California Grill with 2 little boys?

[AJPPGH]

I am wondering if the Cal Grill is worth it with 2 little boys ages 8 and 5. We eat out a lot so they are "generally" well behaved. I am just thinking that with all the excitement of being at Disney is it fair to make them sit for a formal dinner. Any thoughts? Is the atmosphere/food/experience worth it?

 

[Pakey]

Only you know your children and how well they enjoy being seated for 90 minutes at a meal. There are many children dining at CG.

 

[cbg1027]

As the PP said, you do see many children when dining at California Grill, so you wouldn't feel awkward bringing them. They have a kids menu and the place is already boisterous enough that kids don't make the atmosphere seem less nice.

If you feel your kids will behave enough to last through a sit-down meal that will go longer than most other TS locations (assuming you order more than 1 course), than I say go for it.

Also, if you can schedule your meal around Wishes, that will help the kids stay occupied.

I think the experience is totally worth it. The food is wonderful, and even without watching Wishes, the view cannot be beat!

 

[LeahA]

If your concerned they'll get bored, I'd bring with a coloring book and crayons, or a pad of paper for them to play tic,tac,toe, or if they have a hand held game, like a DS or Leapster.

 

[TDC Nala]

There are plenty of children there, and the restaurant is not a quiet restaurant - it's generally bustling and noisy. However, if your kids are the type who like to get up and roam around the restaurant, there really isn't room for them to do that at California Grill.

 

[andee515]

We are going to eat there for the first time with a 8yo, 5yo and 3yo...fingers crossed.

I was wanting peoples opinion on wait times. Our reservation is at 7:25 and Wishes is at 8pm, do you think will be seated by then? Is the viewing area outside, a balcony area?

 

[TDC Nala]

The observation deck is long and narrow and has high walls. You might have to lift small children so they can see.

I will guess that you might have trouble being seated before the show at 8. Those who already have tables are likely to hang onto them until the show is over, especially if they have window tables (there are not a lot of window tables with a good view of MK).

 

[lissiesmum]

I was wondering about the longer dining experience with my little one as well. An hour is ok, more than that, we've never done. If your kiddo is getting antsy toward the end of dinner and you haven't ordered dessert yet, can you get dessert to go? (we're staying at the CR). I'm thinking that might be a nice way to end our meal to go relax in the room and watch the fireworks in our own room while eating our dessert!

 

[Ramsfan28]

I wouldn't be hesitant at all bringing kids to the CG, it is Disney after all.

Go and enjoy yourself.

 

[ROEDISNEY]

I seen a lot of kids at CG .