Disney Bans Kids from Victoria & ALberts

[mep517]

It would never even occur to me to take my kids to V & A. My daughter is 2 and very well behaved, but she's 2 nonetheless. She knows how to behave but is not immune to the occasional meltdown or tantrum. My husband and I have never shyed away from taking her to restaurants, but some places are for adults and some are for kids. And, quite frankly, how could you enjoy a meal of that caliber (and price) when you're tending to a small child? For that kind of money, I want to leisurly enjoy my experience and not worry about spilled milk, dropped utensils or changing a diaper mid-dinner.

Disney is full of wonderful dining experiences for the whole family. I think it's a great move on Disney's part to set guideline and expectation.

 

[happymom52003]

And about raising kids: there is no magic formula for well-behaved kids. I wish there were, 'cause then I'd write a book about it, become filthy rich selling the same, and the world would be full of well-behaved kids! The "one-size-fits-all" approach to child rearing just doesn't work -- at least not in the world in which I live. There are just too many unknowns. Case in point: how many of us know a family with two kids, one of which is very well-behaved and the other one of which is a total monster? I suspect we can all think of at least one such family we know. Now tell me: what happened? Did the parents raise the kids differently? Did they decide to discipline one, and let the other have no discipline? I think not. So don't be too quick to judge the parents. Each kid is different and applying the same formula -- new or old school -- to each one doesn't guarantee the same results. While thinking parents are lazy is an easy accusation to make, when I look into it I find most parents are doing the best they can. No parent wants to have a disruptive, undisciplined kid -- at least no parent that I know of!

So those of us with little angels have no reason to be smug in regards to those who don't.

Thank you for pointing this out. For those of you who take 100% credit for your child's perfect behavior, think again....while parents do play a HUGE part in their child's behavior, there are some kids that can be very difficult to discipline because of the personality they were born with. I USED to be one of those parents. My son is one of the most polite, well behaved children you have ever met....I did not even know what the term "terrible twos" meant when he was a toddler. I wondered why all my friends rushed to put their kids in mothers day out as soon as they turned 18 months old. I could take him anywhere for any amount of time, and he was always an angel. Still is to this day at age 6. Of course, my husband and I took all the credit....afterall, I do have a degree in child development and early childhood education. But THEN.....God played a funny trick on us and gave us a little wild child girl who at 3 years of age is driving us up the wall! We can't take her anywhere! She is a blessing and I would not want her to be any different than she is, but it just goes to show that even great parents who do everything right can still have a child who is hard to discipline.
Okay, I'll hop off my soapbox now. As for the new policy regarding kids at V&A, I have no problem with it. I would have never dreamed of taking my kids there. Out of all the places to eat at WDW, I see no problem with one or even a few being adults only. And as for PI, I just do not think that is the right enviroment for children. I thinked they should be banned from the entire place.

 

[bigtotoro]

My thoughts about loud/misbehaving children in Disney restaurants has been documented ad nauseum in another thread so I'll leave that be for now. I agree that it would be a futile gesture to do the same for the California Grill. The openness (it's a word) of the room along with the open kitchen really amplifies the total sound of the restaurant. Citrico's seems to be a little quieter but still has the same layout. So no good on that one either. I was shocked how many children Le Cellier had. It was really quiet loud, actually. But it's a park restaurant, so what can you do?

 

[Eeyore]

I agree completely, what kid under 10 can appreciate a $400 dinner lol. I think Disney does an excellent job of balancing the needs and wants of both children and adults.



Whoa, now wait a minute on that one! That is the single best place at MK to watch the fireworks on the roof, I highly doubt you will ever ban children from that location and I don't think they should myself. I'm sure every child that has seen them from up there will always remember that night for the rest of their lives. Why would you want to stop children from having such memories?:brick:There is a big difference from a stuffy meal mainly for adults and not much else to a cool place on top of the Contemporary with the best view of the MK fireworks.

I think the view of the fireworks from the hub is the best view. As a kid I would have much rather have watched them from there than some fancy restaurant (actually I still do). I go to the California Grill to enjoy a nice meal not to watch fireworks. Last time I was at the California Grill there were quite a few lovely little darlings who wanted to watch the fireworks from inside. So they watched hanging off the back of my chair while I was trying to eat. They banged on the window and ran around, nearly toppling over many servers. All while their parents ignored them and watched the fireworks themselves.

Sorry I brought it up, this thread is supposed to be about Victoria and Albert's not the California Grill. I'll be quiet now.:zipit:

 

[IWorkWTeeth]

Dare I say it.....but I wholeheartedly agree!

I'm with ya! Too expensive a place for crying children who were kept up way past their bed time after being in the parks all day!

 

[the-reason14]

Treats the symptoms and not the cure. You want to make a better dining atmosphere? How about the parents just get off their and do some parenting?

There are just too many loud mouth ignoramous kids out there and you need to look no further than the parents to see that the apple doesnt fall far from the tree. The parents either just pretend that the kids are invisible or that they don't want to hand out any discipline because they don't want to upset their super precious offspring.

One thing I've learned is that educating puppies or children have a lot of parallels. Rule#1: put the fear of God in them at least once. As soon they understand who is really in charge, everything tends to fall into place when it comes to listening. And before you jump on me for comarping kids to puppies, I'm not. I'm just paralleling the mindset of how you teach right from wrong. I have a 3 year old that everyone tells me is the most polite and intelligent 3 year old they have ever seen. So I have to be doing at least part of this parenting correct. I'm certainly no Brittany Spears.

Aren't there any people here that fondly remember actually fearing the consequences of doing something stupid and then having to face your parent's wrath? Or is everyone here under 25 years old and doesn't know what ol'school parenting is all about?

Im under 25, and I know exaclty what you are talking about. lol.

 

[Kingdom WDW]

I didn't see this anywhere.. so I thought I would put it out there.

************


Victoria & Albert's to young children: please eat somewhere else.

In a move to create at least one intimate, adult dining establishment on its property, Walt Disney World has banned young children from its swankiest restaurant, Victoria & Albert's at the Grand Floridian Spa and Resort.

Effective Jan. 1, children under the age of 10 are not permitted in the AAA five-diamond restaurant known for its Iranian caviar and Muscovy duck (a couple of items cited in Kevin Yee's book, The Unofficial Dining Guide to Walt Disney World.)

Not counting the adult-only policies at nightclubs at Downtown Disney's Pleasure Island, the move is the first time Disney World has set restrictions against young children for a dining or entertainment establishment.

Disney spokeswoman Kim Prunty said the move is being made because of guests' requests. Victoria & Albert's has long been cool toward young children, offering a fixed-price menu and no children's dishes.

"We find that our guests are really looking for an intimate experience and an adult-oriented atmosphere, and we want to make sure we meet those expectations," Prunty said.

See, kiddies? Uncle Walt is looking out for you.

 

[Nemo14]

Thank you for pointing this out. For those of you who take 100% credit for your child's perfect behavior, think again....while parents do play a HUGE part in their child's behavior, there are some kids that can be very difficult to discipline because of the personality they were born with. I USED to be one of those parents. My son is one of the most polite, well behaved children you have ever met....I did not even know what the term "terrible twos" meant when he was a toddler. I wondered why all my friends rushed to put their kids in mothers day out as soon as they turned 18 months old. I could take him anywhere for any amount of time, and he was always an angel. Still is to this day at age 6. Of course, my husband and I took all the credit....afterall, I do have a degree in child development and early childhood education. But THEN.....God played a funny trick on us and gave us a little wild child girl who at 3 years of age is driving us up the wall! We can't take her anywhere! She is a blessing and I would not want her to be any different than she is, but it just goes to show that even great parents who do everything right can still have a child who is hard to discipline.
Okay, I'll hop off my soapbox now. As for the new policy regarding kids at V&A, I have no problem with it. I would have never dreamed of taking my kids there. Out of all the places to eat at WDW, I see no problem with one or even a few being adults only. And as for PI, I just do not think that is the right enviroment for children. I thinked they should be banned from the entire place.

That is so funny and totally describes my kids! They're grown up now, but when they were younger, DD (#1) was for the most part a well behaved child and I could take her anywhere. I used to laugh at my friends whose kids were driving them nuts. Then along came DS, and I learned what it was all about! We raised them the same way, but they are 2 different kids with 2 different personalities, and I wouldn't have it any other way!

 

[ilvdisney]

Here's to hoping that the California Grill will be next. I'm a teacher, I adore kids. Its just really nice to get a break from them and have a quiet adults only dinner.

Amen to that! I remember when CG didn't "ban" kids, but wasn't exactly open to them. What a nice atmosphere! A few years ago we ate there for a nice "adult dinner"... two couples... we saw childern's menus being presented (with crayons) to kids who spent the evening running around the restaurant! UGH!

 

[KaliSplash]

quick ? i am thinking about going with my parents. I am seventeen...very pickie eater. but my parents really want to go and take me. Is there anything that i can request.. or will i just sit there and drink soda while my parents eat all the food i wish i could eat with out getting sick

Hi there,

I waded through the thread and it doesn't seem anyone answered your question. I have not eaten at V&A's but I have read a fair amount about it from several different sources.

There is a menu, at least one described to you, and you have I think three choices, one beef/red meat, one fowl and one seafood. The food and presentation will be well beyond the typical steak-house, etc. It is pretty expensive, as restaurant meals go, $100+. From your description, you may not like it. It will be quite an experience and you might hit on something you'd find out you liked. But I would suggest having your parents review Birnbaum, Unofficial Guide or the mentioned somewhere in this thread restaurant review book. Hopefully, they won't force this on you. If they do, do what you can eat and you can always hit the hotel's fast-food place on the way out Good luck!

 

[doop]

I've never had the privelege of eating at Victoria & Albert's, but I'm sure this is a wise decision on Disney's part.

 

[Amber]

We have dined at V&As several times, and on one of those times we did see some small children there. They were in the small room, only that one party in there, and I have to say they were very well behaved. Their parents brought a portable DVD player for the kids, and we couldn't even really tell that they were in there.

And FWIW, I would be more than happy to see the same rule at the CA grill. :lookaroun

 

[aklodge]

Honestly, I highly doubt they'll ever impose this type of ban on CG. It's been known for a while now as the only "official" place to see Wishes while you're dining, and with a reputation like that, no matter how high the price or how fancy the food, I don't think they'll exclude kids. While they do serve somewhat fancy food at high prices, I tend to think it's on a lower tier than V&A's.

 

[pixel-dust]

puppies and kids..

I'm ready for the flaming.. but

Before we had kids, we had dogs. My dogs were always trained to behave in public- no jumping or barking, sit stay come, both by voice command and hand signals. My dogs were allowed in schools and hospitals to visit people. Being able to semi predict how they would behave was very comforting to me, and because my dog knew what to do, comfortable for them. Good behavior=reward.

When the kids came along, it really wasnt much diferent. We didn't leash them, but they knew what was expected. Sit! to a 2 yr old is very understood, and said firmly helps with the fidgets. 'Heather, Alex, Come' in a playground would summon them from anywhere, without fuss. Because they knew what to do, they could feel good about doing it. Good behavior=happy mom. Happy mom=more cool things to do. having kids that will stay while you tie shoes of the other and not run off was a blessing. Well behaved kids should be allowed where their behavior is age appropriate. $50.00 Mac and cheese isn't where it's at. I could see where people would not want to watch an 18 month old play with their dinner. Spaghetti-O's on the forehead make funny album pictures, but not so cool in the restaurant.

And so far they are well adjusted young adults with good self esteem, and rarely I have to wipe their nose prints off the car windows.:lol:

Head to head- the dog was better at it

And at $400.00 a meal, I am not sure I could enjoy it. Thats a week of groceries!!! that's 2 round trip plane tickets!

Is the food that good? Really?

I would pay extra for a flight with no young kids.

 

[cnymike]

I've never even stepped foot at the place, but from hearing about other policies this just doesn't seem to be the place for kids. Heck, from the description of the hotel, it doesn't seem like a kid friendly place.

I agree with the fear of god stuff with puppies / children. People these days seem to think a "don't do that hunny" will solve the issue. Well, news is breaking, it won't. In my experience, a slap of the hands or spankin (just so it stings, not bruises) will straighten a kid up. With a puppy, the same principle is applied.

 

[Dwarful]

Well, as a mother I don't mind this ban at V & A. But I would be pretty upset if all of a sudden we couldn't eat at LeCellier. We taught our kids how to behave. Good behavior is good behavior. If they acted up as a small child, we left. Simple as that. This past summer I took my daughter's girl scout troop. Some of these girls had never been out of the state, let alone had such diverse dining experiences. The girls knew the one absolute rule with me is :
If I say it twice,it WON"T be nice.

We went on a short trip in Dec. and had one dinner ruined with a screaming toddler next to us the entire meal. The waiter was really sorry, but it was highly annoying. The parents just ignored the child, continued their conversation and let the child scream.

 

[michaelcostella]

I think its important to have a place for adults, therefore i agree with this policy.

 

[tigsmom]

...
We went on a short trip in Dec. and had one dinner ruined with a screaming toddler next to us the entire meal. The waiter was really sorry, but it was highly annoying. The parents just ignored the child, continued their conversation and let the child scream.

I've been in a very expensive restaurant that had "family dining" - meaning those with kids - from 4-6pm every night. Our kids were younger so thats when we made our reservations. There were 3 other families there at the same time. One couple let their children wander around, touch antiques that were on display and interrupt the other diners. As far as I could tell nobody complained, but the manager arrived and informed the parents that he had made their orders "to go" and would have them delivered to their room (this was at a 5 star resort) and he then handed them their bill and escorted them out of the dining room.

It shouldn't be up to the wait staff to deal with the disruptive diners, but management.

 

[cptwife80]

I'm all for getting some of the nice restaurants to be kid free. Now don't get me wrong I like taking my kids to nice places but sometimes an adult needs an adult only place to eat. The last time my DH and I tried to have a nice dinner we went to the California Grill. Now I understand what proper attire is needed. We sat next to a table where the parents let their kids come to dinner with ripped jeans and flip flops. And on the other side of me the kids were climbing all over the seats. It really ruined my experience of my first real vacation without my kids. Adults need to get their kids under control these days.

 

[Erika]

It would never even occur to me to take my kids to V & A. My daughter is 2 and very well behaved, but she's 2 nonetheless. She knows how to behave but is not immune to the occasional meltdown or tantrum. My husband and I have never shyed away from taking her to restaurants, but some places are for adults and some are for kids. And, quite frankly, how could you enjoy a meal of that caliber (and price) when you're tending to a small child? For that kind of money, I want to leisurly enjoy my experience and not worry about spilled milk, dropped utensils or changing a diaper mid-dinner.

You took the words right out of my mouth.

Also want to add to everyone in general-- please try not to drift this thread into a debate over parenting style, as those never end well.