Best signature dining experience with kiddos?

[sc05]

Hey everyone! My wife and I will be bringing our boys to DW for their first time in late November/early December! At the time we'll be traveling, our boys will be 4 and 1 (April birthday so closer to 2 at that point!). We're hoping to have at least a couple special meals with the little dudes and while I'm guessing everyone has their favorites, I'm wondering if anyone has recs for the best signature dining experiences with children? We'll be staying at the GF and both Citricos and Narcoossee's look wonderful and easy given we'll be right there but we're open to anything at this point. Thanks in advance!

 

[holden]

Narcoossee's is awesome! The kids might like walking around out by the water too (if they need to get out of their seats, etc.). You could ask for a table by the water so they can watch the boats too!

When our kids were little the "nicest" place we took them to was California Grill. Back then they used to put a bowl of Goldfish on the table for the little ones. Not sure if they still do that. That restaurant also has great views outside.

Not super fancy, but depending on the time of year you go (and the time you eat) Sanaa might work. Ask for a table by the window so the kids can watch the animals. Sun goes down early in the colder months, so check sunset times.

Not a "signature" meal, but our favorite place is Nomad Lounge. You can sit outside on the patio on sofas and soak up the atmosphere. The kids would like being able to walk/move around.

Coral Reef has a huge fish tank that takes up one entire wall. So much for the kids to watch there, especially if you are sitting near it! Food isn't super wonderful (it's just ok) and it's not fancy, but you might think it's worth it to keep the kids occupied while you enjoy a meal.

Hope these help!

 

[_19disnA]

Partly depends on how your children like eating out and if at that age they are able to sit waiting for the food since signature restaurants tend to be a slower pace of service. Do you often eat out at home and how does that work for your family? Small children don't always grasp that you have to wait for the food and it doesn't appear instantly. I think for very young children the Disney character meals are something they would find of more interest. Several of those are offered at different restaurants.

Restaurants that adults might enjoy at Disney aren't necessarily the best choice for small children.

 

[sc05]

Narcoossee's is awesome! The kids might like walking around out by the water too (if they need to get out of their seats, etc.). You could ask for a table by the water so they can watch the boats too!

When our kids were little the "nicest" place we took them to was California Grill. Back then they used to put a bowl of Goldfish on the table for the little ones. Not sure if they still do that. That restaurant also has great views outside.

Not super fancy, but depending on the time of year you go (and the time you eat) Sanaa might work. Ask for a table by the window so the kids can watch the animals. Sun goes down early in the colder months, so check sunset times.

Not a "signature" meal, but our favorite place is Nomad Lounge. You can sit outside on the patio on sofas and soak up the atmosphere. The kids would like being able to walk/move around.

Coral Reef has a huge fish tank that takes up one entire wall. So much for the kids to watch there, especially if you are sitting near it! Food isn't super wonderful (it's just ok) and it's not fancy, but you might think it's worth it to keep the kids occupied while you enjoy a meal.

Hope these help!

Thank you so much for your input! Really appreciate it. Would love to try one of the AKL options and/or Nomad Lounge as I’ve heard great things!

 

[FSU Girl]

We’ve taken my daughter to a lot of the restaurants, she’s 2. I decide based on the menu if there’s something she’ll enjoy. We are going to citricos with her on our upcoming trip, also have it scheduled for when they first open so we can get her to bed at her normal time.

At that age I’d recommend some character dining. Storybook has some good tasting food and so does topolinos for breakfast.

 

[EdgeOfGlory]

If it doesn't scare them, once they hit a certain age, every kid loves Teppan Edo and the food cooked in front of them at Japan in Epcot.

 

[sponica]

I'd say it depends on what time you're planning on eating more than anything. If you're going for 5 PM, go wherever you want that has food they'll eat.
My kids have eaten practically everywhere we've eaten, we bring coloring books and crayons to keep them occupied.

The standout from this year was probably Topolino's for dinner, we had a great server. We've also had a good time at Sanaa. I liked Steakhouse 71 as a nice basic steakhouse and I don't remember my kids being monsters there.

My kids HATE teppanyaki, so we skip Teppan Edo.

I didn't like Narcoosee's last year, for whatever reason. Maybe because my toddler decided to throw her entire meal on my plate?

 

[reddog21]

coloring books and crayons

Coloring books what are those

For Teppan Edo it's a loooooong meal, I think when we went there just my wife and I it was close to 2 hours. I was getting stir crazy imagine if your were a kid. You may need several coloring books.

We generally stay away from what Disney considers signature dining, my kids which includes my wife don't like any upscale type of food so why waste the money. We stick to places the have homestyle type food, whispering canyon cafe, 50's prime time, sci fi dine in, liberty tree tavern.

 

[Moliphino]

Not a "signature" meal, but our favorite place is Nomad Lounge. You can sit outside on the patio on sofas and soak up the atmosphere. The kids would like being able to walk/move around.

Tiffins would probably work for a signature TS meal with kids. There's a lot to look at in there and the seating is well spaced, so you don't need to worry about fidgeting kids bothering your neighbors so much.

 

[sc05]

Partly depends on how your children like eating out and if at that age they are able to sit waiting for the food since signature restaurants tend to be a slower pace to the service. Do you often eat out at home and how does that work for your family? Small children don't always grasp that you have to wait for the food and it doesn't appear instantly. I think for very young children the Disney character meals are something they would find of more interest. Several of those are offered at different restaurants.

Restaurants that adults might enjoy at Disney aren't necessarily the best choice for small children.

Restaurants that adults might enjoy at Disney aren't nec

Makes sense!

 

[sc05]

Thanks for the input everyone!

 

[TiggerTrigger]

We took our younger one to California Grill as a 2-year-old. We timed it with fireworks so there was something special with the meal. With the view decks, it was easy to get up and take a walk to look at something fun if she started getting antsy during the meal. We also had non-noisy travel toys and extra sheets for coloring to help. I believe we also got a bowl of goldfish crackers in that visit. Our server was great with her and she did well with the meal. We didn't go during that visit, but Narcoosee's would also fit the same profile we used for toddler signature success.

 

[sc05]

We took our younger one to California Grill as a 2-year-old. We timed it with fireworks so there was something special with the meal. With the view decks, it was easy to get up and take a walk to look at something fun if she started getting antsy during the meal. We also had non-noisy travel toys and extra sheets for coloring to help. I believe we also got a bowl of goldfish crackers in that visit. Our server was great with her and she did well with the meal. We didn't go during that visit, but Narcoosee's would also fit the same profile we used for toddler signature success.
That sounds wonderful! Thank you!

 

[sponica]

We took our younger one to California Grill as a 2-year-old. We timed it with fireworks so there was something special with the meal. With the view decks, it was easy to get up and take a walk to look at something fun if she started getting antsy during the meal. We also had non-noisy travel toys and extra sheets for coloring to help. I believe we also got a bowl of goldfish crackers in that visit. Our server was great with her and she did well with the meal. We didn't go during that visit, but Narcoosee's would also fit the same profile we used for toddler signature success.

That sounds wonderful! Thank you!

I will warn you, if you're afraid of heights, do not do this. at all. I booked CG around fireworks time and went out on the platform, I thought I'd be fine but I looked down the wrong side and saw how high up I was....

 

[melissalovesfigment]

I think we have eaten at all of the signature restaurants. Our kids are 6, 4, and 1. We usually try to get a 5:00 reservation so it isn't crowded. We just pack things for them to do while we wait for food. Our favorite is Citricos. California Grill has gone down hill recently. It used to be my favorite but now I feel like it is "herd them in, herd them out" for $$$$$. We haven't bee to Narcoossees since it reopened. We recently got the big round table right by the kitchen in Topolinos and our kids loved being in that location. Plus, it was a little louder there. We have gotten put in the back room at Flying Fish a few times and I am always paranoid that the kids will be loud because it is very quiet back there.

In the parks, we enjoy Brown Derby the most. Tiffins has great adult food but the last few times we have been there, even though we ask for the kids food to be brought out right when it is done, their food has come out 5-10 minutes after ours. We won't go back there for a bit which is unfortunate because the food is fantastic. Le Cellier is good but I actually prefer the general table service restaurants at Epcot. My kids love Space 220.

Cell service can be a little spotty so we try to download something on Disney + to our phones as a "just in case they are being really bad". Be sure to download because it can be really slow to load with both Verizon (my phone) and ATT (DH's phone).

 

[sc05]

I think we have eaten at all of the signature restaurants. Our kids are 6, 4, and 1. We usually try to get a 5:00 reservation so it isn't crowded. We just pack things for them to do while we wait for food. Our favorite is Citricos. California Grill has gone down hill recently. It used to be my favorite but now I feel like it is "herd them in, herd them out" for $$$$$. We haven't bee to Narcoossees since it reopened. We recently got the big round table right by the kitchen in Topolinos and our kids loved being in that location. Plus, it was a little louder there. We have gotten put in the back room at Flying Fish a few times and I am always paranoid that the kids will be loud because it is very quiet back there.

In the parks, we enjoy Brown Derby the most. Tiffins has great adult food but the last few times we have been there, even though we ask for the kids food to be brought out right when it is done, their food has come out 5-10 minutes after ours. We won't go back there for a bit which is unfortunate because the food is fantastic. Le Cellier is good but I actually prefer the general table service restaurants at Epcot. My kids love Space 220.

Cell service can be a little spotty so we try to download something on Disney + to our phones as a "just in case they are being really bad". Be sure to download because it can be really slow to load with both Verizon (my phone) and ATT (DH's phone).

Thank you so much! The Citricos menu looks amazing so I think we’ll definitely make reservations there one of the nights.

 

[jillt2ph]

I just want to say thanks to those of you who mention non-noisy toys. I also like signature meals, and have had quite a few ruined by phones/tablets being used at full volume with no headphones. So I really appreciate the considerate parents who plan ahead.

 

[erinch]

Some of the ones that worked with my littles were Jiko, Cinderella’s castle, Coral Reef and San Angel, the pyramid in Mexico, by the water. In general, we were usually lucky in requesting a table by the edge , such as at Le Cellier, rather than stuck in the middle. Non signature but great options are Crystal Palace, Tusker House, Liberty Tree Tavern and Skippers Canteen.

In Disney Springs the Boathouse and Jock Lindsey’s on the porch can work well.

 

[nolatravelgirl]

Rather than trying to rush a signature meal which is expensive, have you considered one of the nanny/sitter services that come to your resort in order to have a date night.

 

[DisneyByMarriage]

I’ve got three kids, 11/9/7. We’ve been going since they were young and it depends on their habits, etc. we have one who loves food and two who are strictly Mac n cheese, plain pasta, nuggets. My husband and I never plan solely around the kids, because we are service industry people and when we are in vacation we like to eat. Ohana dinner was a big hit last year for us (breakfast is their favorite of course) because while it’s not listed there are kids options for Ohana. They also all loved boathouse and skipper canteen in Magic Kingdom, and Hollywood BD for lunch Anything with windows works, at dinner, because there is something to look at. I’ve seen lots of kids at Cali Grill; we haven’t taken ours yet because they won’t eat the kids items—we usually do date night if we go with in-laws to Cali.