50's PT or Sci Fi for sensitive kids?

[LockShockBarrel]

While you can tell YOUR server that the antics aren't welcome, you can't expect every server that may walk past your table to know and abide by that. They're also not going to stop doing it to the tables around you, so if you're kid is going to get freaked out by that, or nervous that they may still get picked on, avoid it.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

You know your kids best, but let me say first, one bad reaction in the past does not equal the promise of a bad reaction inthe future. Kids can be very variable. That said, you know first hand how diffficult it was to console your child after the fact - not me. I hope that makes sense.

I'm all for giving kids the tools they need to combat fear, rahter than avoiding things, but that's partly contingent on the nature of the reaction.

I also kow full well that children who have a cold or are over tired can react wildly differently that kids who are well rested - say. So maybe your meatballs day was a bad day.

I don't say this to be mean - I've heard that a number of adults who are fine on every other ride at WDW get freaked out by the dolls on It's a Small world. It's just their phobia. also, I was greatly surprised at the thread a while ago about the clown pool at the BWK. Many folks who LOVE WDW, avoid that one pool! go figure!

That said, in your shoes, I'd go with 50's Prime time. You can tell the staff when you check in, youcan also talk to your daughter ahead of time. There might be a way you can arm her with a come back line or something. I don't say this as a way to be mean at all - I say that you have the power to completely turn the situation around. I've used this technique with children many times. It's entirely possible to turn her fear into anticipation. It's called empowerment. I've used this techninque many times over.

I once went to WDW with a child who was scared of the polar bear in the Norway ride. We came up with a plan to growl at the bear. On the SAME day - she went form scared, to wanting to ride multiple times so she could growl again! not only that, but she noticed other details about the ride for the first time. Before that, she only paid attention to the bear.

I can also say, being able to turn around fear is amazingly powerful. I've seen kids go from shy- to outgoing - once they conquer their fear. Once they conquer their fear, they often become VERY eager to empower other kids. Fear can be extrememly disabling.



I hope all that makes sense without sounding mean. I also think 50's PT is kind of fun. To be honest, most of the servers we've had have kept things pretty minimal. I mean our server didn't do anything unsual at all, except maybe call someone 'cousin.'

 

[Mom2micayla]

While you can tell YOUR server that the antics aren't welcome, you can't expect every server that may walk past your table to know and abide by that. They're also not going to stop doing it to the tables around you, so if you're kid is going to get freaked out by that, or nervous that they may still get picked on, avoid it.

This.

We just eat at 50s last week and we mentioned to the hostess about our son being shy, autistic, etc and that we'd greatly appreciate if our server wouldn't do the usual shtick they do. Of course our server did it anyway, although from a past experience I think he toned it down a bit. And of course he was yelling at the tables all around us, so it was more or less a moot point to tone it down for us. So if you're worried about how they will handle screaming, etc, I'd definitely opt out of eating at 50s.

 

[WillAustin]

i have a 4 year old son who has sensory issues & HE LOVED Sci fi- Every child is different & only you really know how your children would be. I took a chance w/ this one & I am happy that I did. They played a tom & jerry cartoon (he loves them) some great snack advertisments.& a few ads w/ Walt himself in it.. Sci Fi isnt loud like Prime time can be & they had awesome milk shakes!

Whatever you choose I wish you a wonderful time.

That was our experience as well. We have a six year old with sensory issues. Sci-Fi was the most relaxing meal we had the entire trip. And the food was pretty good.

 

[Geomom]

Sci-Fi--I'd avoid it since you said your daughter is easily scared. My eldest is like that--she's 11 now and still refuses to go in the Haunted Mansion. When my eldest DD was 9, we went there--she had nightmares after that and didn't eat a thing during it. My youngest was 5, she was absolutely fine. So, for other kids it's absolutely fine.

50's Prime Time--It all depends on who you get for the wait staff. We went there last November and had a 'mild' waitress. My Dad was with us, and she picked on him vs. picking on the kids. She cut a 1/4 inch piece of green bean and fed it to my Dad since he hadn't finished his veggies. We did hear one waiter yell to a teenager heading to the bathroom, 'DOn't forget to wash your hands!'...so that the whole restaurant could hear it.

Anyway...if those are your 2 choices, I'd go with 50's prime time over Sci-Fi.

 

[2kidsForMe]

I agree with skipping SciFi. My 2 kids are terrified of the film clips there

 

[MSSANDRA]

I would skip them both. The theme is what makes them special and neither would be fun for your kids. They DO pick on kids at 50's prime time. The waitress made my then 8 year old sit the table and then fussed at him because he did not do it right and tried to feed him his veggies. He was cool with it but it might totally freak your child.

 

[SDSorority]

I haven't been to either 50's Prime Time or Sci Fi. The theming at both looks great. My girls are shy, sensitive and scare easily. (Yeah, fun.) Anyway, if ODD gets 'picked on' at 50's PT she will loose it. So I thought, maybe Sci Fi will be better. Not sure about the movie clips, though. She had nightmares from watching some of 'Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.'

Anyone have any thoughts?

We purposefully avoid 50's because I don't like getting picked on either!! Sci Fi might be too scary... but it's like, silly scary. Maybe they could watch youtube videos of the clips to see if they'd be ok?

 

[Deb & Bill]

Have you thought about Hollywood and Vine instead of either of the other ones? Might be a little less scary for the kids.

 

[FireFighterWife]

Now I'm thinking maybe we'll do Pizza Planet.

I walk a fine line of encouraging her without pushing her. It's great to hear everyone's experiences. I don't know if I want to risk it. Thank you everyone!

 

[FireFighterWife]

We are doing Hollywood and Vine in the morning for breakfast. That was their favorite character meal out of 7 last year! So much fun. They love Disney Junior.

 

[mmtravel]

In multiple trips to DHS, we had avoided Mama Melrose, being wary of Italian food in Florida (we're from the NY area, where there's great Italian on every corner). Last time, though, being a bit burned out on the schtick at Sci Fi and '50s, we went there and had a great, fun meal. The best part for kids was the "spaghetti and meatballs" cupcake - giant cupcake with the frosting made to look like spaghetti and chocolate "meatballs" on top. Absolutely no gimmicks, and a nice, relaxing environment.

Sci Fi is dark, and the movies could freak out sensitive kids - DS loves sci fi, so he loved them, but those movies would not have been my thing as a kid. Yes, you can tell the server at 50s not to pick on you, but it's still a high-sensory experience, with TVs at every table, and a lot of noise.

Just a thought...

 

[MSLRAC]

Now I'm thinking maybe we'll do Pizza Planet.

I walk a fine line of encouraging her without pushing her. It's great to hear everyone's experiences. I don't know if I want to risk it. Thank you everyone!

That was honestly my first thought. Sci Fi and 50's are both great but I think that both could possibly cause issues for your DD and I for one do not think that either are worth it.

We walk a similar fine line with DS due to his Autism and sensory issues. He totally shut down at many meals (including Sci Fi) last trip and ended up falling asleep in DH's lap. I've put a lot more thought into our ADR's for next trip and while Pizza Planet might not be our first choice of meals, we know that it is what is probably best for DS.

 

[Lidian]

I haven't been to either 50's Prime Time or Sci Fi. The theming at both looks great. My girls are shy, sensitive and scare easily. (Yeah, fun.) Anyway, if ODD gets 'picked on' at 50's PT she will loose it. So I thought, maybe Sci Fi will be better. Not sure about the movie clips, though. She had nightmares from watching some of 'Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.'

Anyone have any thoughts?

Another vote for skipping.

I adore both places, and so do my kids -- but DS thought some of the images on the Sci Fi screen were a bit creepy. Our server at 50s PTC was just an ordinary server. We saw absolutely NO antics from her or neighboring servers. However, there's no guarantee that you'd get a non-playful server (or area) and they could potentially start on you while walking to the table.

There's other places to enjoy a nice themed meal that your kids won't have to be anxious about.

However, if you are insistent on dining at one of these locations, you can watch videos of other people's experiences to get a better feel for the atmosphere and to see if your kids could handle it. There's a ton of 50s PTC videos out there -- I know, I had to watch them to see if DH could handle dining there. Perhaps you could watch them with your kids so they can understand its just a game. (I'm sure there's videos of Sci Fi as well.)

I have a future ADR booked at 50s PTC, in hopes of a playful server. If someone from my table doesn't go to Time Out, I'll be sad. G'luck in determing what is best for your family!

 

[tndisneyfan]

I think at 50's PT they dont really "pick" on the kids they do it more to adults, so it may be fun for the kid watching Mom and Dad (or whatever the family situation is) having to clean their plate and keep the elbows off the table.

 

[kaybird]

I was lucky to have kids where this was not an issue. Guess if they are that bothered I would also vote to skip both (BTW, think Mama Melrose is a wonderful suggestion.)

An interaction we just loved at PT was the little girl in a group next to us. The server did not pick on her at all, reserving everything for our table (sweeping, good natured stuff.) When their meal came, she served them and placed the plates with a smiling " no dessert unless you eat your veggies". The little girls face instantly crinkled and big sobs came out! (sorry for her, but the look on the faces of the waitress and parents were PRICELESS!!!)

So, guess unless you want endless amusement from cranks like us, Skip them for now...

 

[julm26]

i'd avoid both of them. I have the opposite problem, I have an overly friendly, extroveted, fear nothing 6 yr old daughter...SHE gives ME nightmares!! LOL

 

[TDC Nala]

If you have kids who are that sensitive, skip both. The films are cheesy 50s sci fi and horror, but VERY sensitive children will possibly have difficulty with them, as there are big closeups of people screaming, cheesy monsters, and giant insects.

 

[Deb & Bill]

We've eaten at both places once. I found no reason to return to PT. The food wasn't very good and I'm not into the antics. We liked the food a bit more at Sci Fi, but they've changed the menu since we ate there.

 

[FireFighterWife]

I really appreciate all the responses. We will definitely skip both. I don't want to risk it. Thank you all so much!!!