Best Restaurants when taking kids alone?

[soonerfan2008]

I'm taking 3 kids (ages almost 8, 4 and almost 2) to WDW this summer by myself. Actually, my mom may end up joining me for part of the trip, but I don't want to count on that.

Which restaurants would you recommend for us? The kids' favorites from the past are Crystal Palace, Ohana, CRT, Chef Mickey's and 1900 Park Fare.

 

[laughinplace199]

I've never been to 'Ohana, but I think the other places you mentioned would be great for you.

I will suggest one to avoid if you are alone with the kids: The Plaza. We love this place, but I took the kids alone last year (they were 9, 7, & 2). Halfway through dinner, DS7 had to go to the bathroom. It turns out, there is no bathroom inside the restaurant. You have to go outside the restaurant and use the restrooms between the Plaza and the Noodle Station.

 

[soonerfan2008]

Ahh- thanks for that. We'd planned on lunch at the Plaza one day (oop before we check into Pop), so now I will know EVERYONE goes before we sit down!

 

[dzorn]

Garden Grill is nice because the food is brought to the table. We also like Ohana, Cape May for characters. We enjoy LTT for lunch.

Denise in MI

 

[soonerfan2008]

What about Whispering Canyon? Thinking of doing that one night before Campfire Singalong at Ft. Wilderness.

 

[MinnieGirl33]

What about Whispering Canyon? Thinking of doing that one night before Campfire Singalong at Ft. Wilderness.

WC is very lively & fun. The food is... eh. Not terrible but nothing to get excited about. If you've never been I'd say try it as everyone's experiences are different.

 

[WendyinNC]

I often travel to WDW alone with my kids. I avoid any buffets. It's too much work.
You might want to try:

Sci fi at DHS
Princess meal at Norway and Cinderella's Castle
Garden Grill
The restaraunts in Germany, Morroco and Mexico in Epcot

 

[RMulieri]

Think twice about buffets..It is hard to corral kids plates and your own.I saw a single Mom with 4 very small kids and 1 older child try to attempt Biergarten and it was very difficult.I ended up helping the woman get her kids plates , but you can't count on that.It is easier to do family style or a la carte style restaurants

 

[soonerfan2008]

These are all great suggestions. Any experiences with Coral Reef or Garden Grove?

I am going to avoid all buffets, although the one exception may be Crystal Palace if I can get an early reservation before park opening.

 

[ssawka]

What about Whispering Canyon? Thinking of doing that one night before Campfire Singalong at Ft. Wilderness.

I was going to suggest Whispering Canyon. It's great for kids because you don't have to tell them to be quiet when the wait staff is yelling!!

 

[Mississippianna]

Definitely do Garden Grill at Epcot for a character meal at dinner time. I would avoid buffets.

I agree with PP on Sci Fi at DHS, for sure!

 

[Mississippianna]

Here's a link to my review of a recent trip to Garden Grill:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2403651

 

[sters]

I often travel to WDW alone with my kids. I avoid any buffets. It's too much work.
You might want to try:

Sci fi at DHS
Princess meal at Norway and Cinderella's Castle
Garden Grill
The restaraunts in Germany, Morroco and Mexico in Epcot

Germany is a buffet and you are often seated with other families, which could be a plus.

Hoop De Doo might be fun, because it's a dinner show and therefore diverting.

 

[Joy]

I think it is easiest to eat at the parks or at your resort if you are using Disney Transportation. I don't like having to take 2 buses to get to dinner. If you have a car or can take a taxi then I think the resorts would be easier.

In addition to the places already mentioned, you could try the Rain Forest Cafe either at AK or DTD, 50's Prime Time Cafe and San Angel Inn. They are all very themed and that goes a long way with kids.

Have a great trip. Sounds like fun! I would love to take a trip with just my kiddos, but DH gets jealous when ever I mention it!

 

[tami82]

thats true there is nothing worse than going to a buffet alone with kids and trying to maneuver holding 3 plates (i have 2 kids). Years back when it was just my daughter she was around 5 and we hit up a buffet. I thought she would be able to hold her plate, i was wrong everything landed on the floor so i learned my lesson