ADR Suggestions for High-Strung, Type-A Military Dad?

[Trish0025]

We have convinced my parents to take a trip with us to Disney this Fall! The group will include me, my husband and my two elementary-aged kids. My mom is easy-going and will love whatever we do together. My Dad is a retired Army LtC. who is very logistics-minded and is used to ordering everyone around. (We all love him very much). I want my whole family to experience Disney magic but I'm unsure what dining experiences I should go for. We will NOT be using the Disney Dining Plan but I still plan on going to a few restaurants. I'm worried character meals would end up stressful because my dad may try to direct my shy kids' interactions with the characters. I think the signature dining that my husband and I enjoy (Jikko, California Grill, etc.) would be too fussy for him and he'd probably get hung up on the prices. He enjoys talking and will strike up conversations with servers, guests, etc. but he also can be a little gruff if service is slow or if our kids misbehave at dinner, etc. In other words....it can go downhill quick.

Do you guys have any suggestions for restaurants that my type-A dad would enjoy with all of us? I want him to be able to enjoy Disney magic.

 

[heidijanesmith]

I would stay away from 50's Prime time and Whispering Canyon. The servers antics would probably be very irritating to your Dad.

What about buffets? Biergarden is one of our must do's. There are lots of food options to please everyone. You sit in a communal table that seats 8 (I think), so it's a great place to talk to other families.

We love seafood, so Cape May Dinner Buffet is one of our favorites.

Staying away from character meals sounds like a good idea.

Both of my children are in the military and we are all type A, so I understand where you are coming from. Good for you to try and make everyone's experience has happy as can be.

 

[littledebbie335]

Hmm. I'm thinking Biergarten might be a good choice. It has kind of a chatty/conversational set up with the communal tables (although with 6, it might just be your family), it's a buffet so he won't be looking at individual menu prices, and it's a kind of fun environment where a little misbehavior or slow service won't be as big of an issue, as it's already a bit noisy and there is a show to watch! Plus, they have a really good beer selection, if he's into that (or if you/another family member needs it to get through the meal! )

 

[KenHutch]

You like the best restaurant in WDW Jiko's so how about its relative next door Boma's? I love the place and I am a slightly OCD former Marine who still waked up at 04:30 every morning to hold reveille for platoons I no longer have and having your kids around might mellow him out even more (taking my daughter from 5 to 17 has made me mellow out a bit).

 

[sharonabe]

Biergarten and Teppan Edo are both places where you may be seated with strangers, so that might appeal to him and there is "entertainment" that might keep the kids from being fussy. However, if you think he will try to direct your kids to join the dancing at Biergarten during the OOmpah band, that may not be a good idea. We really enjoyed Skipper's Canteen at MK. It has some exotic choices along with some normal ones. If you get a good server that plays the part, he could have fun with that. Would the Sci-Fi B movies interest him or would that distract from being able to talk?

If you decide to do a character meal, I'd suggest Garden Grill. It's a little more laid back as far as interaction is concerned. You should be seated at a long table with bench seating, so just put the kids in the middle of the bench where they can't get out; they can just wave and say hello.

 

[disneyvoice]

Just wanted to say that your dad might surprise you. Your description of your dad sounds exactly like my ex-military commander father. I was always surprised when he went to WDW with us - he had a much more laid back and pleasant personality all around. We did several character meals with him and he always appeared to be enjoying himself as he interacted with the characters. He was fine anywhere we dined. He actually REALLY loved Biergarten because he liked German food and he hadn't had any in years. He still talked about that restaurant years later.

 

[sponica]

Your dad sounds like my dad (granted he took the buyout in 92, so left as captain). Counter service would be too chaotic for him, so I would avoid those like the plague.

My recommendation would be to stick with cuisines you'll know he's going to like. If I was in your shoes, I'd be doing Le Cellier, San Angel Inn, or Rose and Crown in Epcot.

 

[bluejasmine]

Biergarten, Ohana, Cape May

 

[Trish0025]

Just wanted to say that your dad might surprise you. Your description of your dad sounds exactly like my ex-military commander father. I was always surprised when he went to WDW with us - he had a much more laid back and pleasant personality all around. We did several character meals with him and he always appeared to be enjoying himself as he interacted with the characters. He was fine anywhere we dined. He actually REALLY loved Biergarten because he liked German food and he hadn't had any in years. He still talked about that restaurant years later.

Thanks! That's what I'm hoping for.

 

[Trish0025]

Wow. I can't believe I forgot about Biergarten. We were stationed in Germany twice so that may bring back some family memories, like when my little sister thought the foam on the beer was whipped cream and took a huge bite of it when my parents weren't looking. I love all of your suggestions!

 

[MushuHill]

My dad is one of those retired Air Force type A people as well. When we go I always plan with my mom. We usually do the dining plan that way it is paid in advance and he doesn’t have to “worry” about cost. He actually enjoys getting more expensive items and desserts because they are already paid for. My dad hated whispering canyon, but actually loved 50’s prime time because a lot of the items there reminded him of things in his home growing up. He really loved Ohana also. He and my mom are taking my little brother and my niece in July and he asked me when I made his dining reservations to “get the place with the food on the skewers”. He also likes Trails End’s laid back atmosphere and enjoyed the show at Hoop Dee doo review. It was fun to see him laugh at the corny jokes.
The character quest for meets were not his thing. He almost had a break down in the character spot in Epcot saying the walls were too close. He also had a break down in Haunted Mansion when the lights when out and they ushered everyone into the holding area after and you had to waddle through to get in a car. He said it gives him PTSD. (He really does have a service dog for PTSD, but he stays at home when they go to Disney)

 

[Trish0025]

My dad is one of those retired Air Force type A people as well. When we go I always plan with my mom. We usually do the dining plan that way it is paid in advance and he doesn’t have to “worry” about cost. He actually enjoys getting more expensive items and desserts because they are already paid for. My dad hated whispering canyon, but actually loved 50’s prime time because a lot of the items there reminded him of things in his home growing up. He really loved Ohana also. He and my mom are taking my little brother and my niece in July and he asked me when I made his dining reservations to “get the place with the food on the skewers”. He also likes Trails End’s laid back atmosphere and enjoyed the show at Hoop Dee doo review. It was fun to see him laugh at the corny jokes.
The character quest for meets were not his thing. He almost had a break down in the character spot in Epcot saying the walls were too close. He also had a break down in Haunted Mansion when the lights when out and they ushered everyone into the holding area after and you had to waddle through to get in a car. He said it gives him PTSD. (He really does have a service dog for PTSD, but he stays at home when they go to Disney)

I'm actually very worried about my dad and crowds. I know that he'll struggle with the packed crowds (walking down Main Street, being ushered into holding areas, etc.) I'm not sure how he's going to react.

 

[gharter]

Biergarten, Tepan Edo seem like good choices.
You might try 1 character breakfast like Garden Grill at EPCOT.
He might also enjoy Skipper Canteen in MK.

 

[crabbygal902]

I would book Tokyo Dining, the service is impeccable, the food presentation beautiful, and the surroundings calm and relaxed. It is the perfect respite for those of us who dislike the rush and crowds.