Best Table Service Restaurants with 4 Year Old with Autism

[mickey&minniealways]

I would decide what resteraunts you think you would like to eat at. Explain your problem and ask if you could order food ahead of time and find out if they could box up an order for you. You might be suprised at how many places will accomodate you.

 

[lathamary]

There seems to be an assumption that we would just turn our son loose in the restaurant and let him run wherever he wanted.

Um, no. We're not that dense.

But he does need to get up and stim often. It's not running around and screaming, it's normally walking around and scripting (his favorite thing to script is Mickey Mouse Clubhouse by the way), and either myself or my husband is always in tow.

So, thanks to those who had supportive advice.
To those who said not to subject other diners to our son, I've learned enough on my journey with Autism to let those comments slide. He's a human being. We're his family. We deserve a Disney Vacation just like the rest of you. I've learned to really not give a crap who our son makes uncomfortable. That's their problem.

 

[rachellm]

There seems to be an assumption that we would just turn our son loose in the restaurant and let him run wherever he wanted.

Um, no. We're not that dense.

But he does need to get up and stim often. It's not running around and screaming, it's normally walking around and scripting (his favorite thing to script is Mickey Mouse Clubhouse by the way), and either myself or my husband is always in tow.

So, thanks to those who had supportive advice.
To those who said not to subject other diners to our son, I've learned enough on my journey with Autism to let those comments slide. He's a human being. We're his family. We deserve a Disney Vacation just like the rest of you. I've learned to really not give a crap who our son makes uncomfortable. That's their problem.

I think most of that assumption came because you mentioned needing "big open areas with non-breakable stuff" Which isn't really available in the WDW restaurants. And it may seem common sense to you that - of course wouldn't let him run around and scream - but there are plenty of parents who do let their kids do that

For what you've described here, I think any of the character meals would be good. Or maybe some of the resort restaurants (the less popular ones) because they won't be quite as crowded. In some of the restaurants the tables are so close together it's hard enough to walk through to your table! Let alone walk around.

I hope you have a wonderful trip!

 

[lathamary]

Then this can be considered a nice lesson in never assuming

 

[clanmcculloch]

There seems to be an assumption that we would just turn our son loose in the restaurant and let him run wherever he wanted.

Um, no. We're not that dense.

But he does need to get up and stim often. It's not running around and screaming, it's normally walking around and scripting (his favorite thing to script is Mickey Mouse Clubhouse by the way), and either myself or my husband is always in tow.

So, thanks to those who had supportive advice.
To those who said not to subject other diners to our son, I've learned enough on my journey with Autism to let those comments slide. He's a human being. We're his family. We deserve a Disney Vacation just like the rest of you. I've learned to really not give a crap who our son makes uncomfortable. That's their problem.

I was also trying to figure out where people were getting the impression you wanted to just turn him loose in the restaurants. I figured you meant you need to be able to have somebody get up with him to walk without disturbing other guests.

Here are my general suggestions.

Buffets will allow you to get his food without having to wait plus you can make these meals as fast as you want. I'd recommend asking for your bill when you're first seated so that if he starts really struggling and you need to leave, you can get out faster.

Buffets are also really good because he can get up and walk with each of you every time somebody wants to go get more food. Buffets with characters offer an additional thing to focus on other than just sitting while eating. Each time a character comes by he'll have something different. Some character restaurants also have parades through the restaurant which are another opportunity to get up and move around.

Restaurants in resorts offer a little something else to consider as well. At restaurants like Cape May Cafe and 'Ohana and Chef Mickey, in addition to everything else I just mentioned, you can walk around just outside the restaurant without going actually outside. The benefit of this is that if one of you does need to take him for a walk, you don't have to go far or even into the elements if there's bad weather (rain, FL heat, sudden cold snap, etc).

 

[Disneylvr]

To those who said not to subject other diners to our son, I've learned enough on my journey with Autism to let those comments slide. He's a human being. We're his family. We deserve a Disney Vacation just like the rest of you. I've learned to really not give a crap who our son makes uncomfortable. That's their problem.

Exactly!!!!!

 

[dja14]

If he loves the characters and uses it for his stim then for sure I would do character meals. They are usually louder and full of kids anyway. My kids stayed seated but would repeat huge lines of movies and cartoons. As long as your son can handle all the noise then those should be fine. I would try and stay away from the romantic adult-type restaurants (which assuming here you were going to anyway) I think combining the more kid type places with you being willing to walk him right outside if you need to you should be fine.

And you will still see kids running wild sadly. I am always okay with kids being wild when a parent is right behind them or trying to control it and can't but it drives me crazy to see parents letting their kid come to my table and grab food off my kids plate (who then has a melt down of his own) That happened our first trip to Chef Mickeys and the waitress got the manager who put a stop to it thankfully but good grief

 

[suzyqqq27]

We just got back from our glorious two-week Disney trip and I would recommend both the Trail's End and the Whispering Canyon Café. You can get take-out at the Trail's End and sit on picnic tables on the porch that overlook the playground next door. Our kids played with hula hoops and went on the swings (both great for sensory seekers) while we enjoyed a much needed adult beverage in the relaxing rockers...I highly recommend it.

Also, the Whispering Canyon Café has a parade where the kids get to ride a wooden horse around the restaurant...that might satisfy him for a bit. They also had a lincoln log set in the lobby area that kept my kids busy for a long time. Unfortunately it was WAY too loud for my daughter with auditory defensiveness so we didn't visit this time but I think it would be a good one for you.

Good luck and have fun!
Suzanne

 

[maroo]

I just want to add that going to the restaurant at an odd time is also really helpful!

We went to Crystal Palace pretty late one night (about 30 min before closing) and it was not nearly as packed - the character interaction was awesome and we didn't have to worry about the children with us walking around a bit.

Boma is also a great meal, it is a buffet and there are a couple of places sort of out of the way (ask them for an out of the way place when you check in) - plus there is a LOT to look at even as you wait (the animals, etc)...

And I agree that taking him to restaurants now when he is at home would help him to get used to the experience, too.

Also make sure to tell your servers (and maybe consider Autism awareness shirts/buttons) so that people will be more likely to be a bit more understanding.

 

[jnoble82]

Also make sure to tell your servers (and maybe consider Autism awareness shirts/buttons) so that people will be more likely to be a bit more understanding.

I'd have to agree with that. It may not be fair to have to explain what your child has but people may judge less and be more compassionate and understanding. Seems like almost everyone has a family member on the spectrum nowadays. I hope you all have a great trip!!

 

[Andianna]

We have had good experiences with Crystal Palace, Chef Mickey, Olivia's, shutters, ? We had a 4yr old autistic child who like your son enjoyed walking and scripting. We chose earlier dining times i.e. 4:30 when there was not that many folks in the restaurant. This was helpful. We took him out only once our fault he was too tired that day we should have made alternate plans instead of keeping our ressie. I am sure you will have a wonderful time take it day by day which you probably already do and enjoy.

 

[disney55]

The Wave at the Contemporary has a lounge area next to the bar. It is a large room with padded benches and coctail tables. There is a tv in there that
shows cartoons. We have eaten here many times, and never had anyone there but us. It is located right near the back door which leads to the boat dock. Works great for kids...any and all kids.

 

[mickey&minniealways]

Didn't mean to offend when I suggested take out. I guess it was the way the situation was described. My 17 year old daughter, she is coded as mildly to moderate MR with global difficiences, has a bf who along with her twin brother are autistic. They have never been to Disney. She could handle it no problem, she is high functioning. However it is way to much stimulation for her twin brother. Have you considered Mickey's Backyard BBQ at Fort Wilderness. The kids are encouraged to run around and are invited to sing along and dance with the characters. It is a high activity event. Hoop de Doo at FW might also be a good option. As far as non character /buffet meals go Olivia's at OKW might be a good choice. There are not as many people there. You can even get a table alot of the time without a reservation. There seems to be plenty of room to move around. The food is good. Really one of the best kept secrects at WDW. Whatever you decide good luck and have fun.

 

[cymbaldiva]

There seems to be an assumption that we would just turn our son loose in the restaurant and let him run wherever he wanted.

Having read your original post I can very easily see how people are making that assumption - you might want to rethink the last paragraph.

 

[monica9]

So from my experiences with the restaurants we have been to, Iwould suggest first off telling the restaurant ahead of time that you want a table closest to the exit of the restaurant. Like a pp said, Ohana's has the lobby right outside of the restaurant so if you got a table at the beginning of the restaurant, he will be able to walk around in the little section of the lobby where there are couches and also the kids tv area. You can probably see him and have you and your SO take turns walking around with him. Chef mickey is great place also b/c of the buffet and loud noise. Shutters (table service restaurant at CBR) will let you get your food take out if you want to or pack it up to go if it is getting hard for you guys and then you can take it to the tables right outside near the pool bar. We had to pack up our dessert last year there b/c it was late and the 3 kids just couldn't handle sitting anymore.

I think Beaches and Cream at the boardwalk has outdoor seating and he can walk around near you on the boardwalk. Outdoor seating restaurants are a plus!

And lastly, I'm sure you already will be doing, bringing a bunch of his sensory balls and other stuff to occupy him even if for 10 minutes of sitting will be helpful!

Good luck and enjoy your time. I'm sure him and your other family are going to have a blast!

 

[SillyFamily]

Hollywood and vine for breakfast has dancing every 20min or so that would be a good spot to release some energy between eating and character visits.

 

[Disneylvr]

Having read your original post I can very easily see how people are making that assumption - you might want to rethink the last paragraph.

In defense of the OP, this is the disABILITIES forum where many of of are already familiar with autism. I think she safely assumed that the regulars here would know what she meant.

 

[Kaspar Houser]

We deserve a Disney Vacation just like the rest of you. I've learned to really not give a crap who our son makes uncomfortable. That's their problem.

In that case I would take pictures,ask for the manager and tell him we will leave without paying.No fuss,no problems.
My money, my problem but I will not pay for it.
Of course I would not bother you just quietly leave and let you're child do as he pleases.