Disruptive children in restaurants

[tony67]

Lets face it the liquoed up adults are worse than the kids.

I have to agree with this. A kid has an excuse at some level.

I recently ate at the Keg in Canada and Market by Jean Gorges in Boston with my kids.
In both cases we had drunk business men who were extremely loud and every other word out of their mouth was F.

My kids were not the only ones there and there was no reason for them to be as loud as they were, but the restaurants did nothing.
These are not low end restaurants and this should not have been tolerated.

Even my kid was shocked with the language and he is no angel.

 

[nbs2]

I understand what you are saying, nbs2, and I would have handled it differently now though not in the way you are suggesting. I think I should have played hardball with manager: gathered my kids and prepared to leave, if the manager wanted us to pay the check, well, the onus was on him to find it! This wouldn't work on the DDP though because they can charge you after the fact. I don't think it is making myself a sacrifice or a "belief in martyrdom" to be considerate of other guests.

BTW, I have asked for the manager at exactly two restaurants my entire life and they both happened to be at WDW. Unfortunately, the two managers were indifferent and unhelpful both times.

How do they charge you on DDP after the fact? Would they try to tie your ADR to your KTTW? Even i they do, that would be a fair solution - after all, the intent wasn't to dine and dash, but rather simply get the bill paid.

Also, I don't want you to think I was denigrating your efforts. Rather, I am trying to say that you shouldn't have been expected to do what you did. If you had stuck around, I suspect most folks would have made martyrs of themselves and complained to friends/family about "the lady that didn't take her crying kids out" without having made even the slightest effort to go to management. As for making a sacrifice, being willing to stick around when your kid is not cooperating and an informed management is not allowing you to settle your bill is a sacrifice. For another patron to expect you to do so portrays the selfishness that they would all to readily accuse you of. those that would make the accusation without having gone to management simply pile laziness on top of that selfishness.

 

[si-am]

How do they charge you on DDP after the fact? Would they try to tie your ADR to your KTTW? Even i they do, that would be a fair solution - after all, the intent wasn't to dine and dash, but rather simply get the bill paid.

Also, I don't want you to think I was denigrating your efforts. Rather, I am trying to say that you shouldn't have been expected to do what you did. If you had stuck around, I suspect most folks would have made martyrs of themselves and complained to friends/family about "the lady that didn't take her crying kids out" without having made even the slightest effort to go to management. As for making a sacrifice, being willing to stick around when your kid is not cooperating and an informed management is not allowing you to settle your bill is a sacrifice. For another patron to expect you to do so portrays the selfishness that they would all to readily accuse you of. those that would make the accusation without having gone to management simply pile laziness on top of that selfishness.

Management won't do anything about it. There have been plenty of reports here where people HAVE complained about unruly behavior and Disney won't get involved.

I find it somewhat strange that you are essentially trying to blame everyone ELSE in the restaurant for someone else's screaming kid. That is just really weird.

 

[ElizabethB]

We run into unruly children and indifferent parents quite often when dining at WDW signature restaurants. We've seen kids running around, kids laying on the floor in the way of servers, kids using chopsticks to beat on chairs, plates, glasses, kids and siblings. We've seen tables with more than one child yelling and screaming, yet the parents are drinking, laughing and totally oblivious to the actions of their little darlings. Quite frankly, I have yet to see tables of adults behaving in any way that could rival the behavior we've seen from undisciplined children.

We have increased the likelihood of avoiding unruly children and indifferent parents by always dining late -- no earlier than 8:30 pm and often 9:00 or 9:30 pm. At CG, we make a reservation for a least 1/2 hour after the fireworks are over, even if that means a 10:30 pm ADR.

The other action we take is that if we are seated and find a noisy family near us, we do not hesitate to call the hostess over and request other seating. This happened most recently a couple of weeks ago at Jiko in the wine room. There was a large table of family and friends with two extremely noisy toddlers. We noticed this before we were seated. As we were being taken to our table in the wine room, we indicated that it would simply not work for us given the noisy/unruly family taking up the entire center area of the wine room. We were told that was fine but it would be a wait for another table. We replied we were in no hurry, and had another table in about 10 minutes. I find Disney pretty helpful in moving us when asked.

 

[AJA]

Usually I'm one of those "old fashion" hard parents that absolutely think crying children should be taken out of a restaurant, especially a $$$ restaurant!

BUT it is DISNEY! Sometimes very little ones have to tag along so their older siblings can experience Disney as a young child and they just have to go along with everyone else even when they are exhausted, sometimes it just isn't possible for them to have the nap they need. Honestly at Disney it does not bother me. There are so many gorgeous cities in the US for adults to vist with tons of $$$$ restaurants to have a special night at. I cannot imagine coming to disney and complaining about a crying child.

A child getting sick is a whole nother ball game, we have also had the experience of having to leave a dinner because someone close to us did not take a child out that was obviously getting sick. I mean, you just can't eat beside vomit kwim? It's not that it happens, again Disney is for little kids and little kids get sick, but I do think Disney should give something to those that have to get up and leave their own dinners, even a free desert coupon would've been nice since we had to skip our meal.

 

[maxiesmom]

It's not that it happens, again Disney is for little kids and little kids get sick, but I do think Disney should give something to those that have to get up and leave their own dinners, even a free desert coupon would've been nice since we had to skip our meal.

But Disney is not just for little kids. Walt made it for families to enjoy together. I'm pretty sure he didn't think parents would just drop their kids off and leave them at WDW without spending any time there themselves.

I also do not think Disney should start handing out free desserts to people who choose to leave their meal early. And don't you think saying so is kind of wanting to have it both ways? People shouldn't complain about crying or upset kids but Disney should hand out free desserts because of them?

Most people don't expect totaly silence when they eat. But it is expected that when your child acts up that you attempt to do something about it, and just don't let Junior throw a fit and roll around on the floor.

 

[Tiger926]

The only place where children are NOT allowed is Victoria and Alberts.Otherwise, kids are the rule not the exception, even at signature dining. I have to say ( I am a parent too) that I rarely have witnessed appalling children behavior in the restaurants, more often I see adults behaving badly. But maybe I am simply not paying close enough attention to what other people are doing.

Tiger

 

[jenjersnap]

How do they charge you on DDP after the fact? Would they try to tie your ADR to your KTTW? Even i they do, that would be a fair solution - after all, the intent wasn't to dine and dash, but rather simply get the bill paid.

It would be a fair solution, but it isn't a very effective *threat*. I think a manager would shrug it off. I have read several examples here of people who, for various reasons but none similar to my situation, were not charged dining credits properly and the restaurant located them after the fact.

 

[si-am]

Usually I'm one of those "old fashion" hard parents that absolutely think crying children should be taken out of a restaurant, especially a $$$ restaurant!

BUT it is DISNEY! Sometimes very little ones have to tag along so their older siblings can experience Disney as a young child and they just have to go along with everyone else even when they are exhausted, sometimes it just isn't possible for them to have the nap they need. Honestly at Disney it does not bother me. There are so many gorgeous cities in the US for adults to vist with tons of $$$$ restaurants to have a special night at. I cannot imagine coming to disney and complaining about a crying child.

A child getting sick is a whole nother ball game, we have also had the experience of having to leave a dinner because someone close to us did not take a child out that was obviously getting sick. I mean, you just can't eat beside vomit kwim? It's not that it happens, again Disney is for little kids and little kids get sick, but I do think Disney should give something to those that have to get up and leave their own dinners, even a free desert coupon would've been nice since we had to skip our meal.

It is possible for kids to have the naps they need; you just have to plan for it. I wouldn't go on vacation with a 2 year old and try to commando it all day. When you have kids, you make sacrifices.

Just because there are lots of other "adult" cities in the world doesn't mean I want to listen to screaming kids during dinner, even at WDW. And I don't think (as evidenced by this thread and the screaming kids thread on the CB) that people who have their own kids are immune to being irritated by it either.

 

[stuffedw/fluff]

The worst case I have ever experienced was with my 11-month-old niece. We were having lunch at Le Cellier with our boys (6,5) and my BIL, SIL, nephew and niece. Through no fault of her own, she was tired and hungry and very, very fussy. I put up with her screaming for about 5 minutes (after she was fed) and it was obvious neither of her parents were going to do anything about it. I very kindly offered to take her outside while the rest of our party (and other diners) could eat in peace. I agree that most of the time the parents could easily do something but are selfishly determined to go about business as usual.

 

[BusterCat]

Wow, I'm in trouble. If I'm spending over a hundred-fifty dollars for a meal for two I DO expect nice environment, sans screaming babies. Is this politically incorrect?

Love kids. That said too many folk come to Disney saying “Hey, it’s Disney” giving the kids free-reign. The basic rules of tolerance and politeness apply. If you’re a parent you’re still responsible for you’re child’s behavior, and if you come to Disney child-less, expect a lot kids ...and all that goes with it.

 

[brendaziz]

I def think most parents are great about being in tune w/ their kids needs as well as the enjoyment of others around them. I try very hard to be sure my kids behavior is not a problem for others.
However, if anyone's meal could be ruined by a child being noisy/crying/disruptive- that's just the risk you take when you dine at a restaurant that has a kids menu. If you want adult only dining, don't dine somewhere that has a kids menu and obviously is designed partially for kids.

And with that vomiting story. that's just ridiculous. the family should have been escorted off the property. that's a public health issue. disgraceful. I witnessed the exact same thing once inside a burger king. After the child got sick 3 or 4 separate times, ALL without the mom taking the child anywhere else to help him or remove him from the viewing of others- she proceeded to clean him up and send him into the play area. Classy.

 

[pixarmom]

Our three boys are ages pre-school to pre-teen. When our youngest was a toddler, we weren't ready for signatures, and we knew it so we planned accordingly. Now, we're ready and our youngest is under 5. His behavior in Disney restaurants (including signature) has been great - and if it wasn't, one of us would be out of the restaurant with him in a second.

Our boys' favorite restaurant is Garden Grill, but their second favorite: California Grill. One of our pre-teens calls the mac and cheese "the best in the world." One of the things I love the most about Disney is that my husband and I can enjoy great food and wine (sushi and a good Cabernet Franc, for example!) AND have our kids along with us. It's perfect, and there aren't many places where this can happen. In fact, I don't know of another place.

Next trip, my parents are coming along with us for the first few days. As a birthday gift to my dad, we're treating them to dinner at California Grill WITH us, and including our boys. He's really happy about this for the same reason we are - good food, the whole family - it's really wonderful. As he said last night, Disney is the only place this can happen. We would hate to lose that.

I understand the frustration for people who have experienced poor behavior in Disney restaurants. Over countless trips, we've been fortunate that we haven't experienced that. But again, I really hope that Disney doesn't take this wonderful benefit away - California Grill and Brown Derby are favorites for our entire family.

 

[princessmom29]

I have been taknig DD to nice restaurants since 6 weeks old, and she is now almost 7 and as much of a foodie as me and DH. She LOVES a nice restaurant and a good dinner, and knows how to behave at the table. Even as a toddler she loved the interaction with poeple. We have had more than one dinner ruined by someone else's unruly , ignored child, but not at Disney. We actually once had a child from the table next ot us crawl under our table and start playing with DD's feet. No one ever missed him. I fished him out form under there and returned him to his parents. Taht one didn't bother me nearly as much as the little boy that kept poking DD over the back of the booth, wiith mom egging him on. We ened up moving to another table on that one.

 

[princesspeach]

Our three boys are ages pre-school to pre-teen. When our youngest was a toddler, we weren't ready for signatures, and we knew it so we planned accordingly. Now, we're ready and our youngest is under 5. His behavior in Disney restaurants (including signature) has been great - and if it wasn't, one of us would be out of the restaurant with him in a second.

Our boys' favorite restaurant is Garden Grill, but their second favorite: California Grill. One of our pre-teens calls the mac and cheese "the best in the world." One of the things I love the most about Disney is that my husband and I can enjoy great food and wine (sushi and a good Cabernet Franc, for example!) AND have our kids along with us. It's perfect, and there aren't many places where this can happen. In fact, I don't know of another place.

Next trip, my parents are coming along with us for the first few days. As a birthday gift to my dad, we're treating them to dinner at California Grill WITH us, and including our boys. He's really happy about this for the same reason we are - good food, the whole family - it's really wonderful. As he said last night, Disney is the only place this can happen. We would hate to lose that.

I understand the frustration for people who have experienced poor behavior in Disney restaurants. Over countless trips, we've been fortunate that we haven't experienced that. But again, I really hope that Disney doesn't take this wonderful benefit away - California Grill and Brown Derby are favorites for our entire family.

I completely agree with you. This is why we will be vacationing in at wdw again next year. It's such a great place for a complete family vacation great resorts, signature dining, and the parks of course. We ate 18 ts last trip and didn't see anything I would consider bad behavior. If I was childless and wanted quiet romantic dinners wdw would not be a place I would go to.

 

[honeydiane1953]

1) That is one reason we do not patronize many WDW eateries.
2) In fact, we go to ONLY five eateries in WDW.
3) And, only two of them are owned by Disney.
4) If I pay big bucks, I want
. . . ambiance
. . . serene atmosphere and surroundings
. . . kids to be seen, not heard
. . . unique food

NOTE: The other reason we avoid WDW dining is that DDP has ruined the quality and uniqueness of the menu items. But, that is another story.

I agree 100%. Which rest. do u and your family eat????

 

[Euphoria027]

Wow, I'm in trouble. If I'm spending over a hundred-fifty dollars for a meal for two I DO expect nice environment, sans screaming babies. Is this politically incorrect?

Love kids. That said too many folk come to Disney saying “Hey, it’s Disney” giving the kids free-reign. The basic rules of tolerance and politeness apply. If you’re a parent you’re still responsible for you’re child’s behavior, and if you come to Disney child-less, expect a lot kids ...and all that goes with it.

I'm with you on this. I went to Disney World when I was six years old and I didn't scream like a banshee because I was tired, and I would expect everyone else to be just as polite as my adorable self, hahaha.

I remember reading a trip report on here and the mother said something about how her little boy got sick at WCC but they didn't leave because it'd be a waste of a dining credit. The thread ended up locked because people were attacking her left and right. I can't even imagine though! Your kid is sick and you care about getting your money's worth on the dining plan?!

 

[sunset30]

We are about to make our first trip to WDW. We have a lot of ADRs, (mostly for character meals / experience meals but also we do have Le Cellier and AP - it's our wedding)

We have a small child, who will be nearly 4 when we travel. He has ASD (we have planned LOTS of down time / resort time etc to help avoid over tiredness etc). HOWEVER, I would expect it to cut both ways iyswim.

I would expect, if he melts down, and is VERY noisy (in an inappropriate fashion, I suspect that our WCC ressies will allow loudness, and to an extent, as long as it is joining in, the O'hanas too not so much silence...) then, we would either all leave, OR DH2B and I cna eat in shifts one eating while the other takes ds outside etc.

This is what we do if we eat out at home. Other people have paid to eat in the restaurant, and deserve to eat in a reasonable environment.

Obviously, if he got sick (it's NEVER happened, likely *** he's a very slow, fairly picky eater) no question would at least one of us leave with him IMMEDIATELY.

BUT, it is Disney, and there will be a lot of families, so I would HOPE for perhaps a SLIGHTLY higher tolerance of children. OK, screaming etc is unnacceptable, but a child who is fairly noisy out of excitement for meeting Mickey etc, well, that's part of going to Disney, isn't it?

We have tried to keep to MOSTLY restaurants that we would imagine would be child friendly in all respects, but we are also on our holidays / honeymoon so the one signature (for our wedding meal) and le cellier are ones we think our son should eb welcomed at, but other patrons there DO have the right to expect a certain level of behaviour from him.

 

[TDC Nala]

Disney isn't just for little kids. If it were, none of us adults who don't have little kids would go there, and every meal would be a character meal.

And I've never thought "because it's Disney" is an excuse for slacking off on parenting. Taking kids to a restaurant isn't a problem. Kids just acting like kids is not a problem for other restaurant patrons. But parents - especially at signature restaurants, not so much at character meals or something - letting the small ones shriek for fifteen minutes or more, allowing kids to climb on the seats, throw food, start a band with the plates and silverware, play on the floor where the servers can trip over them, approach other diners' tables or persons and run around the restaurant like it's a playground (these are all things I've either seen or seen reported on this board) should be greeted with a smile by the other patrons in the restaurant "because it's Disney?" Where does that come from? I don't think it's any different from dining out at home.

 

[Ava]

It is possible for kids to have the naps they need; you just have to plan for it. I wouldn't go on vacation with a 2 year old and try to commando it all day. When you have kids, you make sacrifices.

This. Our DD is 16 months old and we've learned that she cannot go too long past her normal nap time without melting down. A couple weeks ago MIL was visiting & we took her out shopping in the city; DD did not fall asleep in her stroller, completely missed her nap & on the way home we ended up being "those people" we swore we'd never be, with the screaming crying kid on the train. Never again.

Pretty much anywhere we go, we need to leave right after lunchtime. That's just the way it has to be until our kid(s) are older & don't need to nap.