Any restaurants you would NOT bring a toddler?

[Colleen27]

Our son will be about 16 months old for our trip.

Obviously not V&A's

Any other restaurants we definitely would not want to take him?

Aside from V&A and Shula's, I don't think there are any restaurants at Disney where children are not welcome. But whether you should take a toddler to a nicer restaurant depends more on the toddler than the restaurant. Some can handle sit down meals at that age and some can't.

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

You know your kids and what they're capable of best. They will be welcome at any restaurant including all of the signatures, and even Shula's and V&A's. Don't worry about the naysayers here, if your kids can handle the experience then go.

 

[DisneyBride'03]

Peter Pirate said it best with 3 sentences!

 

[Disney Planner Mama]

You know your kids and what they're capable of best. They will be welcome at any restaurant including all of the signatures, and even Shula's and V&A's. Don't worry about the naysayers here, if your kids can handle the experience then go.

 

[Momelie]

The only two restaurants I'd think twice about taking a 16 month old to would be V&A's and Le Bistro de Paris. AFAIK, these are the only two with lengthy, multi-course meals where the ambiance would not be good for a small child.

That said, trust your instincts! I'm sure you have a feel for how he will act, and the only variables that would be different than at home would be if he is over-tired from a day at Disney, and maybe different food. Given that it is Disney, I'd also expect that he wouldn't be the only child there, either. As I'm sure you already know, just keep the diaper bag stocked with crayons, paper, goldfish, cheerios, and any other useful distractions. I used to save toys from fast food meals and pull them out when I needed them.

 

[Jubilee]

Thanks. Lots of good advice given. I had an EARLY seating at Cali Grill in mind, which could work well b/c Wishes is at 6 p.m. that night anyway.

I seriously have one laid back kid. Now, I know that could change come December, but he's pretty good in restaurants.

My DD came with us on our "honeymoon" to Walt Disney World (well, we couldn't leave her at home, could we?) She was an ANGEL in restaurants (at 16 mos.)

At the age of 2 now, I can barely make it to appetizers and she is fussy. You know your kid best. Definitely make the reservations but if he becomes more intolerant in restaurants, you can always cancel them.

 

[bigbabyblues]

I wouldn't take a toddler (or my 6 & 4 yo's) to the California Grill. DH and I ate there on our anniversary trip in Feb, and there were kids there, but I personally wouldn't.

 

[fla4fun]

I think the best advice is to make sure children are well rested before going to a signature restaurant. It's so sad to see kids that have been out all day and are wanting nothing more than to go to sleep. It's no wonder they get cranky (so do I when I'm sleep deprived!).

My game plan would be: early to the park, back in the afternoon for a rest, early dining reservation for dinner (at the restaurant of your choice) and then if there's enough stamina left, hit a park in the evening, or do some fun stuff at the resort.

The only time anyone has a problem with children in a restaurant is if the child is being disruptive and the parents seem to be totally oblivious. I see kids having meltdowns all the time at Disney, and so long as the parents are aware and trying to fix the situation (and sometimes try is all you CAN do), I don't have a problem with it.

 

[pixiemel]

I agree, bring your toddler anywhere you choose to go, after all-it's Walt Disney World!! The CM's will make your experience fabulous, and will welcome your little one-as it should be.

Though, we haven't experienced the Shula's at The Dolphin, the one here in Birmingham (which we love!) is perfectly fine with all ages. And since they are all owned by Don Shula, I can't imagine the one at The Dolphin would be any different.

Enjoy!!

 

[chobie]

If it has children's menus and high chairs then you should feel free to bring your toddler there.

 

[pixiemel]

If it has children's menus and high chairs then you should feel free to bring your toddler there.

Even without a children's menu, the waitor/waitress/CM will happily offer an alternative for your child.

 

[shellybaxter]

Even without a children's menu, the waitor/waitress/CM will happily offer an alternative for your child.

I actually don't believe that is true at Victoria and Alberts. I believe I've read that they will not modify the menu or the price for children

 

[pixiemel]

I actually don't believe that is true at Victoria and Alberts. I believe I've read that they will not modify the menu or the price for children

Just spoke with the Victoria & Albert's CM at the podium and they do have access to the children's menu at another restaurant at GF, and will serve a child from it. The price, however, is $115, but I don't the OP was asking price.
As I posted, all children and their parents will be made to feel welcomed.

 

[Uncleromulus]

$115 is a bit steep for a PBJ sandwich
Actually tho the servers at V&A told us that once in a GREAT while they'll get a toddler--but not very often. In fact, they rarely get kids of any age. Since 1988 I've only seen kids at V&A twice.

 

[LindsayDunn228]

Definitely not the California Grill.

 

[Mackey Mouse]

I agree with PP, if your child can handle it, then by all means take him with you wherever you go at WDW. I always took mine and they behaved well, if for some reason they were having a bad night, I took them out of the restaurant rather that subject anyone else to what might be bothering them..

Not sure about this, but once when I was at Shula's, I heard a person ask for a high chair and the hostess said they did not have any. Maybe they have changed that as it was a while back.

By the way, what a cutie he is.. go and enjoy and take as it comes..

 

[tinkandpan]

It's all about the child and their personality. For example, my ds6 - from day one we could pretty much take him anywhere and as long as he wasn't overtired from no nap etc he was terrific. I wouldn't have thought twice about taking him anywhere. My dd2 on the otherhand has earned herself a sitter for a night when we are all headed to the California Grill. it's not that I don't think kids belong there- there are tons, more than I expected. I just know she won't sit for a long dinner (and service there is more relaxed) and it just would not be fun for anyone involved.

 

[DisneyBride'03]

Well...it has been interesting reading comments here
Again....follow your heart...you only know your child's behavior best!
I for one am looking forward to our ADR at California Grill with our 14 mth old!!!

 

[aubriee]

The only time anyone has a problem with children in a restaurant is if the child is being disruptive and the parents seem to be totally oblivious. I see kids having meltdowns all the time at Disney, and so long as the parents are aware and trying to fix the situation (and sometimes try is all you CAN do), I don't have a problem with it.

I agree. I have no problem with kids in any restaurant, as long as they are not disturbing others. Not a signature restaurant of course, but a few years ago at Hollywood and Vine there was a four year old sitting on the floor beneath the table screaming at the top of his lungs for the entire meal, while his parents totally ignored him. All of us had a splitting headache by the time they finally left and several people actually started clapping when they got up to finally leave. They looked around like they had no idea what people were so upset about. Not at WDW, but at a local restaurant a couple of weeks ago . I was sitting in a booth behind a couple and their 2-3 year old little girl. That little girl seemed to think it was funny to pull my hair, scream in my ear, hit me with a bread stick over and over, and wipe her dirty, greasy hands all over the back of my white blouse. I looked at them several times and smiled thinking they would take the hint, but they just laughed and said their daughter was very sociable and never met a stranger. Well I didn't appreciate it and did not want to entertain their daughter while I ate. I finally turned around, gently wagged the hand she was using to hit me on the back of the head with, and asked her to stop as it hurt. Her parents got really affronted and said she was just being 'sociable' .

Excuse me, but I don't want to entertain your kid, while I'm eating. If he's quiet (or just a little loud) no problem, but if he's running around the tables, screaming, throwing food, etc take him out.

 

[yearbook50]

I actually don't believe that is true at Victoria and Alberts. I believe I've read that they will not modify the menu or the price for children

I know for a fact that is not the case. I first experienced V&A while I was a young child and that option was offered to me. I refused it and tried some new and interesting dishes - didn't finish it all but do you really expect an 8 year old to finish every last bite?

To the OP: Only you know your child's limits. Don't over due your child's limits and I'm sure they will behave through dinner. Its Disney...there's bound to be a toddler in most of the dining establishments.