Has anyone taken kids to Bistro De Paris?

[DisOrBust]

I am not asking this to get Flamed. I need a special place where the "whole" family can celebrate my Dhs 40th. I had thought of a private dinning experience at the GF but am afraid if the weather is lousey it would ruin the night. My 7 and 9yo are no problem it's the evil toddler who usualy has me waiting outside the restaurant .

anyone with experience???

 

[3for Me]

Well - we did this for lunch and it was fine.

The kids even enjoyed the food - it was not the evil toddler, but the "should have known better" 7 yr. old who spilled a whole glass of water 2 minutes into the meal. We did get some dirty looks for that, but they were very well behaved the rest of the time.

You just have to let it go, after all, this is Disney World and people need to realize that there will be children. JMO!

 

[dotterson]

To the last poster -- Bistro doesn't serve lunch -- unless it's something new. Perhaps, you mean Chefs?

We took our 9 yr. old DD to Bistro a few years ago and she absolutely LOVED the meal. Ok, she's very mature, but she was excited that mom and dad thought enough to invite her for Daddy's special 40th B-day.

She ordered the consumme and was in heaven. I think she ordered a ministeak or it might have been regular size, can't remember. She finished EVERYTHING! And, had the dessert sampler.

The staff couldn't have been nicer. We stayed thru the fireworks. A totally lovely meal and so proud she joined us! (Actually, some other patrons were a little crass and didn't use their "inside voices!")

d

Good luck. We truly found this restaurant to have one of the best dinners on Disney property.

 

[punkin]

First of all, Bistro (like all other park restaurants) is extremely child friendly. Go ahead and have a good time.

Second of all, even an adult can have an accident and spill a drink. God knows, I've spilled drins too many times to count. Anyone who gives a 7yr old dirty looks for that has other issues.

 

[webray]

It would be great for a celebration..as long as you are willing to take the little one away if he gets restless. While, yes..all disney restuarants are kid friendly, Le Bistro is not your average disney restaurant. It is small and very intimate. There were children...9/10 age range when we were there...extremely well behaved. Why not leave him at daycare over at the boardwalk..then walk over to the restaurant. He would probably enjoy it much more..and you all could enjoy the spectacular food and service at Le Bistro!

Le Bistro did used to serve lunch..that was a long, long, long time ago though. Now it is only dinner. It is fabulous as ever though.
We can't wait to return.

 

[Michelle GT]

This is jmho, but I say bring the "evil toddler" and enjoy your husbands birthday. Just make your ps for any early dinner.

 

[ducklite]

Sorry, but there are a few restaurants at WDW I wouldn't bring any single digit kids to, and Bistro is one of them. I especially wouldn't take a toddler.

Are you aware there is a dress code at Bistro?

Chef's is quite child friendly, and might be a better alternative.

Anne

 

[webray]

The dress code is resort casual..like all the other resort fine dining..they ask for no swimwear or tanktops/sleeveless shirts

 

[DVCconvert]

Has anyone taken kids to Bistro De Paris?

yes, but they wouldn't accept them as payment!

 

[K and K's Mommy]

My DH and I ate there on our honeymoon, but I had already eaten there as a kid - probably 12 or 13, my brother would have been 9 or 10. I haven't taken my kids there, but they have been to some other nicer Disney restaurants. We usually make 6:00 PS, and there are always other kids there too. I very much agree with you that the whole family needs to help Dad celebrate his 40th. You might also want to consider California Grill. We ate there in May, and there were lots of kids there. The view is terrific, the food tasty, and the atmosphere is louder than Bistro's. Whatever you decide, have fun!

 

[ducklite]

I thought about the original post, and want to give the OP something to think about.

Scenario...the five of you are seated and waiting for the first course. "Evil" starts up, and you leave to go outside. In the meantime the appetizers are served. The waiter waits for you to come back, and then brings dinner. "Evil" starts up again. You take him outside. Dinner gets cold. Dad is having conversation with his two older kids, but not "the family". You rejoin and pick at cold dinner while those seated around you start to wonder when "Evil" will be at it again. Because you've been outside for most of the meal, the service has been very slow while the server waited for you to get caught up. Now the older two are antsy and you are eating cold food.

Who's having an enjoyable meal here? By your very admission, you expect to spend much of the meal outside with "Evil". That doesn't sound like a "Family meal" to me.

That said, why not look at places that are more appropriate for a family with kids, a place where there will be other families, a place that can be a little noisy, and where "Evil" won't even have an eyelash batted at him/her until a total and complete meltdown occurs, a place that is fun.

I'd suggest Mama Meroses, 50's Prime Time, Teppanyaki, O'Hana, or the Whispering Canyon as better alternatives for a much more relaxing, and enjoyable meal.

One other option would be to hire a babysitter to come to the room on another night of your trip and have a quiet night out with just the two of you to dine at a quiet, adult restaurant.

Also, if you were ready to splurge for private dining at the GF, how about on the Grand One. Totally climate controlled, and even if the weather is bad, you'll be inside. The kids LOVE being on the boat, it's easy to corral a toddler (been there, done that!) and because it's jsut your family, no worries about disrupting anyone.

I am certainly not trying to flame, just food for thought.

Anne

 

[DisOrBust]

Thanks for everyones suggestions. I have thought of the Grand One but I have fears of children falling off the side,lol. Plus I can get horrible sea sickness.

I am also thinking of contacting AKL'S private dinning and see if they have something to offer since it is were we are staying. Anyone try this? The problem is we are a party of 7, so in room would be too small.

We have done every just about every restaurant mentioned and I am trying to find something extra special. My DH had a heart attack at 32 and his first words to me was he would never see forty so for us it is a hallmark event. ( His second words were we are taking the kids to disneyworld ..thats how my madness begun,lol!))

Chefs Domain was another thought but I don't know if we can eat 650 dollars worth of food,lol, unless the minimum includes wine?? Anyone know??

I am running out of time my 90 days is in 4 days. I think Chefs Domain is 120 still??

Thanks All!
Sue

 

[ducklite]

Your children CAN NOT fall over the side of the Grand One. It is FULLY enclosed, unless they go out onto the bow. My sister was so worried about that, she wouldn't get on until she made sure they had an infant life jacket. Once she realized how enclosed it was, she relaxed, and never put the life jacket on the baby.

Also, you won't feel any movement for sea sickness. It's a very pleasant and smooth ride.

Anne

 

[montblanc]

I went there with a 10 year old who is a "picky" eater. She loved the food and nearly finished it all. I would not recommend this for very young children though.

 

[drumflower]

I think you know your children better than everyone else. I think it depends on how much experience your child has at eating at sitdown resteraunts and eating at the table at home. I would suggest practicing at home before you go. I used to have a at home daycare and I could tell what kids are used to even eating at home at the table verses eating in front of the tv.
Some tips if you deceide to do this
1. make sure your toddler is well rested
2. make sure they arent tooo hungry
3.bring something to play with or snack on
4. relax yourself since kids feel the anxiety of their parents
5. even if you follow all of this advice, you can never be 100% sure nothing will happen.
P.s. One thing I used to do is order dessert early for my kids, it made them happy and content and it really didn't spoil their appeitite and even if it did, at least it didn't spoil the moment!

 

[MamaQuack]

I agree with drumflower. You know your kids. They are your kids and Daddy's. Its Daddy's special day and I am sure he wants to celebrate with his entire family. We have been eating at Bistro at least once a year for 11 years now. DS(13) has always loved it. Yes, there have been times when other kids were cranky (over tired), but there have been just as many times as we have heard loud talking, obnoxious adults - and no one takes them out and walks them!! The staff there is accustomed to it all. I say take the kids, don't stress over it and have a good time. You can always ask for a corner booth/table and let the toddler play on the floor with some 'quiet toys'. My ds and I have enjoyed this place without dad since he was 4. He is a good eater and forsake the kid menu at 4. Last Spring he asked to meet the chef since he has taken up cooking. Not only did the head chef come out but the sous chef and pastry chef!!! And, he was invited to "see" the kitchen (not me, just him). So, they are not snobby, not anti kid and still high on our hit parade!!!

MamaQuack

 

[ducklite]

The OP has stated that her toddler can't sit through a meal. Because of this, eating at a place like Bistro would be frazzling for her and really unfair for the other patrons. It seems that another restaurant choice or private dining would be the best option for everyone.

My vote is for teh Grand One. Imagine having a wonderful meal with just your family. When the kids are done there are movies to entertain them while mom and dad continue to relax with their meal. They can't "escape", it's the best of all worlds!

Anne

 

[KEH]

I just have to ask - what is the Grand One?

 

[ducklite]

The Grand One is a 48 foot SeaRay motor yacht, moored at the GF, which cruises Bay Lake and the Seven Seas lagoon. It is available for charter, comes with a captain and first mate, and you can have private dining provide anything from a light snack to a fully catered meal with butler service to serve it.

In tihs case it would be an elegant and unique atmosphere to dine in, that everyone would enjoy.

Anne

 

[Viki]

We've taken both our children there and had a lovely meal. I like to expose my children to all sorts of experiences and I think they had fun. They don't remember it as one of their all time favorite places to eat at DW, but I enjoyed all of us together.

In any event, have a magical time!

Peace,
Viki