California Grill with little ones?

[Lollipop Mom]

Anyone ever taken little ones (mine will be 4½ and almost 3) to dinner at California Grill? We are going to be at WDW for my husband's birthday (12/27) and he has requested either Ohana or CG for his birthday dinner. We are having Christmas dinner at Ohana (I can't tell you how shocked I was that was available!) so obviously we don't want to do dinner there again 2 days later.

We have a PS for 6:10 so it's not fireworks time or anything. My kids are generally very well behaved and between DH and I and my parents, if they can't be well behaved we will remove them. I was just wondering if the food, atmosphere and staff are kid friendly. We were going to go and check in early and request a window seat. My parents would wait for us to be called while we walked around with the kids till they are ready to seat us. I thought the view out the window may keep them entertained for a bit.

Just wondering if anyone has any advice or experience with dinner here with kids in tow.

 

[maps]

I'm curious as well since I would like to try this with my 4 and 5 yo.

 

[garettdoyle]

We just returned from a week at WDW. We at at CG with our 2 and 4.5 year old daughter. No regrets. We had a great time. We did have an early PS (around 5 PM). The waiter made our daughters feel right at home. They provide crayons and they pallate, is the paper covering the table. Both our girls liked coloring "on the table".

Make sure you go out on the observation deck and take in the view. Nice distraction if the kids are getting bored.

Although we felt comfortable, we did not let our kids "run around" and asked them to behave like "ladies".

Best meal of our trip but also the most expensive.

 

[stacy6552]

I wouldnt bring my kids. If he really wants to eat there, get a sitter.

 

[robinb]

I have been to the CG with a young child and without. Without is better since the CG is more of an "adult" restaurant. However, the CG does have a children's menu with perhaps the most expensive (and best!) mac n cheese on property. There will be plenty for both your kids and your entire family will be welcome there.

 

[Del]

We went in March and brought our two girls. They loved coloring on the table! Yes it is an adult-type restaurant. They had kids menus. Yes if you're aware of their behavior, you'll be fine. Bring them. Especially if it is DH's bday. Won't they want to help celebrate it with daddy? Have a ball. Great food but it is expensive. ENjoy!

Del

 

[justhat]

They'll love it. We were there for NYE in 2002 and though we didn't have any kids then, there were plenty of littler ones around, from a 3 month old to teenagers. We are already planning on taking our daughter there in April, when she'll be 14 months.

 

[kyirish25]

I think only you know your children and how they will behave. I personally would never even think of celebrating a birthday not as a family. So I say go for it and make the most of it.

We are going to CG to celebrate our anniversary and of course DS age 3 will be attending with us. He has been to all the nicer resturants in town and I have no doubt that he will have a great time at CG as well.

 

[MissionMouse]

CG is designated as a Disney Signature restaurant...and I also consider it a family restaurant without all the Disney Character Theming...no different than a restaurant back home. Overall, the only two restaurants at WDW I consider to be adult are V&A and Bistro.

We ate here during our last trip with our 1 and 3 year old little girls. They were both well behaved and had a great time. They really enjoyed the food too without any issues.
Our server also took special care of them too.

 

[Ambassador]

We have dined here six years running. Never any problems with staff, other diners, or our little delegation. We usually take the delegation for a tour of the Deck and Kitchen when they are restless. Our beloved Uncle Ambassador, food and wine snob, declared CG as the best meal he has ever eaten, and the Little Delegation the worst behaved kids in a restaurant. Ever.