Newbie toddler questions regarding dining

jenc842

Mouseketeer

Joined

Sep 11, 2015

• Nov 25, 2015

• #1

We are excited for our first cruise with a 13 month old! So I tried searching the forums but didn't see specifically answers to this -- if my toddler pretty much finished dinner in half an hour, is that enough time to get food for her and leave? I don't want to be rude to my table mates. We plan on bringing her to dine (and we adults would eat later at palo or remy), is that also ok to sit there with her and not eat?

Also, she's in the finger food phase... So do the high chairs pull up to the tables so she can pick off of that? She may get messy so also wondering if that seems to be the norm with toddler diners!

Thx

 

wilkeliza

DIS Veteran

Joined

Feb 1, 2013

• Nov 25, 2015

• #2

You can only eat at Palo and Remy once each cruise ar least pre-booking just as an fyi.

The first night half an hour is rough but if you are worried about future nights you can discuss with your head server preordering for your daughter.

 

jenc842

Mouseketeer

Joined

Sep 11, 2015

• Nov 25, 2015

• #3

Ok cool! Yeah, we are on a 4 nighter so we will be doing the first and last night with toddler, and between days at palo remy.

 

M

Momof2inCT

Mouseketeer

Joined

Sep 11, 2013

• Nov 25, 2015

• #4

Honestly, we took our kids as toddlers and they often sat there the entire time and joyfully participated in the entertainment during dinner. Animator's Palate will be exciting enough for a toddler to sit through the whole dinner. Oftentimes, the servers are GREAT at entertaining the kids - doing magic tricks, napkin hats, etc. - and before you know it, you've had a three course meal and the kids are still happy!

 

jenc842

Mouseketeer

Joined

Sep 11, 2015

• Nov 25, 2015

• #5

Momof2inCT said:

Honestly, we took our kids as toddlers and they often sat there the entire time and joyfully participated in the entertainment during dinner. Animator's Palate will be exciting enough for a toddler to sit through the whole dinner. Oftentimes, the servers are GREAT at entertaining the kids - doing magic tricks, napkin hats, etc. - and before you know it, you've had a three course meal and the kids are still happy!

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Awesome! We do half an hour most at home but then again mommy here is not good at magic tricks I'm excited! It'll be good for her. Were the chairs table height for your toddlers to get messy and eat table foods? She's pre-spoon phase!

 

jahber

DIS Veteran

Joined

Jun 22, 2012

• Nov 27, 2015

• #6

Yes, the high chairs pull right up to the table. They have tablecloths on the tables, but don't worry about getting them messy. In the past, our servers have encouraged our kids to draw on the tablecloths with the (washable) crayons they give the kids! You can always ask for your dinner to be served quickly, but they can only do so much with the timing of dinner. We have asked for our food to go to eat in the room before when a little one was antsy. You could also try that, if worse comes to worst. But we've always had fun--you'll make it work, too

 

Rapunzel22

Earning My Ears

Joined

Nov 15, 2015

• Nov 28, 2015

• #7

We sailed the wonder to Alaska in June 2015 with our then 11 month old and almost three year old. The staff was great and very accommodating. We made a huge mess every meal and they wouldn't let us help clean it up. Also, our kiddos were in a strawberry and chicken noodle soup phase so they would specially make it for them if it wasn't in the menu. We ate every meal with them and were served promptly, even with our special orders. We brought along our iPhones loaded with videos and put in on if the kids got antsy. We also gave our servers a big tip at the end of the cruise.

It sounds like you just want to feed your little one and go. If so, you'd probably like the buffet or room service better. I don't think it's rude to leave after 30 minutes but it might be faster and easier to just do a casual meal.

 

Last edited: Nov 28, 2015

T

Tinked

DIS Veteran

Joined

Mar 3, 2010

• Nov 28, 2015

• #8

My 10 month old GS (grandson) went to the nursery and got excellent care during meals. He loved being on the ship. Our wait-staff were disappointed when he didn't show up after the first night but understood. The staff all love having children around since they miss their families and will do ANYTHING to help with your child. Remember you are in a large dining room with lots and lots to see. With my 5 yr old GS they put chairs together to make a bed and covered them with tablecloths when he feel asleep one night.

 

jenc842

Mouseketeer

Joined

Sep 11, 2015

• Nov 28, 2015

• #9

Tinked said:

My 10 month old GS (grandson) went to the nursery and got excellent care during meals. He loved being on the ship. Our wait-staff were disappointed when he didn't show up after the first night but understood. The staff all love having children around since they miss their families and will do ANYTHING to help with your child. Remember you are in a large dining room with lots and lots to see. With my 5 yr old GS they put chairs together to make a bed and covered them with tablecloths when he feel asleep one night.

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Yes, I think I am just picturing everything at home--and fail to realize that we will be on a magically wonderful ship. So cute about the chair bed...sounds above and beyond! Thank you for sharing...I am now excited and put at ease.

 

Quellman

Donald Duck

Joined

Aug 15, 2014

• Nov 30, 2015

• #10

If you are concerned about table mates (you might not have any) you can always dine at Cabanas or the pool quick service areas. You can still check out the other 2 restaurants (not Animators Palette) for breakfast/lunch on the other days if you want to check out the decor. Others have answered about the high chairs. We cruised with a 14 month old and needed to have the iPad loaded with Mickey Mouse club house to make it through dinner some nights.