ADR's with 2yr old? Any suggestions

[kenny]

I have always made ADR's in the past(or PS's), but have never gone with a child. I was planning on just winging it this trip(and doing a walkin) because I felt that most nights we were not going to make it through a sit down meal with a tired child, but from what I've read I have a better chance of being CEO of Disney.

Anyway, I am just going to make a bunch of ADR's and cancel them if we decide not to go that night. What restaurants would you suggest with a 2 year old? My wife and I have accepted the fact that there will be no Cali Grill or Arthurs this trip. LOL. Any suggestions would be great thanks.

 

[jennymouse]

Well, I know all 2yo are different but I just posted my trip report about my first trip with my 2yo granddaughter. I made ADRs as I normally do but included character meals. My 2yo granddaughter did not want to sit for meals in restaurants at all and had meltdowns at both San Angel Inn (threw her plate in the floor and broke it) and Coral Reef. She was always a perfect angel at restaurants at home so I had no idea she would act up in WDW. After having to take her out of SAI the first night we cancelled our dinner ADRs and either ate in the room or quick counter service, even for our Thanksgiving meal. She did fine at CRT & Crystal Palace for breakfast because the characters kept her entertained. We decided to give Coral Reef a try for lunch one day (we thought the big fish tank would keep her entertained) and I had to take her out of the restaurant again. I've taken her to restaurants since we've been back home and she's been fine so I guess it was all the excitement or she was tired.

I advise to keep your 2yo's schedule the same as if at home and keep things simple. Maybe do character meals and buffets where you have more control on the amount of time spent in the restaurant. Other than the dining, it was a magical trip with her and I hope yours is the same.

 

[marcij]

I think it depends on when you are going, as to if you need ADRs or not, but someone else might have more info in that area.

I have seen small kids at most table service restaurants at Disney. (I've never been to V and A, but I would think there wouldn't be any there...) If you have a favorite, I wouldn't let it stop me from going there, unless you would be so stressed you wouldn't be able to enjoy it or there is a no children policy. I was always the type that would take the child out if he was crying or acting up so they wouldn't bother others, so I didn't feel that bad about going to Narcoosee's or Citrico's. Plus, I was lucky that I had great children and always took them back to the room to have a nap, so they usually made it through an early dinner. That being said, I have seen parents who could care less if their child is bothering others and isn't about to get up and ruin their meal.

I liked to do buffets when my kids were little (the youngest we ever took one of ours was 3, but that was only because we couldn't afford to go when they were younger). Those meals are usually busy and louder, and if the child needed extra TLC, one parent could eat while the other one held or walked the child, then could pass off so that they could both have hot meals. Plus, there was a variety of food for those picky toddlers to choose from. Our buffet favs for meals with children are Chef Mickey's, 1900 Park Fare, Crystal Palace. My favorite Disney restaurants, now that's a different story.

It sounds like you have a good attitude that sometimes you'll make it through a meal, sometimes not, and that should help. Good luck with your planning!

 

[TikiGoddess]

We went in Oct. with 2 and 4 yr. old boys and we booked where we wanted to eat and where we thought they would have fun. They loved Crystal Palace for breakfast w/Pooh and Friends. We also celebrated our anniversary at Coral Reef and they had a great time. They loved the aquarium. We sat on the first tier so it was wonderful. There was a huge sea turtle they were enthralled with. We also went to Prime Time Cafe which they loved. I think the trick is to mix it up. Don't try to go to all the fancy places, but also don't miss your favorites. If you go out to eat a lot and your 2 yr. old is used to it, you should be okay. I also did a huge sell on all the restaurants and told them how much fun we'd have and how much they'd like them. For us the TS meals were much less stressful than the counter service. It seemed like we had to wade through the throngs of people at CS while Dh got food and it was much more stressful than walking in and sitting down to eat. We're going back in Jan. and I plan to do the same. Do get the ADRs though. Every park had signs up that said all the TS restaurants were booked. I figure it's Disney and there are kids everywhere. If our kids were having an issue we certainly would take them out so we wouldn't disturb anyone, but otherwise it seems to me that people expect to see kids in every restaurant Good luck and have lots of fun!

 

[amarberry]

We just returned from a trip with an 18 month old. We were on the dining plan and ate (TS) at Wolfgang Puck Cafe, Spoodles, Garden Grill, Crystal Palace, Kona Cafe, Coral Reef, Le Cellier, CRT Dinner, Boma, and PSB Dinner. We also took our DD to WDW when she was 14 months old and ate at California Grill with no problems (we had an early ADR and there were MANY children in the restaurant).

I feel pretty strongly that the vast majority of restaurants at WDW are kid-friendly and I felt comfortable taking DD to all of the restaurants listed above. DD is pretty used to eating out (1 to 2 times per week), but she did have a couple of "moments" but no full fledge meltdowns. Of course, the character meals and Coral Reef were probably the most relaxing meals for DH and I because DD was sufficiently entertained!

I would definitely recommend making ADR's!!! You don't want to be told that you'll have to wait an hour for a table when you have a hungry toddler who has been going all day. You can always cancel the ADR's if something makes you change your mind about dinner.

 

[missymagic]

I agree made you adr's and cancel if it is time for dinner and you know it will be a bad dining experience. Different children act different to tiredness and excitement. I have always had good experiences taking my girls sine they were that age. Pretty much every restaurant had a kids menue. I always thought it was easier for sit down because when it was a buffet it was hard someone had to stay at table with the little one while one went to get food and vice versa.

 

[mommystieg]

We took our DDs to CG when the youngest was a little over 2 -- she fell asleep That was the most expensive bowl of macaroni and cheese I ever saw
Our kids enjoy the usuals -- Crystal Palace, Chef Mickey's, 'Ohana....we
schedule our dinners a little early when it isn't as busy or do a late lunch. I don't know when you are going but during busier times it may be difficult to be seated without an ADR at some restaurants.
Happy planning