Signature dining with *gasp* kids?

[zurgandfriend]

Its’ Disney they expect kids, my DS has been dining in signature restaurants or upscale restaurant since he was born. Signature restaurants always have crayons for drawing; I can’t tell you how many games of making boxes/connect the dots I played when he was little. Go and enjoy a great meal with the family.

 

[Nemo14]

I guess it's my job to be the curmudgeon here, but I strongly disagree with those who say it's OK - it's Disney. It's simply not OK if my husband and I choose an upscale restaurant and pay the ridiculously high prices to dine there only to be seated next to a couple of screaming hungry overtired kids, or one precocious little child whose parents think it's cute that she likes to roam around and crawl under my table (yes, this has happened). There are plenty of places where kids can let off steam (Hoop-Dee-Do is a fine example), and yes, a single child tends to be better behaved in a restaurant than multiple children. I often wonder if those on the dining plan would even consider bringing a child to these places if they were paying out of pocket.

*crawls back under my rock*

 

[Phonedave]

I guess it's my job to be the curmudgeon here, but I strongly disagree with those who say it's OK - it's Disney. It's simply not OK if my husband and I choose an upscale restaurant and pay the ridiculously high prices to dine there only to be seated next to a couple of screaming hungry overtired kids, or one precocious little child whose parents think it's cute that she likes to roam around and crawl under my table (yes, this has happened). There are plenty of places where kids can let off steam (Hoop-Dee-Do is a fine example), and yes, a single child tends to be better behaved in a restaurant than multiple children. I often wonder if those on the dining plan would even consider bringing a child to these places if they were paying out of pocket.

*crawls back under my rock*

If kids are well behaved - no problem

If kids are mis-behaved and the parents remove them in short order - no problem

If it is you described above - then it is a problem.

Hopefully most parents know if their kids are well behaved enough to eat at a restaruant, and if something happens, well then you remove the kid(s). Oh wait, that means the parent does not get to eat - tough, that's called being a parent.

I will say California Grill and Artist Point have some VERY nice kids offerings. My youngets daughter was very pleased to be able to get a chicken breast at CG and a small steak at AP instead of nuggets and fries.

My oldest has been ordering off of adult menus since she was 7 or 8- she eats is, so I have no issue with her doing so. It lead to a great moment in GC. She was about 10 and had ordered the goat cheese ravioli. It comes sauced in some sort of white cream based sauce. She ordered it, and started to eat it. The waiter came over and asked if everything was OK. My daughter said "what is this" and pointed to the sauce. I guess he assumed that, as a kid, she was expecting marinaria, so he said "oh, thats the sauce". She shot him this look that said "I KNOW that" and said "No, I am wondering what is in it, I am tasting some sweetness that I like". Then they had a 5 minute conversation about there being corn in the sauce, and how the sweetness worked with the goat cheese.

-dave

 

[zurgandfriend]

I guess it's my job to be the curmudgeon here, but I strongly disagree with those who say it's OK - it's Disney. It's simply not OK if my husband and I choose an upscale restaurant and pay the ridiculously high prices to dine there only to be seated next to a couple of screaming hungry overtired kids, or one precocious little child whose parents think it's cute that she likes to roam around and crawl under my table (yes, this has happened). There are plenty of places where kids can let off steam (Hoop-Dee-Do is a fine example), and yes, a single child tends to be better behaved in a restaurant than multiple children. I often wonder if those on the dining plan would even consider bringing a child to these places if they were paying out of pocket.

*crawls back under my rock*

The running around and crawling thing happened to us at Artist Point, so I know what you refer to however my DS about 9 at the time looked at the kids doing it and said to DW and myself, "Where are those kid's parents?" It is how you raise them and how you amuse them when they get cranky. I have had people complain simply because my child was sitting next to them in a restaurant. DS was behaving himself, but gasp they acted like a ticking time bomb was sitting next to them. I asked them if they were ever children or were they born 35 years old and a pain in the butt.

 

[IWantMyMagicBand]

The running around and crawling thing happened to us at Artist Point, so I know what you refer to however my DS about 9 at the time looked at the kids doing it and said to DW and myself, "Where are those kid's parents?" It is how you raise them and how you amuse them when they get cranky. I have had people complain simply because my child was sitting next to them in a restaurant. DS was behaving himself, but gasp they acted like a ticking time bomb was sitting next to them. I asked them if they were ever children or were they born 35 years old and a pain in the butt.

I did laugh out loud at the last sentence!

@Nemo14 This is why I asked, I wouldn't want to ruin a paying guest's experience. Disney is not just for kids, I've done it as an adult, before kids, and just couldn't understand why parents would let their kids behave like monkeys AND do nothing about it. Now I have kids, if they are monkeys I TRY to do something about it and am very aware of how my kids might affect someone else's holiday. We have eaten in shifts a lot! And have so many apps on the phone too! We've done CRT but breakfast so ever so informal. But today we went to Lego land and had issues with the buffet restaurant there, my youngest decided it would be a good idea to just lay down on the floor and not budge. Am I glad I wasn't at a signature restaurant? Oh yes you bet I was!

I have another 6 months before I need to make ressies to I think I'll see how the kids are and maybe book a show dinner instead. Was thinking about Spirit of Aloha as they are and have been a tad obsessed with Hawaii due to Lilo and Stitch.

Thanks you everyone for your input, it is much appreciated

 

[CheshireCat12]

I think you can take kids to V&A's if they are 10 or older, just FYI

 

[Jo DeVil]

We have been taking DS since he was 3 we have never had a problem and I can't think of one we haven't tried. He has request California Grill for his birthday meal again he loved watching Wishes while we ate, yes we eat late normally at 8. We always take a 3D DS or his Ipad mini, just in case he gets bored, but it is something he is use to.

 

[Hot Lava]

If kids are well behaved - no problem

If kids are mis-behaved and the parents remove them in short order - no problem

If it is you described above - then it is a problem.

Exactly this!^^

I have always hated people who let their kids run wild. Even now, with an very active toddler, I detest it and do not allow it from mine. We will go sit in the car before I allow him to act up, or EVER leave the table.

I read an article once written by one half of a foodie couple. They didn't want to give it up when they had kids. So they started out slow. They still go to high-end, upscale restaurants, and bring their toddlers. But they come prepared with entertainment (an ipod full of favorite tv shows has helped us out more than once), insist upon good behavior, and are willing to get up and leave (or one parent with child) if necessary. Lastly, they always go early in dinner service - usually seated by or before 5:30.

I am all for the early dinner. I am that way anyway, to avoid crowds. You are probably going to get the stink eye from some people who think kids should not at all be in an upscale place. Oh well. But only if you can count on well behaved kids.

 

[Yelloweaver]

We are taking our dd (6.5) to California Grille during our trip in 2 weeks. She's well behaved and I think she'll enjoy it.

 

[jkl2000]

People so often complain of seeing kids running around unsupervised at restaurants (I don't mean just WDW, and I'm not doubting anyone else's experiences), but I've never seen this that I can recall (maybe I will in WDW). I often come across news pieces about restaurants that ban children, and these kinds of experiences are always cited. I agree that parents should keep their kids under control in restaurants, or take them out if they can't, but whenever I hear about a restaurant that bans children, I always say I'm completely fine with it as long as they'll also ban old people.

 

[RandomPrincess]

People so often complain of seeing kids running around unsupervised at restaurants (I don't mean just WDW, and I'm not doubting anyone else's experiences), but I've never seen this that I can recall (maybe I will in WDW). I often come across news pieces about restaurants that ban children, and these kinds of experiences are always cited. I agree that parents should keep their kids under control in restaurants, or take them out if they can't, but whenever I hear about a restaurant that bans children, I always say I'm completely fine with it as long as they'll also ban old people.

I think that the bad experiences stick out more in people's minds. You don't tend to notice the quite, well behaved kids.

 

[Nemo14]

I think that the bad experiences stick out more in people's minds. You don't tend to notice the quite, well behaved kids.

Actually I do, and I usually comment to the parents about them. I remember being complimented once about my kids behavior and I never forgot how good that made them (and me) feel to hear it from a random stranger, so I try to pay that forward. Parenting is hard work but the rewards can be awesome.

 

[DisneyDebNJ]

Actually I do, and I usually comment to the parents about them. I remember being complimented once about my kids behavior and i never forgot how good that made them (and me) feel to hear it from a random stranger, so I try to pay that forward. Parenting is hard work but the rewards can be awesome.

Same here, and funny thing, my son, now 24, remembers too! But, as other posters have pointed out, I am sure it's much more difficult with 2, 3 or even 4 children. I even compliment parents on planes. Like Nemo said..... pay it forward

 

[Sweet Melissa]

I never would have thought to do that. I don't have kids, so I always thought that if I were to compliment a parent on their child's good behavior, it would come across as just as snotty as commenting on bad behavior. As if I were saying, "Good for you! Your spawn isn't a monster." No?

 

[Nemo14]

I never would have thought to do that. I don't have kids, so I always thought that if I were to compliment a parent on their child's good behavior, it would come across as just as snotty as commenting on bad behavior. As if I were saying, "Good for you! Your spawn isn't a monster." No?

No, not at all, if you say it sincerely. At least I didn't take it that way when it was said to me.

 

[piazza]

Its Disney! I have five children plus they bring friends. Range in age from 2 to 20 and we eat at signature restaurants every time we go. There are colouring sheets, crayons, booster chairs, high chiars and kids menus at all the signature dinning locations. Never felt out of place with our children there, have occasionally left a hefty tip due to the mess left behind we are considerate to those around us especially if we have a baby with us; for example taking turns walking baby out if they get fussy. Just staying vigilant to keep kids in order for the 60 minutes it takes to eat dinner.

 

[Figment_Dreamer]

There's also a third option here if you're looking to have a long and relaxing dinner (which may bore a 4 year-old). The deluxe resorts with signatures almost always have a kid's club (and if they don't, there's one nearby). When I was a child, I used to LOVE those clubs (I was partial to the Sandcastle Club at the Beach Club). They provide dinner, games and activities, and it allows you to take 2-3 hours enjoying dinner (and maybe a nice walk or drink) without worrying about the kids being entertained.

All that said, I've never been bothered by well-behaved children in signature restaurants. If you want to take your kids along and enjoy a nice, upscale family meal, then do it!

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

My kids have dined out a signature restaurants from a young age, they did always know how to behave when eating out, we never let them treat eateries as extended play areas, nor did we allow fussy eating. Sadly as young adults the latter is no longer the case. But at least its not my money now.