Citricos

[scanne]

Ok, I know that most all Disney restaurants are kid friendly, but how about Citricos? I really want to eat here to celebrate my birthday with my family and my son will be one when we go? Do you think this would be appropriate to bring him with us, or should I wait and eat here another time when he's older or when we can/will get a babysitter? Thank you.

 

[Scottwdw]

There were many families at Citricos when my wife and I ate dinner there last October. Just remember, while shirt & tie are not requried, Citricos does suggest a business casual dress. Thus no t-shirts, shorts and the like.

Food is great and, if you like wine, they have many pairings to go with your selected meals.

 

[jel0511]

I have taken my children to many of the more upscale ones at WDW during my many trips. I even took my 8 month old to Narcoossee's!!! I never have taken my children to Citricos (almost did last summer, but DH didn't like the menu), but I never would hesitate. Here are a few suggestions though. First off, book one of the earliest PS's you can get. The restaurant will be less crowded, and it's also easier on the little one, they're not getting that tired yet. Second, this meal will be a drawn out affair, probably at least an hour and half(another reason for the early PS), bring MANY things to keep your child occupied. I bring small toys (the best ones are the toys from Happy Meals), finger foods to eat while waiting for food, and a FULL sippie cup. Start taking your child out to dinner frequently now. We eat out at least once a week, so eating in a restaurant is nothing new to our children (now 5 and 2). They know how to behave and don't act up. And if all else fails, have a back-up plan. There have been MANY WDW nights in which we've had to scrap a fancy dinner due to cranky or disinterested children. The most important thing for you to realize is that with a meal this long (we were just at Jiko and were there for almost 2 1/2 hours) is can your child handle being in a highchair that long. If not, are you ready to have to hold your child for the entire meal. We have done this, but as some of the nicer places, you really don't want to, you want to enjoy the meal.

 

[ducklite]

Keep in mind that Citrico's is one of the most adult oriented restaurants at WDW, probably the most other than V&A's.

The service is leisurely, plan on minimum two hours.

As the other poster suggested, if your child won't be happy sitting in the highchair for two plus hours, you might want to get a sitter or wait. Frankly I have several young neices and nephews with varying levels of manners and tolerence for drawn out events, and I wouldn't consider taking the extremely well mannered six year niece old to Citrico's--not that I think she wouldn't behave, but because I think she'd be happier elsewhere--it's just too long of a meal for most children.

Jel gives some great advice about scrapping plans if the kids are cranky, and bringing lots of diversions. I'd also add that you should let the server know immediately when you are seated that you'd like the service to be a little faster than normal, and be ready to leave if the child gets at all disruptive.

Scott is right on about the dress code, while you don't need to wear a suit and tie, "business casual" is requested, and seems to be the norm for dining there.

My personal thoughts on it--if I were in your shoes, I'd get a sitter and take DH out for a nice leisurely dinner with just the two of you, adn follow it with a nightcap at Mizners

Anne

 

[BCV23]

You have already gotten good advice but just wanted to add that I think your dinner could be served faster if you want it to be. We've eaten at Citrico's a number of times and our meals have been 1-1.5 hours. We don't usually have dessert. If you skip that and/or appetizers your time could be even shorter if you want it to be or if your baby is getting restless.

We've also always been told no tank tops for Citrico's. We have seen people in tanks and flip flops though. Lots of people wear shorts in warmer weather. Resort casual would fit the description of what most wear as opposed to business casual.

Citrico is family friendly but it is one of the quietest restaurants at WDW so if you have a squealer or a very rambunctious baby you might feel a little conspicuous. Babies vary so much only you can know if it would make for a pleasant meal for your family.

 

[ducklite]

Don't forget many desserts can be wrapped to go--so you could take it back to your resort and enjoy it on the balcony

Anne

 

[awatt]

Another tip:

We order the girls dinner right away while we have a drink and look at the menu. When they are done with dinner,we are usually beginning our entree,and then we order their sessert. That way everybody enjoys the meal and they do not get bored.