This look back at the past is lots of fun for kids and designed for the whole family to enjoy. The menu is pure family comfort food, from meat loaf and fried chicken to roast beef and pasta. The fun comes along when the servers start paying attention to members of your family. Manners are strictly enforced in the 50's, and transgressions like elbows on the table will result in diners having to stand in the corner until they repent. Kids will love watching their parents get in trouble for not finishing their green beans or fidgeting during the meal, and everyone will marvel at the dessert menu: it's on a ViewMaster reel.
There may be more expensive and elaborate character meals in Walt Disney World, but there may not be one that's more fun. Chef Mickey's buffet offers a very large variety of foods at breakfast and dinner, to please even the pickiest kid. During the meal you'll sing, clap, twirl your napkin around your head and stomp your feet, all along with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, Pluto and occasionally other characters. It's not just a show, as the characters all come around and interact with everyone at your table. Kids who are fans of classic Disney characters will love this meal.
Sometimes kids just need a lunch break instead of a full-fledged meal. If you're in the Magic Kingdom, Casey's Corner is the place to do it. The menu is simple: hot dogs and french fries, for the most part. Kids can get corn dog nuggets, you can all add chili or cheese sauce to your dogs and fries and there is Cracker Jack and brownies for dessert. Casey's is decorated in an old-time baseball theme, but the most enjoyable way to eat here is to get your food and go out to the hundred or so tables and chairs available. Watch for the ducks wandering around outside, though. They're professional French fry thieves.
If you're going to be visiting Animal Kingdom park, take advantage of the Picnic in the Park program with your kids. Order a picnic meal with either sandwiches and sides or barbecued chicken or ham and sides. Your lunch will come in a reusable lunch bag, complete with dessert and drinks. Take your lunch to one of about a dozen picnic spots in the park and spend your lunch time eating and watching animals eat their lunch along with you.
