California Grill with a 7 year old?

[2Tiggies]

I'm looking for some advice. I would love to take my DD(7) for dinner at the Californa Grill. Do you think she is too young to enjoy the experience? She is an only child and I am a single mum, so it isn't a "family meal" in the typical sense. Also, I am a very light eater. I just want to be mindful of taking up a table if it is a long dining session if we are'nt eating too much. Should I wait until she is a bit older?

 

[madalex]

If she is like most 7 year olds (whose main dining items consist of pasta and chicken fingers), she is probably too young to enjoy the experience of the great food that is available at CG, but not too young to enjoy the great view and (if the timing works out) seeing the fireworks from the restaurant.

 

[dr&momto2boys]

If it is something you would enjoy, she would enjoy it too. If you are doing it just for her, maybe wait a while.

 

[PoohsFan1]

We took our then DD5 and DD7 to CG in March, it was DH's and I 10 yr. anniversary dinner and we wanted to enjoy it with our kids. I wasn't sure if there was going to be anything for them to eat because they could be pickey at times. Well my DD8 had the child's seared steak dinner (she is a steak lover) and loved it and my DD5 had the mac and cheese which she loved too. They both were in awe with the view of the castle and the whole experience up there. Even though my DH and I like to take our time eating there (CG is our favorite restaurant anywhere) they were very good and did not get restless. In fact, we are going back to Disney in December and when I asked everyone where they would like to eat at, both girls said that they wanted to eat at the restaurant on top of the Contemporary again

 

[chrisw127]

I think she'll love it and it sounds like a very special mother-daughter dinner. I would totally do it. The pizza on the kids menu is really good.

 

[2Tiggies]

Thanks everyone. I should have mentioned that DD has a gluten allergy so she is likely to order an appetizer off the adult menu, unless we arrange something else with the restaurant in advance. She is quite adventurous though when it comes to food, probably a result of mac n cheese etc being off limits for her (unless I get her the gluten free pasta). I don't mind paying for this one - I just thought it would be something special.

Thanks Chrisw127 - that was kind of the idea: something special for mother and daughter. I sort of hoped that she would be okay with it as she usually around adult company so perhaps not your "typical" 7 year old. Having said that, we rarely go out so I though it would be nice to splurge a bit. I plan to budget to pay this one OOP so that I don't have to feel restricted if she wants to try something.

You've all given some great advice!

 

[Sleeping Becca]

It really depends on your DD. My DD is an only child, she has been on several cruises so she is a pretty adventurous eater. We eat at a lot of signature restaurants because I like them. She does well, but if I ask her where she wants to eat, she will never pick a Signature, she'd rather eat at Chef Mickey's, Crystal Palace, Alkershus, 1900, etc.

So when I make reservations I make sure we have her favorites so she is more willing to eat at the places I like.

 

[Vickis3js]

I haven't dined there yet but I think it would be a wonderful thing for her, that is if she can handle it. I know some kids have a hard time at Dennys. I think it would be a wonderful mother/daughter meal. Heck if she is anything like my DD she will think she is such a big girl. Let her get a little dressed up and have a blast.

I let my kids pick a special meal for our Christmas Eve I told them to give me 2restaurants they agreed after looking at the boards and the menus they gave me Flying Fish and CG. My kids are 9, 8, and 7. We went with the CG with a promise to do FF next year I know they can not wait to eat at CG! So the menu definatly appeals to some kids.

 

[janloz]

We went to CG in Dec for the last dinner of our trip. Both our DS11 and DD7 LOVED dining there and it was DD's first choice for ADR for our trip next Sept. Our CM, Bill was fantastic with her (he has 5 or 6 kids of his own) and even brought her out goldfish crackers and cucumbers so she could have an app. that she liked. I say Go for it. Be sure to take her out on the observation area to see the view of MK, it is amazing.

 

[Goofyz3girls]

I agree with everyone else.....go for it.You will have a great time.We wouldn't even think about going without our DD's.My little one was a little over 3 her first time.My oldest only orders from the adult menu and thats been going on for over 5 years now.Kids are funny they (especially) girls will follow your lead.If you show your having a great time so will your kids....Monkey see monkey do.......

 

[nascarcheshirecat]

2Tiggies-

Go and enjoy!


there is no really typical family meal anymore, and you two are a family


She will love it as well as you. Please take pics and share when you get back.

Have a wonderfull time!

 

[2Tiggies]

Thank you so much. You have all been a great help. I kind of just needed some insider info since I have never been myself and so couldn't assess whether it would work, but you have all made some really good points and I think I am going to go for it. I think the key will be to allow DD to experience it as a 7 year old and I will do so as an adult - and we can both enjoy together.

Thank you all again. I probably would have not done it if I hadn't asked!