Fun Table Service Dinner for Shy Kids

[pajules]

I'm going over all of my options for a fun, laidback dinner to take my DS8. Unfortunately we have some limitations:

1. No Character Meals -- DS8 wants nothing to do with characters....yes, I'm sure you're wondering why we're going to Disney, but he loves the rides and the experience, just not up close with a character, even his favorites.

2. Can get shy/embarrased when "pointed out."...think hiding under the table....this means no Whispering Canyon or 50's Prime Time Cafe

Based on this I'm thinking I don't have too many options. Right now on my short list are either Sci-Fi Diner or Coral Reef because he would probably love to eat with the fish swimming by, but I know this is a "romantic" spot for some and don't want to ruin their experience. We've done Rainforest Cafe before here at home and would rather try something we can't experience anywhere else.

He's a fairly simple eater and unlike me does not place "good" food on his priority list. He's just as happy with a pizza or chicken fingers at the drive thru. He does love spaghetti (what kid doesn't) just no meatballs....he doesn't eat red meat, his choice, not mine.

So am I "spot on" with my selections or am I missing something...help please

 

[plymouthmom]

I went with my kids ( 13,9,7 and 5) this past October. My oldest was the one that didn't want anything to do with the character stuff. guess what, he got an autograph book on day two and was all over every character there. So.....you son may suprise you.

Chef Mickeys is character but very brief and you can tell your hostess that you want your table skipped. 50's Prime time wasn't bad at all, they messed with my husband but left the kids alone. Ohana is good, great food, no characters. Tusker House is good too.

So...couple of options, Hope that helps,

 

[Brian Noble]

Sci Fi and Coral Reef are both excellent choices. CR is a bit more formal than the typical in-park restaurant, but it is still quite kid friendly.

Other choices might include San Angel, with its unique setting. ESPN is often just the ticket for an 8-year-old boy, but it is not laid back. You could also go to Boma, and combine it with some night-time animal viewing at the public overlooks. 'Ohana might be too much pressure with the participation bits. Teppan Edo may also be too much pressure, interacting with the chef, but Biergarten could be really good, 'cause you can sit bach and just watch the fun. I don't think the Belly Dancer at Marrakesh interacts with the guests, but if she does, that's probably out. Raglan Road has a nice setting, too.

 

[DisneyCrazyX5]

One of our 7 yr. twin (boy) picked Coral Reef for "his" dinner. Both twins and big brother enjoyed the food. We also like Teppan Edo, and their was very little interaction between our chef and the boys. We also like the Sci Fi. The boys also like BOMA.

 

[magicaldisney]

I would suggest the Sci Fi at the Studios or the Biergarten at Epcot. My kids love both.

 

[hildarumpole]

My daughter is very shy and was pretty unhappy at WCC and Ohana. Coral Reef is her favorite Disney restaurant. She enjoyed watching the fish and loved the food. It's a popular spot for families and tends to get noisy with the sound bouncing off the glass tank walls. Years ago it was a quiet place for couples to enjoy a romantic meal, but not so much anymore. Liberty Tree Tavern for lunch was also ejoyed by my family. No characters and good food.

 

[fmed845]

Sci-Fi would be a good place. If you like sandwiches and appetizers My kids loved it there with all the tv's carrying sports.

 

[gigi1313]

Sci-Fi would be a good place. If you like sandwiches and appetizers My kids loved it there with all the tv's carrying sports.

sci fi had SPORTS?! ! i thought they only showed old-fashioned b&w sci fi flicks...

i agree w/the PP that said CR is no longer a 'romantic' restaurant... it's a great choice for a shy child to enjoy a nice dinner and watch the fish... sci fi is an excellent choice as well... if you opted to go the character route, i'd strongly recommend garden grill

 

[disnut8]

What about Tony's at Magic Kingdom or Mama Melrose at Hollywood Studios? Chefs de France is also nice and they have a great grilled ham and cheese sandwich (with a French name, of course).

Sci Fi is a lot of fun but if there are three of you, one will have to be in a seat by themselves. The clips are fun but you wouldn't be able to talk to each other very well.

 

[MadamMim]

First of all, what a great parent! So many people force their shy children into the spotlight and I always feel so bad for those kids. I was terribly shy as a youngin (I've since come out of my shell a bit... ok, more than a bit, but anyway... ) and can still be very selective about when I want attention and when I want to just blend into the woodwork, so I also don't much care for places like WCC for that reason.

I think the choices you've made so far are great. Coral Reef is still super romantic even if there are children there. (And I seriously doubt your son is the type to run screaming around the tables, so you'll be grand. ) Sci-Fi is excellent because it's really fun and interesting but it's also dark, so he doesn't ever have that 'everybody's staring at me' feeling when you walk to your table.

If I were to make any suggestions I'd probably second the votes for Raglan Road, Biergarten and Boma (if he doesn't mind buffets) and add Beaches and Cream or even Planet Hollywood (there's an awful lot going on in that place).

 

[BabyPiglet]

Raglan Road is great. There's lots of dark wood and corner spots which makes for a better experience with shy kids. I know I hate being in the middle of a bright, loud restaurant! The food was also amazing.

 

[ElizabethB]

Coral Reef is great for boys. Ours love it. For a quiet child, I would be careful about Sci-Fi. We took our boys when they were 8. One was rather bored and the other had nightmares that night, triggered by the Sci-Fi/Horror film reel. To adults it's funny. To sensitive kids, it can be scary. We haven't gone back. Coral Reef, however, is a must do. There are lots of kids there, and many of them run up and down in front of the tank. We never expect to have a quiet meal there. (And, we never have!)

 

[brandi~momof3]

Coral Reef is great!!! Sci-fi is fun and both of my boys enjoyed it a lot.

 

[VirginiaMom]

Ohanas can either be great or bad... depending on your child. My son does not like to participate in kids activities, but loves to watch kids play. Thus, he had a blast watching the other kids do the congo line and try to hula. If your kid gets nervous thinking people will expect him to participate- then this will cause anxiety.

I echo earlier comments.... yeah to you for letting your child be himself. There's so much as Disney for everyone to enjoy.... I hope you have a great time!

 

[BabyPiglet]

Also, maybe Hollywood and Vine. There's not characters at dinner, and it's a buffet so there's lots of options for picky eaters. You could ask for a corner table if he doesn't like being in the middle of the commotion.

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[GazerBeam]

I'll also suggest raglan road, especially if he can up late enough to enjoy the band (9pm). I've never seen them 'call' anyone out. It is a neat place without the band too. I was a moderately shy kid at that age but I would have enjoyed that experience.

Boma might be a good choice, there might be things going on in the evening at AKL. If memory serves they might do a campfire outside, and they have night vision glasses you can use to look at the critters on the savanah. There might be more info on the resorts board.

On the high end, California Grill is an experience if the kids menu is appealing to your son. They have what looks like a super cute kids sushi dessert.

Not sure what else would be good for that situation. I think just about all of the restaurants are kid-friendly but not sure of anything that offer anything specific for kids that they wouldn't have to be involved in on some level.

GB

 

[Wendybird55]

Outside of the parks there's Planet Hollywood in DTD - they're know for their captain crunch chicken fingers and there's alot of neat Hollywood & movie memorabilia all around. If your son likes sports there's the ESPN club on the Boardwalk. There's also the Hoop De Doo Revue in Fort Wilderness - lots of fun - yes they do interact with the audience there, but if you request a table not near the stage or on the upper level, chances of getting picked out will be very slim.