Do you wish there was an adult's only restaurant at DW?

[Miss Stitch]

This doesn't bother me... Any meal I can go to without MY children is a treat. So when I see other children behaving badly or being loud it doesn't bother me. I just think "Not my children, not my problem"... I can tune them out very easy...

I completely agree. But I wouldnt take my children out to a resturant after about 7.30pm. They are 14, 12 and 9, and quite well behaved. After a day at the parks etc. they are tired and ready just to chill out in our room, by the pool etc. I try to make sure we eat before then, and if this is not possible, we get sandwiches and snacks to take to our room. They wouldnt scream and shout, run round the resturant etc. but they would be too tired to eat and just spend the time complaining that they want to go home!

 

[puffkin]

I think it is a great idea. We would definitely like to see an adult only restaurant at Disney especially in a more affordable bracket than V&A. Or maybe an adult only room at a restaurant or something like that.....but some kind of separation would be nice.

We are one of those people who have an impossibly strong-willed child. On our last trip he was 19 months old. We ate at about 5 table service restaurants during our trip. Did he misbehave, have melt downs, etc....YES. We did our best to keep him occupied, take him outside for a few minutes to calm down etc....but I did feel a little sorry for other diners at times. But on the other hand, we were so grateful for the level of understanding at Disney in the restaurants.....we ate at MANY more counter service restaurants this last trip because we knew it would be difficult with him. I was so grateful for those few table service meals with "REAL" food and glad that Disney is so child friendly. However, I don't see a problem with some adult only places as well......a little something for everyone is a good thing.

 

[Ember]

I would love to see an adults only restaurant. I don't think it needs to be overboard with having tons of them, because it is a family oriented place. But one or two would be really nice. I think even parents with children might appreciate a romantic, quiet dinner on their vacation sans their little ones.

I know I'm always astounded by the number of parents who bring children into formal settings when they can't behave. Disney is like a condensed study in parenting. You see some truly amazing parents with children who are obviously well brought up, and you see the opposite. I don't have a problem with children going into nice restaurants, but I think the parent is responsible for the child's behavior and if the child is disturbing everyone else, the parent ought to remove the child. But a child free restaurant would solve the problem.

 

[Jillpie]

I think it is a great idea. We would definitely like to see an adult only restaurant at Disney especially in a more affordable bracket than V&A. Or maybe an adult only room at a restaurant or something like that.....but some kind of separation would be nice.

We are one of those people who have an impossibly strong-willed child. On our last trip he was 19 months old. We ate at about 5 table service restaurants during our trip. Did he misbehave, have melt downs, etc....YES. We did our best to keep him occupied, take him outside for a few minutes to calm down etc....but I did feel a little sorry for other diners at times. But on the other hand, we were so grateful for the level of understanding at Disney in the restaurants.....we ate at MANY more counter service restaurants this last trip because we knew it would be difficult with him. I was so grateful for those few table service meals with "REAL" food and glad that Disney is so child friendly. However, I don't see a problem with some adult only places as well......a little something for everyone is a good thing.

OP here. Believe me, as all of us parents here can agree, we have ALL been in your shoes with that very same toddler. I really appreciate your post, it was well thought out and saw both sides, awesome.
I don't know why, but I am still pretty surprised at all these positive responses to an all adult restaurant , but Disney please if you are listening, PLEASE make it affordable and not over the top (ie 35.00 piece of meat) thank you!

 

[sjaakie]

Maybe my opinion is a bit differed but why ban the children?
My son always behaved on the most decent way but that was how we raised him.
And no where no strange family but he always loved going out for dinner even when he was very young.
A restaurant who will forbid children will soon become and stuffy kind off old fashioned English gentleman club with grumpy old people.
Maybe that would be the name for the new restaurant “Ye Olde Grump”?

Sorry but just my humble opinion.

 

[Jillpie]

Maybe my opinion is a bit differed but why ban the children?
My son always behaved on the most decent way but that was how we raised him.
And no where no strange family but he always loved going out for dinner even when he was very young.
A restaurant who will forbid children will soon become and stuffy kind off old fashioned English gentleman club with grumpy old people.
Maybe that would be the name for the new restaurant “Ye Olde Grump”?

Sorry but just my humble opinion.

no need for an apology and the restaurant name is hysterical , thanks for your opinion, I appreciate it. I think what the discussion here is, not so much banning children altogether, but just ONE restaurant to belong to just adults. My boys have also been very well behaved as they grew up, never a problem, always getting compliments. However, it is the part where you just say, ahhhh...no children here, a VERY peaceful meal without any meltdowns or crying or anything like that. Ya know what I mean? It would just be very nice to look forward to that.

 

[Nancyg56]

Maybe my opinion is a bit differed but why ban the children?

Kids don't bother me. I was always able to take my own out for a nice meal and now my DGD accompanies us to dinner. She is actually a night owl so she is better behaved if the meal is after 7 PM . Sje knows how to behave and enjoys going out to dinner so for us, this is normal.

I know that there are plenty of TS restaurants in Disney where children are welcomed and I agree that most are well behaved and enjoy nice meals while on vacation. I also understand that while I have no issues with kids, kid noises, kid anything anywhere I have a meal, I also recognize that there are folks who would enjoy a kid free atmosphere once in a while. My son would be the first to make the reservation, an DD probably would be the second .

Child free does not really need to be stuffy or so formal you choke on your tie. Child free just means a different atmosphere than when dining next to a toddler. It is just one more choice that people could make when dining at Disney, and certainly would not detract from the many other TS restaurants that are kid friendly.

 

[WillCAD]

I'd love to have one or two kid-free zones at WDW. Clubs, restaurants, hot tubs; any place where adults might want to have a little fun without the littles in tow, or without other peoples littles intruding. I wouldn't want to see too many of these places, but just a few would be nice.

A lot of parents say they'd be against it; they minimize the impact that a crying baby, a fussy toddler, or a tantrum-throwing tween can have on other peoples' meals. They even use the "Well, I just tune it out, and I'm fine!" line, and laugh off the discomfort of others. To me, that's pretty self-centered; just because you can tune it out doesn't mean that everyone else can - or should.

However, I do agree that misbehaved adults are just as bad as misbehaved kids. The difference is that adults are responsible for themselves, while it's the kids' parents who are responsible for them.

Oh by the way, when you do hear that kid screaming in the background, please do not blame the parents. By habit, we tend to block out the screaming.

I have to disagree, depending on the age of the kid in question.

Younger kids can't be blamed; they're too young to know any better. It's the parents who are supposed to teach them better, and until the kids are old enough and mature enough to behave better, it's the parents' responsibility to keep them away from public places where they might disturb others.

But then again, one has to wonder why a two year old is to dinner at 9pm anyway.

Oh, that's an easy one to answer - WDW attracts people from all over the world, and all different time zones.

9pm in Florida is only 6pm in California, and folks in town for vacation for only a week don't always adjust their body clocks all that well to the difference, hence many people will go out to dinner as late as 10pm.

 

[kimsuenew]

Personally, I would make multiple ADRs at an adults only resteraunt. DH and I have no children, and while I expect them at Disney, I do need a break from being around them all day long. The energry that little children put out is overwhelming, sometimes you just need a breather. I don't always want to go back to the hotel room for a break, it would be nice to have a sit down place to do that also. Pleasure Island might have places that are 18and over, but they're not sit down resteraunts.

I do think a better solution would be to have true lounges attached to resteraunts where under 21 is not allowed. No if ands or buts. This is common in every city that I've been to, there's even those little signs about 21 and under not allowed in because, oh, it's the law. In the area we live, most of them all have a full menu available from the sit down area also to order from in the lounge. Whenever we go out, we always request to sit in the lounge, specificially because we've had screaming children in our ears way to many times. But then again, one has to wonder why a two year old is to dinner at 9pm anyway.

V&A is not an adults only place, there's not a kids menu, so it should be a hint to parents to leave them with a babysitter, but not everyone gets the hint.

And flame on.

Hmmmmmm... as a parent I have to say that if I choose to take my child to V&A, it is my choice. Others may not like it, however it is not their choice. Our child was never left with a babysitter (with the exception of family, husband and I worked opposite shifts to prevent this from happening). I wouldn't dare leave a child with strangers... even at WDW!

To the OP, even though our child is now a teen and we haven't had a "little one" for quite some time, I still enjoy being around children, and realize many parents (either by choice or circumstances) do not leave their children with a sitter and no, I would not pick a restaurant that secluded them.

To me, anything Disney related "screams children"! On our first trip I could not imagine the beauty, planning, decor, magic, and excitement of the parks... you have to see it/feel it to believe it, but one thing I was well aware of was that there would be "oodles" of kids! I know there are many adults that go without children, but I would feel secure betting that are far more that do!

 

[TammyPB]

We are one of those people who have an impossibly strong-willed child.

We have one of those, too! Our boy is a super-easy go-with-it kind of kid, but our girl wants to be in control and in charge of everything. And if she doesn't get her way, everyone suffers. When she's happy and things are in her control, she's lovely! Anyone who says that they could make a child like this behave by setting limits has never had a child like this! So I do feel your pain.

We're the same. My husband and I are pretty quick to take her outside as soon as she starts being disruptive. I know some people are extra-sensitive to hearing crying kids. I'm not -- I can totally block it out, but I respect that others are. BUT, I'll never stop bringing her places because of it. She needs to be treated the same as her brother, and she needs to experience going places, so that she learns.

Adults only? Eh, the fact that it's adults-only wouldn't sway me one way or the other. I really don't mind having kids around, so it's a wash for me.

 

[RACHELSMOM1]

Disney cruise line has it right, one word...Palo. It is a truly awesome experience. I have three children, (now teens), and I couldn't imagine them not being with us at all our meals, but wouldn't it be nice to be able to go to at least one restaurant with no little kids or babies in the background? I know there is Victoria and Albert's, but we all know that the price is out of most of our ranges. We're staying at AKL in April, I wish something like Jiko was adult only. What do you think?

No sort of a wish here!! WDW is for family . I can hire a sitter at home and go out, but at WDW it is all about our family and making memories!! My 3 princesses , , and , have learned such good manners while at WDW, since we go to so many TS while we are there. Family time is so special, and before you know it the little ones will be grown and gone , and our memories are all we will have left. ....

 

[yearbook50]

In regards to V&A, I was lucky enough to start enjoying Victoria & Albert's at a young age and have been there many times since. In fact, my wedding reception is there this February.

I do not think children should be banned from dining establishments; however, parents must know their children's limits. Do not take your children to nice restaurants if they can not handle the environment. Its as simple as that. My parents taught me how to behave and how to enjoy the finer things in life and I'm glad they did so. I knew if I acted out of line, I would be taken back to the room without dinner. That happened to me once when I was very young (4) and I knew not to do it again. Parents need to take responsibilty, not Disney.

 

[waltskids]

WDW is for family, and that includes those without children. Yes, I would love to see an adults only restaurant. It's not about banning children, but rather giving options to those who visit frequently and wish to have a quiet evening alone. I am a parent to a 1 year old and would still appreciate this type of restaurant.

On another note, it is a parent's choice to take their well-behaved child to V&A's, but I would also complain if there were loud children at that restaurant. No children's menu usually means they don't cater to children and although some children may be able to handle the experience, some cannot.

 

[KirklandTutu]

Hmmmmmm... as a parent I have to say that if I choose to take my child to V&A, it is my choice. Others may not like it, however it is not their choice. "


"To the OP, even though our child is now a teen and we haven't had a "little one" for quite some time, I still enjoy being around children, and realize many parents (either by choice or circumstances) do not leave their children with a sitter and no, I would not pick a restaurant that secluded them."

Which is why I fully support having an adult only restaurant, lounges, hot tubs, etc. If the choice is there, then there will always be one family who chooses to bring a tired and cranky two year old to a signature dining experience. That's their choice. I just would appreciate a place that didn't offer that choice.

 

[KirklandTutu]

Oh, that's an easy one to answer - WDW attracts people from all over the world, and all different time zones.

9pm in Florida is only 6pm in California, and folks in town for vacation for only a week don't always adjust their body clocks all that well to the difference, hence many people will go out to dinner as late as 10pm.

I was thinking that when I originaly wrote that. However, then I started thinking about how exhausting a day at Disney is to anyone of any age. By the time 9pm roles around, most people have been in the parks a minimum of six hours, which for a young child is going to be exhausting, no matter what time zone they are in. DH and I choose to eat as late as possible because we're on the west coast, but even I'm grumpy by that time. I know that I need the late dinner in order to recharge and rest, and DH knows this. He typically sees the look in my eyes and knows my bad mood is there and that its time to eat and rest. However, a toddler doesn't understand this about theirselves and if they feel anything like I do on the inside, then thats when the fit starts being thrown.

 

[D&R love Disney]

I would love to see an adult only restaurant. I know Disney is for kids and family but I'm not one who can "tune out" crying and screaming kids. Luckily my step kids are now older and the 2 younger ones 11 & 14 are enjoying going to nicer restaurants and eating grown up food. Still I wouldn't take them to V & A because I know a 3 hour meal would be a stretch and the food is not something they would really enjoy eating, hopefully in the future it will.

 

[Kae]

I am going to put on the Flame proof suit here and offer my opinion. If a restaurant does not offer a Childrens menu, it makes me think it is a hint that they do not really want kids there.

Kae

 

[livndisney]

I'd love to have one or two kid-free zones at WDW. Clubs, restaurants, hot tubs; any place where adults might want to have a little fun without the littles in tow, or without other peoples littles intruding. I wouldn't want to see too many of these places, but just a few would be nice.

However, I do agree that misbehaved adults are just as bad as misbehaved kids. The difference is that adults are responsible for themselves, while it's the kids' parents who are responsible for them.

Actually when I was at the hot tub at POR recently I saw a sign that said no children under 10 (I think-I forget the exact age). That sign was IGNORED by several parents who let their YOUNG children get in the hot tub unsupervised.
Then there was the parent who was on his cell phone the whole time and told his 2 year old to get in the hot tub so he could "watch" him. I always thought hot tubs were not recommended for children. According to the signs I saw the hot tubs are supposed to be adults only (or atleast "older" children and adults). So even if they had an adults only restaurant it would still have to be enforced.

 

[sandym718]

I make it a policy to eat at nicer restaurants during the early afternoon - from about 1:00 to 3:00. I think that should be the unofficial time for families with young kids to eat. I would not take my kids to Le Cellier or some other nicer restaurant during dinner. I personally think that is the time for people to enjoy a nice meal without some kid screaming in the background.

Well, I like to eat dinner at dinner time, but I think the important thing is - to not have the child screaming!! To me - no reason at all for a child to be screaming for more than a few seconds in a restaurant. None at all - pick up the child and go outside until they are calmed down. The circumstances don't matter - overtired, overexcited, sick, cranky, not understanding, whatever - it doesn't matter to the other restaurant patrons. And it doesn't matter what restaurant. My children know not to scream in Chuck E. Cheese. Have fun there, sure, but why the need to scream? Not necessary. It's perfectly possible to have kids in restaurants and to have them behave. My kids are 3 and 5, they learned long ago to behave in restaurants. I have never had to step outside with them since the baby stage (when obviously it was not a behavior issue - still, doesnt' matter to everyone else!), but I have no doubt they know the consequences of misbehaving in a restaurant!!!

I would have no problem with an adults-only restaurant at WDW, there's plenty of other choices (basically every other restaurant!!) for those with children. I doubt we'd ever patronize it because we also use only family as sitters (unless they'd come with sometime!), but I think it's certainly a reasonable suggestion. Particularly when you hear parents commenting to "not blame the parents", and when you hear that kids are misbehaving at V&A's. Unfortunately in this world it doesn't seem like you can rely on the common sense/good manners of the general public and I think it would be reasonable for Disney to have a way to enforce it in at least one place. As with so many things - you could choose to patronize it or not. I would think there would be enough demand for it, but who knows? Maybe that's why it hasnt' yet happened.

 

[WillCAD]

Hmmmmmm... as a parent I have to say that if I choose to take my child to V&A, it is my choice. Others may not like it, however it is not their choice. Our child was never left with a babysitter (with the exception of family, husband and I worked opposite shifts to prevent this from happening). I wouldn't dare leave a child with strangers... even at WDW!

To the OP, even though our child is now a teen and we haven't had a "little one" for quite some time, I still enjoy being around children, and realize many parents (either by choice or circumstances) do not leave their children with a sitter and no, I would not pick a restaurant that secluded them.

To me, anything Disney related "screams children"! On our first trip I could not imagine the beauty, planning, decor, magic, and excitement of the parks... you have to see it/feel it to believe it, but one thing I was well aware of was that there would be "oodles" of kids! I know there are many adults that go without children, but I would feel secure betting that are far more that do!

I won't condemn you for not wanting to leave your children with strangers; that's just responsible parenting.

But it's not right to force an entire restaurant to live with the consequenses of that choice. If you choose not to leave your kids with a sitter, you should also choose to respect the rights of everybody else in the restaurant to enjoy a fine dining experience in a sophisticated, peaceful, adult atmosphere, and not drag your kids there until they are old enough and mature enough to guarantee that they will not disturb the other diners.

No sort of a wish here!! WDW is for family . I can hire a sitter at home and go out, but at WDW it is all about our family and making memories!! My 3 princesses , , and , have learned such good manners while at WDW, since we go to so many TS while we are there. Family time is so special, and before you know it the little ones will be grown and gone , and our memories are all we will have left. ....

WDW is for family... what about families without kids? Are childless newlyweds not entitled to enjoy WDW without other peoples' kids? Are empty nesters not entitled to enjoy WDW without other peoples' kids?

Family time IS special, but not everyone defines "family" exactly the same as you do. Nor does everyone define "family time" the same as you do. I don't begrudge you your special time with your princesses - all I ask in return is that you not begrudge me my time without your three princesses.

In regards to V&A, I was lucky enough to start enjoying Victoria & Albert's at a young age and have been there many times since. In fact, my wedding reception is there this February.

I do not think children should be banned from dining establishments; however, parents must know their children's limits. Do not take your children to nice restaurants if they can not handle the environment. Its as simple as that. My parents taught me how to behave and how to enjoy the finer things in life and I'm glad they did so. I knew if I acted out of line, I would be taken back to the room without dinner. That happened to me once when I was very young (4) and I knew not to do it again. Parents need to take responsibilty, not Disney.

I agree completely that it is incumbant upon parents to properly teach their children how to behave in public, and to not take them to environment where their behavior would be unacceptable. But you know as well as I do that many parents either have no concept of this, or simply don't care. Their reasoning is, "Being a parent should never keep me from doing whatever I want to do, whenever and however I want to do it." And that includes dragging unruly children into a signature restaurant and getting indignant at the very idea that they might be doing something innapropriate.

Because of people like this, I think it's perfectly reasonable to have a few restaurants where adults can enjoy themselves without the rude parents bringing their unruly kids in. Sure, there are plenty of parents whose kids are not unruly and behave perfectly in a restaurant, but there is no way to recognize the loud ones until they start screaming while I'm trying to enjoy my salad, and by then it's too late.