American Girl Doll Store

[cantwaitvaca09]

Has anyone taken their DD's to American Girl for Lunch?

If so whats it like? It is worth it?

Should DD pick out her doll at the store? Should I buy it before we go?

Thanks for any info!

 

[Normangirls]

We've been to the Chicago store a few times, and DD13, DD9 and DD4 all love it.

We had dinner there this last summer, and while it was not cheap by any means, it was really worth it. The food was great, the restaurant was beautiful, and everything is designed to appeal to the girls.

Given the choice, I would definitely let her pick out a doll there -- she can see them in person, including the outfits and accessories.

It's no Disney World (!) but definitely a great getaway for us girls.

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

We've been to the Chicago store a few times, and DD13, DD9 and DD4 all love it.

We had dinner there this last summer, and while it was not cheap by any means, it was really worth it. The food was great, the restaurant was beautiful, and everything is designed to appeal to the girls.

Given the choice, I would definitely let her pick out a doll there -- she can see them in person, including the outfits and accessories.

It's no Disney World (!) but definitely a great getaway for us girls.

Thanks for the post.
I have DD5 & DD3 I was just not sure if it would be worth it. \
It will be a very $$$ day, with lunch and a doll, how much are the outfits,
can you get them anywhere else cheaper?

 

[Mom-to-2-Princesses]

Thanks for the post.
I have DD5 & DD3 I was just not sure if it would be worth it. \
It will be a very $$$ day, with lunch and a doll, how much are the outfits,
can you get them anywhere else cheaper?

My girls were older when they went -- more like 7 and 8. The American Girl dolls are recommended for ages 7 and up. They are great dolls and it is worth it to wait until the girls can really appreciate them and take good care of them. My Mom had a doll for my oldest daughter and I had her wait 2 years before she gave it to her!

We did enjoy the lunch because they felt very special and grown up -- it is very girly and tea party like. To be honest, I think at the age your girls are they might get antsy, especially the 3 year old. They do keep the food coming which occupies them.

That said, I know many girls who get the dolls earlier and take great care of them, so you might get some more positive responses. Personally I am glad we waited to make it more special.

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

thank you for your post.
I was thinking they were young for the doll to, but I know my girls would love the lunch, so that made me think, how can I do the lunch without a doll.
I don't have plans to go until April

Again Thank you for your post

 

[Normangirls]

You can definitely go without a doll, browse the shop and have lunch.

If they have a favorite doll at home, you could shop for a few less expensive accessories to take home to them.

Check out their website to get an idea about prices -- I think outfits probably range up to about $28, with some special outfits going even higher.

We have found a local lady who sews the outfits for $10 a piece! She has even made custom pieces for my girls with their school logo on it (and, of course, Ohio State outfits!). My MIL found her selling at a flea market.

MIL got DD4 a Bitty Baby doll last year, and while she loves it, I'm not sure she apprecistes it for what it is. I made the other girls wait until they were 8 years old the get their first real AG dolls.

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

Thank you again,
I think I will just take them for the lunch and no doll!!
I agree they may not realize what they are worth at this age.

 

[We_love_WDW]

The 5 year old is going to want to get a doll - my 4 year old went for her birthday and got a doll and some outfits - so I know your 5 year old will really want one. The lunch probably is not as fun without a doill, b/c they serve your doll and it is somewhat centered around the doll. Here's an idea...you can buy the bitty twins (2 girls ) one for each - it will be 95 the same as 1 of the older girls or you can buy the 5 year old 1 bitty twin and the 3 year old the baby. Have fun

 

[kristilew]

If you go doll-less, they can still have a "guest" doll sit with them at lunch. There are special chairs that attach to the tables for the dolls to sit in, and doll-size tea cups, etc. There is a stable of loaner dolls for girls who are in the restaurant without them.

Not all 5 & 3 year olds would be able to accept just a guest visit, though. You know your kids best. If they would make a scene when the doll had to stay and the girls leave, don't let the waiter even suggest the possiblity of a guest.

DD's first visit was for her 7th bday and that was about perfect. If you are in the NY store on a weekend, it is an overwhelming madhouse and would make most 3 yo's miserable pretty fast. There's also always girls in the store who are being treated to the nth degree - moms or aunts urging them pick out more, more, more. If this is not your plan, and it would be hard for your girls to understand, it's also a good idea to wait a few years.

 

[descovy]

Don't forget they have dolls in the restaurant too! (to borrow) ! Won't cost a penny extra.

My aunt and I take my girls for their 8th birthday to American Girl in Dallas. I give them the doll at Christmas before. Then on their birthday, a special "alone" weekend to American girl. Overnight in a hotel, $50 gift certificate for a birthday present (girls bring collected allowance money) and we eat in the bistro. My Aunt and I each choose a doll to have lunch with us too. (my fav is Kit, my aunt's is Kirsten! )

I agree though about waiting a few years for the doll. For us, half the fun is learning their stories through books, etc...

My youngest is five and a half... she likes her sisters' dolls, gets that they aren't "regular" playtoys, but that they are something special. And even she isn't ready for American Girl

 

[descovy]

Not all 5 & 3 year olds would be able to accept just a guest visit, though. You know your kids best. If they would make a scene when the doll had to stay and the girls leave, don't let the waiter even suggest the possiblity of a guest.

My line when my kids were little was always "This is "doll's" home. This is where she lives! We had a nice visit, but don't want to take her away from her home!"

Worked great with toys in the store, baloons at the checkout, etc...

 

[DisneyTravelers2008]

I just really wish they'd open an American Girl store / restaurant at Downtown Disney. I want to take my daughter but we don't really live close to one. We go to Disney frequently and it would be an easy add - on for that trip...Mickey, are you listening???

 

[kidzmom3]

you can check on the specific stores website. some of them have packages that are expensive but end up being cheaper in the end:

* A meal for two in the Cafe
* A sitting at the Photo Studio and a souvenir issue of American Girl® magazine with your girl’s picture on the cover
* A session at the Doll Hair Salon
* $130 gift card
* Girl- and doll-sized souvenir T-shirts

$255 for one adult and one child; $230 for each additional child

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

Thank you all for your post
I love love love that I can use a doll for the lunch, I will do that.
This way we can have a nice lunch ( I know my girls would love that) and I don't have to get a doll, I can just (as you said) tell them that the dolls have to stay their.

DD5 I think will be ok with out getting a doll, she will be all about the lunch(tea party)

DD3, had a bitty baby that was passed down to her, so we can just bring that.

Again thank you all so much, I just love love they loaner doll idea, thanks

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

OP you know your DDs best but if you're just going for lunch/tea party and not planning on buying anything then I would really caution against going. This store is like going into the World of Disney store and telling the kids they can't buy anything. It's like a little girls dream. There will be displays of dolls, doll clothes, matching girl clothes, stuffed animals, books, hair stuff, etc. And if I remember the Chicago store correctly, the restaurant isn't on the ground floor. You have to walk through all this stuff to get there. The restaurant is a nice addition to the store but the main purpose is for you to buy stuff!! And they will try to sell you stuff from the minute you walk through the door.

I believe that even the most well behaved little girl will want to walk out with a nice little shopping bag of something. Might I recommend one of the AG pets such as Coconut. They even have play sets for the puppies.

Good luck and enjoy your lunch.

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

OP you know your DDs best but if you're just going for lunch/tea party and not planning on buying anything then I would really caution against going. This store is like going into the World of Disney store and telling the kids they can't buy anything. It's like a little girls dream. There will be displays of dolls, doll clothes, matching girl clothes, stuffed animals, books, hair stuff, etc. And if I remember the Chicago store correctly, the restaurant isn't on the ground floor. You have to walk through all this stuff to get there. The restaurant is a nice addition to the store but the main purpose is for you to buy stuff!! And they will try to sell you stuff from the minute you walk through the door.

I believe that even the most well behaved little girl will want to walk out with a nice little shopping bag of something. Might I recommend one of the AG pets such as Coconut. They even have play sets for the puppies.

Good luck and enjoy your lunch.

OMG, I would be the worst mom in the land if I told them they can't get any thing. I was thinking DD3 could get an outfit for the bitty baby or a book or somthing and DD5, I have the money saved for the doll, but I just don't think she is in to it. So I will let her get something. It would be great if they want the twins, as someone suggested. But please please don't think I would take them there and not let them get anything.

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

OMG, I would be the worst mom in the land if I told them they can't get any thing. I was thinking DD3 could get an outfit for the bitty baby or a book or somthing and DD5, I have the money saved for the doll, but I just don't think she is in to it. So I will let her get something. It would be great if they want the twins, as someone suggested. But please please don't think I would take them there and not let them get anything.

Phew! Thank goodness. I was a little worried for your girls. Oh and the twins are adorable. You can mix and match them any way you want (I think). We have a very large selection of AG girls in my home. And I agree that 5 is a little young but that really depends on the girl. DD received her first at the age of 6 from a friend of mine. She really didn't start playing with it until she was around 8. Now we have more than I can count.
I work a block from the NYC store so I'm there frequently. I was even there yesterday and a personal shopper gave me her card. Told me to call her next time and she'll get everything ready for me so all I need to do is come in and pay. I think I'm there too much.

Enjoy your trip!