Best themed restaurant for toddler?

[winnieofpooh]

We're headed down in October and we'll have a 3 year old and 1 year old with us, along with my parents and in-laws. My parents want to do a "fun" reservation with the kids, and we're trying to pick some options. My parents are only joining us for Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, so either has to be at one of those parks, or Springs/resort. Non-character meal, as we're already planning to do Cape May Cafe.

My mom suggested Sci-Fi which I think would be fun, but as a party of 8, I think we'll get split up and might not get the full experience my parents are looking at. T-Rex/Rainforest Cafe are probably out, because my 3 year old is easily scared of loud noises and I think he'd be terrified. Any other suggestions?

 

[Kae]

ok, my take, what meal do your kids do the best for my kids when toddlers were late brunch \early lunch kids. You already have a Breakfast with characters. So Maybe Whispering Canyon Cafe at WL, Sci fi is very Dark. I would look at the menus my weird kids have always loved The Hollywood Brown Derby, I think, because it was quiet and they could recharge.

 

[Dakota731]

My kids loved TRex and Rainforest when they were three, but the horror movie clips at Sci terrified them! So all kids are different. How about a character meal for lunch one day?

 

[PollyannaMom]

My parents want to do a "fun" reservation with the kids, and we're trying to pick some options. My parents are only joining us for Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, so either has to be at one of those parks, or Springs/resort. Non-character meal

What about Woody's Roundup?
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/hollywood-studios/roundup-rodeo-bbq/menus/lunch/

It's bright and fun, family-style table service, and though it's not a character meal, the waitstaff do play along with freezing when the "Andy's coming" announcement happens.

 

[DL1WDW2]

I have seen many families enjoying Kona Cafe for fun family dining at breakfast.
It is located at the Polynesian upper level , with monorail stop to MK

 

[Rory607]

My son absolutely hated Rainforest Cafe due to the noise, so we never even attempted T Rex. What about Primetime Cafe? Little kids obviously won’t get the nostalgia piece, my kids always thought it was fun to eat in a “little kitchen.” The grandparents would probably get a kick out of it.

 

[zackiedawg]

I would think Roundup Rodeo BBQ is heavily themed for kids of any age, with all of the interior decor being kids toys and Toy Story characters. And the cast members interact with kids very well...even the toddlers should be fairly transfixed at the big colorful toys.

SciFi might be colorful with the cars to sit in, but the stuff on screen might be strange or a little scary for some toddlers.

 

[zackiedawg]

In general, any of the character restaurants may work too - Crystal Palace, Hollywood & Vine in the parks or any of the resort ones - but it all depends on the toddler. Most love the characters, but for whatever reason my mother says I was terrified at these strange people with enormous heads and would cry if they came near.

 

[jdb in AZ]

My grand daughter was about the same age as OP's younger child, and she was terrified of Minnie Mouse. Not a fun way to spend an expensive character meal.

We really enjoyed the Be Our Guest restaurant and DGD consented to having her picture taken with Belle and the Beast, who were off in a photo-op alcove -- no characters were passing through the dining area. The restaurant was surprisingly large, so they should be able to accommodate a party of eight.

 

[CarolynFH]

DGD consented to having her picture taken with Belle and the Beast, who were off in a photo-op alcove -- no characters were passing through the dining area.

NB - all has changed now. The Beast walks through all the dining rooms pretty frequently, and there is no longer a photo op in the alcove.

 

[winnieofpooh]

What about Woody's Roundup?
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/hollywood-studios/roundup-rodeo-bbq/menus/lunch/

It's bright and fun, family-style table service, and though it's not a character meal, the waitstaff do play along with freezing when the "Andy's coming" announcement happens.

Ohh great idea! I forgot about this one!

 

[Marthasor]

I would probably avoid Sci Fi with children that age. The cars are a bit compact and they may have zero interest in the movie clips, plus, as you point out, you aren't really sitting altogether having a meal. If you are willing to leave the parks, I would consider going to 'Ohana at Poly or Whispering Canyon at WL. If you would prefer staying in MK or DHS, I would consider Be Our Guest or perhaps adding one more character meal and do Crystal Palace which will have different characters than Cape May. If your kids can handle a lot of sensory overload, perhaps consider Woody's Roundup. I found it quite loud and overwhelming in there. If you would like a good meal in a wonderfully themed restaurant, try Hollywood Brown Derby.

 

[erinch]

As another idea, if you were to schedule the meal over afternoon nap/rest time, Wailulu outside on their seating that holds 6 would be fun for the 3 yr old to watch the water and the boats, and some precious chill time for the adults.

Another option for MK would be Liberty Tree Tavern. Ask to be seated in a quieter room.

 

[Isthisnormalatdisney]

We're headed down in October and we'll have a 3 year old and 1 year old with us, along with my parents and in-laws. My parents want to do a "fun" reservation with the kids, and we're trying to pick some options. My parents are only joining us for Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, so either has to be at one of those parks, or Springs/resort. Non-character meal, as we're already planning to do Cape May Cafe.

My mom suggested Sci-Fi which I think would be fun, but as a party of 8, I think we'll get split up and might not get the full experience my parents are looking at. T-Rex/Rainforest Cafe are probably out, because my 3 year old is easily scared of loud noises and I think he'd be terrified. Any other suggestions?

What genders?