Best Signature Restaurant if dining with smaller children?

[lissiesmum]

I would like to give a few signature restaurants a try as I am on the deluxe DDP. I had my heart set on the Cali Grille, as we are staying at the CR, but on another one of my threads I learned that the meal could take up to two hours from start to finish! Is this customary for most signature restaurants, or are there some where the pace isn't so "leisurely"? I'd like to splurge for myself, but I don't want my DD to have a long, drawn out experience either. I am also interested in Jiko, Citrico's, Narcoosee's or Artist Point. Any good experiences or suggestions? TIA!

 

[madalex]

All of the signature restaurants can take up to two hours, if that is your desire for the meal. That is very customary for fine dining. On the other hand, all of the signature restaurants can be done in less than an hour, if you want to have a quicker meal. If you order quickly and make your desires known to your server, the meal can be done relatively quickly.

 

[lissiesmum]

All of the signature restaurants can take up to two hours, if that is your desire for the meal. That is very customary for fine dining. On the other hand, all of the signature restaurants can be done in less than an hour, if you want to have a quicker meal. If you order quickly and make your desires known to your server, the meal can be done relatively quickly.

THis is good advice! I was hoping it was "ok" to mention to a server that you might want the service a little quicker, and be ready to order more quickly. I'd hate to miss out on the experience and the food so I'm glad this can be done

 

[MickeyNicki]

We have dined at Jiko, Cali Grill, Citricos, BlueZoo, Il Mulino and Flying Fish and we spent 2 hours in all of them...very easy to do when you are having a drink, appie, entree, coffee and dessert...

If you just order entrees you may be out in a hour

 

[ajleone]

I'd hate to miss out on the experience and the food so I'm glad this can be done

To me rushing through the meal is missing out on the experience.

 

[acpalmer]

I would like to give a few signature restaurants a try as I am on the deluxe DDP. I had my heart set on the Cali Grille, as we are staying at the CR, but on another one of my threads I learned that the meal could take up to two hours from start to finish! Is this customary for most signature restaurants, or are there some where the pace isn't so "leisurely"? I'd like to splurge for myself, but I don't want my DD to have a long, drawn out experience either. I am also interested in Jiko, Citrico's, Narcoosee's or Artist Point. Any good experiences or suggestions? TIA!

How old is she exactly? Would she be happy to sit and read a book between courses? Color in a coloring book? Play a handheld video game--with the earphones in! Or watch a movie on a iPod (again, with earphones), etc.? I've found I can enjoy longer meals with my younger ones if I provide some quiet entertainment for them so that they can sit without disturbing others or DH and I. Of course, I've not actually tried this at WDW, so I'm not sure it would work there when they know there are parks to be heading to out there!

 

[lissiesmum]

Would she be happy to sit and read a book between courses? Color in a coloring book? Play a handheld video game--with the earphones in! Or watch a movie on a iPod (again, with earphones), etc.? I've found I can enjoy longer meals with my younger ones if I provide some quiet entertainment for them so that they can sit without disturbing others or DH and I.

Yes, she enjoys coloring and activity books, and she likes handheld games. I've given this much thought, and I've decided against California Grill. I have decided to give Jiko and Narcoosee's a try. She loves the AKL, and I think the fact that there will be animal watching and playing on the playground before/after will be fun enough for her to enjoy a longer sit down meal. I also chose Narcoosee's...I looked through the menu and some pictures, and I saw the lobster pics...she loves lobster, and it is a special treat that we rarely have, so that would be worth her wait plus the fact that I snagged a ressie around Wishes so I think we can manage this one too (but I will definitely bring along the Leapster and activity books...just in case...thanks for the tip!) Thanks everyone for your help.