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

[WillCAD]

I don't think guilt is the only, or even the most common, motivator. Families now tend to include children in more of life just as a matter of course, and I think that in general that's a good thing.

We are a two income family, but we're both home with the kids most of the time and they've never been in daycare (we're both self-employed with home offices). But we do take them out to the places we enjoy, because we don't think that things like good food and entertainment have a minimum age. It isn't about not wanting to deprive them of anything - it is about wanting to raise them to enjoy the same things we enjoy.

Too many kids of my generation grew up on a steady diet of kids' meals and bland American food, going to movies but never the theatre, pop concerts but never the symphony. That isn't how we want to raise our children, and that's why we started exposing them to nicer experiences from a fairly young age. And because they're used to it at home, they're perfectly able to enjoy (and behave through) a meal at California Grill or Narcoosees when we're on vacation.

Including your kids in "more of life" is a good thing; exposing them to various cultures, food, entertainment, and history will make them grow up with a greater appreciation for those things and make them well-rounded, cosmopolitan adults.

But that doesn't mean exposing them to everything all at once. Do you let your kids watch R-rated movies at the age of 4? Do you take them to night clubs at the age of 6? do you let them drink wine or beer at the age of 8? Probably not; most people realise that kids, no matter how responsible and cosmopoilitan they might be raised, are simply not physically or emotionally eqipped to handle certain activities.

But beyond all that, whether your kids, or anybody elses kids, are equipped to handle a restaurant or not, is beside the point - many adults want places where they can go without kids. It's just that simple. And such places exist all over the world - restaurants, bars, clubs, movies, theaters, you name it - so why not have a few at WDW?

Someone brought up the word "punnishment." Why should parents be punished, they ask, for having kids? Well, why should I be punished for NOT having kids? Why must I be forced to share my every meal with other peoples' kids? I like kids, and I certainly don't want to make more than a few restaurants at WDW kidless, but there are times when I want to have a quiet meal without kids all around me, in the company of other adults.

And not just fine dining, either. I've never been to V&As, because it's way out of my price range. I'd like to have a few moderately priced restaurants with age restrictions; it would be nice to go to a buffet without kids or characters, especially something like Boma, where I could enjoy foods that aren't available anywhere at home. And it would be nice to go to a cafe-like setting for lunch, without kids around.

Colleen, you sound like the exception - you sound like you are truly trying to instill an appreciation for the finer things in life in your kids - but the majority of people I've seen post in threads on this topic are really posting from selfishness.

They want to experience all the restaurants at WDW, but they choose not to leave their kids with sitters or family or on a kid-only experience, and they get all huffy at the idea that they might have to make a tiny sacrifice in their lives (i.e. not eating at a restaurant that doesn't allow kids) just because they are parents.

Well, that's selfish; when you become a parent, it's kind of understood that you MUST make sacrifices for your kids for the rest of your life. It's sort of a given that your life - your needs, your wants, your ambitions - must come second to the needs and best interests of your children. Some people simply refuse to accept this and get perturbed by the idea that they might have to give up a little something like eating in a particular restaurant just because they have kids.

 

[sandym718]

They want to experience all the restaurants at WDW, but they choose not to leave their kids with sitters or family or on a kid-only experience, and they get all huffy at the idea that they might have to make a tiny sacrifice in their lives (i.e. not eating at a restaurant that doesn't allow kids) just because they are parents.

As I've stated earlier on this thread, I would not have any problem with Disney having a (or a few) adult-only restaurants. But the fact remains that right now they don't. "Choices" go both ways - if someone really wants adult-only dining on their vacation, then THEY can CHOOSE not to visit Disney, or to eat outside Disney on the trip. Getting "huffy" about Disney not offering that option is no different than parents complaining if they do, or about the possibility. Make the choice not to go, or live with the way it is for now. I have no problem with complaining or throwing out ideas, but I don't think it's right to insult others re: choices when EVERYONE has choices.

 

[Colleen27]

Okay People. We're talking about one restaurant here. Not every restaurant. Why is that such an issue? My children were always well behaved too and we only took them out of maybe one restaurant when they were growing up, but we never took them anywhere they weren't ready for. Small children cannot sit quietly for 2 hours in a restaurant. No matter how you teach or raise them. It's neuorologically impossible. It's a maturity factor, not a parenting factor at age 2. There are plenty of parents who don't care how their kids act and those families are the reasons threads like this get started. They demand their "rights" even if it impedes on the rights of others.

BTW, I was raised on that "bland" american diet, went to movies but not pop concerts because my parents wouldn't let us, but guess what? We grew up and started doing those things you consider, what? cultured? when we were mature enough to appreciate them and it didnt' ruin us to not have done them when we were 5. And, just because you enjoy them doesn't mean your children do. You do know that right? That also isn't the point of this thread.

We aren't just talking about a toddler free restaurant, though, are we? The comparison was made to Palo, a restaurant that does not allow anyone under 18. I wouldn't take a 2 year old to a signature restaurant, because they aren't going to get anything out of it, but a 5 year old or a 10 year old or a 15 year old will. My 9yo is quite the little foodie. His specific requests for our upcoming trip were Artist Point, a return visit to Kona for the shrimp & scallops he enjoyed last trip, and some place where he could have sushi (yay for Tokyo Dining for saving me a trip to the Swan!).

I know there are families out there who don't care about their kids' behaviour bothering other guests, and I hate the fact that the minute you walk into any restaurant better than Applebees with children, some people will instantly lump you in with them.

I don't think not experiencing these things as children necessarily means one will never enjoy them, but I do think that people are more comfortable with the familiar, and that starting young encourages that sort of familiarity.

But like I said before, I wouldn't object to the existance of an adults-only restaurant, even though I don't like the idea in general. I don't really foresee it happening; given the current ADR craziness, Disney would be better off creating more restaurants that are available to all guests rather than setting aside a few to cater to a narrower demographic.

 

[Poohtigeey]

I understand why some people would want this, but it's not going to guarantee you a quiet evening. I can't remember any kids throwing fits on our last trip, but I do remember the 20 year olds screaming through Epcot. Maybe they can open a families only restaurant too so we don't have to shield our kids from that!

 

[TDC Nala]

There are adults that make noise, and there are parents who cuss.

I'd go with a Palo type restaurant at WDW (probably in one of the resorts) but only if the food's as good as it is at Palo.

 

[gina2000]

I really don't care if they institute an adult only restaurant or not. I just think that if CMs and restaurant managers are adamant about behavior guidelines in ALL restaurants, not just WDW restaurants, we really wouldn't need to have this discussion.

And I was childless til age 37 so I'm very well aware of what a childfree restaurant environment is like. I have frequented many venues where children usually are not taken. I'm also aware of how little I notice well behaved children anywhere except to occasionally marvel over their good manners. I believe in exposing children to as many opportunites as possible. I also do not believe in exposing other adults to a child's bad manners.

 

[OKW Lover]

I really don't care if they institute an adult only restaurant or not. I just think that if CMs and restaurant managers are adamant about behavior guidelines in ALL restaurants, not just WDW restaurants, we really wouldn't need to have this discussion.

And I was childless til age 37 so I'm very well aware of what a childfree restaurant environment is like. I have frequented many venues where children usually are not taken. I'm also aware of how little I notice well behaved children anywhere except to occasionally marvel over their good manners. I believe in exposing children to as many opportunites as possible. I also do not believe in exposing other adults to a child's bad manners.

Wow. I've been following this thread for a while and trying to figure out how I'd respond only to find that you've been able to read my mind perfectly.

Absolutely great points here. Its not that WDW needs an adult only restaurant. Just someplace that caters to well mannered people of any age.

 

[PaulaSB12]

I think one adult only resteraunt would be great, probably not in the parks but in one of the resorts or dtd. There would still be many resteraunts for children to eat in so what harm is there in ONE where there are no children?

 

[chobie]

No, I don't wish there was a Disney restaurant that banned children outright. I don't think its necessary. There already are a few where they discourage children by not offering kids menus and highchairs etc.

I wouldn't care if they did have one, but it wouldn't hold any special attraction for me.

WDW already experimented with having a whole area, including restaurants, off limits to kids, and they decided to change that for whatever reasons, so I don't see this happening anytime soon.

 

[Acklander]

I don't have a problem with an adult only restaurant at Disney, but to be honest I would probably never go to it. DH and I both work - during vacation time we cherish the time we spend together as a family. We don't need an "adult" night - we need family time.
I don't think Disney would ever do it - The bottom line is, they're concerned with the bottom line. The restaurants that are sold out the quickest are the character meals; so if they had space for another restaurant it would make sense to make it the type of restaurant that is most popular, therefore they have to spend less on marketing. It wouldn't make sense to put an adult only restaurant in one of the parks, and it would only make sense to put it in a hotel, if it was an adult only hotel as well. Afterall, would you book a hotel room for your family trip, if the entire family couldn't eat in the restaurant offered?

 

[TDC Nala]

I don't have a problem with an adult only restaurant at Disney, but to be honest I would probably never go to it. DH and I both work - during vacation time we cherish the time we spend together as a family. We don't need an "adult" night - we need family time.
I don't think Disney would ever do it - The bottom line is, they're concerned with the bottom line. The restaurants that are sold out the quickest are the character meals; so if they had space for another restaurant it would make sense to make it the type of restaurant that is most popular, therefore they have to spend less on marketing. It wouldn't make sense to put an adult only restaurant in one of the parks, and it would only make sense to put it in a hotel, if it was an adult only hotel as well. Afterall, would you book a hotel room for your family trip, if the entire family couldn't eat in the restaurant offered?

Not every WDW visitor is part of a family with children. I tend to think if they had ONE, and the food was exemplary, and it didn't cost as much as V&A's, it would be full all the time. If you're on the cruise, and the ship's not practically empty, the reservations for Palo get snapped up pretty quickly.

Not that I really care whether they had a restaurant like that at WDW or not. But if they did, and the food was that good, I'd sure go there.

 

[yankeepenny]

I have seen poor adult behavior at restaurants, so an adult only place would not necessarily keep out the badly mannered over 18 crowd.

 

[Nancyg56]

Not every WDW visitor is part of a family with children. I tend to think if they had ONE, and the food was exemplary, and it didn't cost as much as V&A's, it would be full all the time. If you're on the cruise, and the ship's not practically empty, the reservations for Palo get snapped up pretty quickly.

MTE. I do not understand why people are opposed to one or two restaurants with age restrictions. There are plenty of restaurants to take children to to expose them to fine dining, one where they are not welcomed should not be a problem, not should it be considered a punishment for people with children. Someone posted earlier that it would so be difficult to get ADR's for such a restaurant and I agree. There are enough folks who visit Disney world who would enjoy a meal this is child free and up till now cannot experience it.

 

[erikthewise]

Not every WDW visitor is part of a family with children. I tend to think if they had ONE, and the food was exemplary, and it didn't cost as much as V&A's, it would be full all the time. If you're on the cruise, and the ship's not practically empty, the reservations for Palo get snapped up pretty quickly.

Not that I really care whether they had a restaurant like that at WDW or not. But if they did, and the food was that good, I'd sure go there.

I agree, but the "Adults Only" aspect of Palo is only part of the appeal. I'd still be there "with bells on" even if children were allowed.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

Now, really, how often do you see shouting, drunk adults? I have never seen that in a restaurant. Isn't that a little over the top?

As I've posted on other threads on this topic, I think an adults only restaurant is a good idea, but only if they limit party size. IMHO, nothing is worse than a group of adults out for an evening of fun.

Case in point.... Last summer we had a meal at Emeril's @ CW where the family seated next to us had twin boys who looked in the 3 - 4 yo. range. One of them slept the entire meal in his mom's arms & the other sat in a high chair & was a perfect gentleman. We never heard a peep out of either of them. Fast forward a few days & we ate in a fine dining restaurant in a resort at Daytona Beach Shores. After we were seated, we ordered appetizers, as we always do. Shortly after they arrived a group of adults entered the restaurant. (I don't know if they were there for business or pleasure. It didn't really matter.) They were seated at a long table not far from us. The noise these people made was unbelievable. Apparently they thought everyone in the restaurant was interested in what they had to say. Unfortunately, we ordered our appy & entree at the same time, & were glad we didn't order our dessert then too. None of us, including our 15 yo. son ate more than a few bites. We just wanted out of there. That was quite a bit of money wasted on our part, due to their bad behavior. Needless to say, we weren't happy! We've also had a bad experience at Cape May Cafe, where the mom & dad allowed their child to climb the seat & sit with us. These total strangers thought it was cute. I have to say, the clueless parents & their out of control child weren't nearly as bad as the group of adults we encountered in DBS.

So, I vote "yes" to an adults only restaurant. I vote "no" on allowing large parties.

FWIW, Palo being an adults only restaurant is the reason we won't sail on DCL. We enjoy the speciality restaurants on Celebrity Cruise Line, & our DS(15) can join us there. He's also a foodie. That said, WDW has plenty nice restaurants we can enjoy together. IMHO, one adults only restaurant isn't too much to ask for.

 

[shezfrombermuda]

I would vote for having an all adult restaurant. I do have children but I only take them out for dinner at suitable restaurants and at their dinner time. I went to California Grill on my last trip (without my children) and I was surprised to see children there at 8:30PM and on. It looked like they came sThere was one that was not behaving and it looked like he came straight from a park and was really tired.

It isn't always the children that are a problem! The other night we went out for dinner (not at Disney) to a fairly nice restaurant and we took our 11 month old daughter. She behaved as the other children there did (maybe a 5yr old, 10 yr, 12, and a teenager). It was the adults! There was a table of 3 across from us with a table of 6 beside them. I could hear all their conversation and one had a really loud obnoxious laugh. I couldn't hear my boyfriend who was sitting across from me. It was so bad we didn't stay for dessert.

 

[Rozzie]

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

Ding, Ding, Ding!!!!!!! We have a winner!!

Some people don't want to take a hint, refuse to take a hint, whatever. You know, I feel sorry for the parents in a way that believes the whole earth should gravitate around their children. How in heck are they going to manage when the kids fly the coop? I have seen it in my own extended family, and it AIN'T PRETTY.....

 

[Stinky_Pete]

WDW already experimented with having a whole area, including restaurants, off limits to kids, and they decided to change that for whatever reasons, so I don't see this happening anytime soon.

What area was that? I must have missed it.

If you are referring to PI, it was never "off limits to kids." Many parents took their children to PI when you had to pay to enter. I remember the threads on the DIS back then - "Would you take your children to a bar at home?"

 

[kscottiemom]

We travel as adults and appreciate parents who have some control over their children at dinner. It helps to avoid the character meals,(and if I want characters I know the children come with the territory) or ask for the library at Wilderness Lodge. We've never had a problem at the Yacht Club Galley, and the food and service are usually quite good, and NO, not any more pricey than any Disney location.

We are going to Jiko for the first time this December. I would think the menu would be enough to discourage little screamers and the lack of a buffet line with gummy worms should keep them in their seats instead of under my weary old legs.

Incidentally, poorly behaved children (the minority, and blame the adults not the children) are not unique to WDW. For a very, very special night in NYC we ate at the Four Seasons, eons ago, and seated just below us was a little boy with a loud hand held video game. After 30 minutes of boinging and bleeping we mentioned it to the staff and the problem, NOT THE CHILD, disappeared.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Stinky Pete:
And I recall some of the answers!!
Fact is we see kids sitting at the bar in many of the restaurants we visit. Many are there while the family waits for a table and the adults have a drink. But not a few are there with adults who are having an appetizer, or a meal. Just last week at our local Outback we saw a family with three very small children all sitting at the bar having dinner.
None of which has anything to do with this thread, but I doubt it's something you would have usually seen back in the 50's----
kscottiemom:
Be prepared for more kids than you think at Jiko. Always plenty of them whenever we eat there. Hoping those in the restaurant the nite you're there will behave--.