, burgers, and chicken nuggets) that are right at their eye level.

Fellow coffee-loving parents can start the day with a fresh pressed-pot of Kona coffee at Kona Cafe, the resort's casual eatery. Be sure to try one of Disney World's best-known breakfasts, the delicious "Tonga Toast"--banana-stuffed sourdough bread, rolled in cinnamon sugar, then fried. Kona Cafe has a Pan-Pacific flavor to its lunch and dinner menus offering pot stickers, coconut-almond chicken, beef teriyaki salad, as well as the "Big Kahuna" burger.

Ohana, located on the second floor of the Great Ceremonial House, offers a character breakfast frequented by Lilo and Stitch (be sure to reserve in advance), a family-style Polynesian feast (eggs and bacon for breakfast; meats and seafood grilled over an open fire pit for dinner), as well as a large comfortable bar area.

"Disney's Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show" is part food, part entertainment. This lively show is set in a giant beachfront backyard cabana and features authentic Polynesian music and dancing. The three-course family-style feast includes tropical appetizers; lanai roasted chicken, Polynesian wild rice, South Seas vegetables, beverages and dessert. Shows are offered Tuesday-Saturday evenings with seatings at 5:15 and 8 p.m. Prices, based on view of the show, range from $51-60 per adult; $26-$30 per child.

Reservations for all but Cap N' Jacks are suggested and can be made by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

Two ways to save on feeding the gang: Sign up for Disney Dining or stop at one of the two Hess stations along Buena Vista Blvd in Disney World (or at a market on your way to the World) and stock your room's mini-fridge with beverages and snacks. Also, you can bring a cooler in to the theme parks as long as it meets the following regulations: It must be smaller than 24" in length, 15" wide, and 18" high. No glass or alcoholic beverages permitted. Full-size colors, with or without wheels are permitted in the water parks, however note, there is not secure storage area available for them.