Help DH win Le Cellier debate

[mlwear]

I told DH that I wanted to cancel Le Cellier ADR and pick something different. He actually looked disappointed. DH is more than happy to leave all the vaction planning up to me and his contribution is rolling his eyes when he sees the bill So, I feel badly that he may have been looking forward to this dinner. I was also surprised that he actually "heard" me talk about the Disney trip
I've posted about this before. I really don't like to sit really close to strangers while I'm eating. It makes me so uncomfortable. Plus, I have to worry about if my kids are bothering them, etc. I just hate it. I have left several restaurants when I have seen that there seating is set up so that there is only a small space between tables. I hate it that much.
When DH asked why I wanted to cancel, I explained that I saw a pic and this seemed to be the set up. He paused and said OK.
He should convince me that he wants to go and I should be a good sport. Since this seems to be one of the fave TS, would someone debate for DH?

Before anyone flames me: After seeing that he was disappointed, I don't think I'll really cancel, I'll just tolerate being completely uncomfortable. DH is a great guy and I want him to be happy.

 

[bluejasmine]

Well if he seemed dissapointed I think you should go to Le Cellier especially if he leaves all the planning to you and doesnt complain. You should talk to him and ask him if he had been looking forward to it and if he says yes try and get the ADR back. We had a seat that wasnt surrounded by ppl last time we went and if you havent been it defanitely I must do, a steak lovers paradise.. JMHO..

 

[LoveWDW]

Our seat was near another table on one side but a good space on the other side. I agree that if he seems disappointed you should go, it is a nice thing to do, and you won't have the cloud hanging over your head that he was disappointed. I hope you have a wonderful trip!

 

[PA Princess]

We have 4 children, so I get what your are describing. I can't say I have actually left restaurants, but I am very coscious of the seating arrangement and the chance that my kids are bothering others. Plus, I like my own personal space. My dh is very out going and he thinks nothing of joining in a conversation with someone at another table - that just kills me. Now, it should be said that he is not rude or disruptive or bothersome and others always seem happy to chatter and are amused. I just like to keep up that pretend invisible cloak...you are at that table and we are here only feet away, but let's pretend we have a private space

All of that said, we have eaten at Le Cellier 3 or 4 times, we have always had a very positive experience, and we have never felt crowded. The basement room set up appears closed-in more in pics than it actually is, I think. Plus, I know the table we were at had bench type seating (like a booth sorta) with chairs on the other side, so you did have one wall behind you and that helped give a more private feel.

Another tip, we have always eaten a late lunch...between 2 and 3, and we generally find the restaurant not full. This was even true last summer when we were there on July 2 - a very busy season. Hope this info helps set your mind at ease a little

 

[sjcmi]

We love Le Cellier, we go every trip, and would never think of skipping it. As for sitting close to the next table, I have never really felt that I was too close or crowded. If this is an issue for you, I would call the restaurant on the morning of your reservations and explain your concerns. It has been my experiance in the past that MOST Disney World employees are more than happy to go out of thier way to accomodate the guest. If you still end up feeling crowded when you get seated, explain it to the host or hostess , appologize and go somewhere else. Remember YOU are the customer. I have been a waiter at many restaurants, and I would understand and appreciate your concerns.

I would not worry about your kids bothering the tables around you. You are at Disney World, if there is a customer that doesn't like kids they surely are in the wrong place. If you ever come across someone who has a problem with kids there, it is they who need to go somewhere else.

Just a side note for any parents who are reading this from a former waiter. Please, please, please, do not let your children run around any restaurant . The wait staff are carrying hot foods and drinks, sometimes on large trays that block thier view. I was always worried about getting bumped into by a child and spilling something hot onto him or her. So let them have fun and enjoy the dining experience, but please have them stay seated.

 

[goofy4tink]

I think that most of the restaurants at WDW are set up the same way...pretty close quarters. But, for the most part, those kids don't bother me too much unless they are running around the restuarant. So, make your dh happy, go to LeCellier and don't worry about the kids. You might ask for a seating that is off to one side, with fewer people all around you. You may have to wait a bit longer, but perhaps you could arrive early for your seating?

 

[WAHMto5]

This is our favorite place to eat and we always go with our 5 children. You are at Disney, I would hope that everyone is used to children I have never felt crowded there and have always had great food and service!!

 

[Wendy1953]

I also agree that you should take the plunge and go and enjoy! Your DH lets you plan everything, doesn't complain when the bill comes in, he deserves to go to a restaurant of his choice! I find it admirable that you worry about our children annoying other diners, but I'm sure that most people who are in WDW are understanding if and when children act up!

 

[LoveMyBoys]

When we went last year, our table wasn't right next to any other, and we had a great dinner. I think you should try, especially if DH wants to go. We are going back this year (if we are lucky enough to get an ADR).

 

[crisi]

I can't remember a Disney restaurant that wasn't close quarters. Le Cellier is absolutely spacious compared to San Angel Inn or Alfredos. Teppanyaki and Biergarten will have you sharing a table with strangers.

I think you are going to have to get over this, or eat a lot of counter service.

(Now that I think about it Jiko and some of the other signature places had elbow room, but if you don't want to bother other diners with your kids, I would stick to the one credit meals.).

 

[MelanieC]

We eat at Le Cellier during every trip. It's a family favorite. I have never noticed the tables too close or felt uncomfortable. I think every Disney restaurant is slightly overcrowded as a general rule, but I don't ever remember feeling uncomfortable.

I say stick with it if your DH is looking forward to it. If you do all the planning, I say keep him somewhat involved by letting him have some things he can get excited about and look forward too.

Plus the restaurant is so YUMMY! I love the pretzel bread, cheese soup and frozen cappucino drink. It's a must for me every trip!

 

[cdrn1]

Last time we were there we were in a booth-type table and felt private and enclosed; maybe you could request one of those. We did have a table pretty close by but we weren't bothered by it. I also like my meals to be private but for some reason the close proximity doesn't bother me at WDW!

 

[mlwear]

Okay, Okay...DH wins...
Thanks so much for all of your wonderful replies. I think the picture I saw may have made it look smaller than it is. It certainly appeared that the tables were much closer together than other Disney dining. I didn't see any booths. Re: Teppanyaki, this was also a DH request which obliged. Any Japanese steakhouse makes me crazy unless I'm at the end. I somehow managed to get by dining there last year (read with great sarcasm), so I think I will be OK at LC. My kids are pretty good, above average I would estimate, but knowing that there will be some space between them and another party is good to know.
I'll certainly explain when checking in that we would prefer a booth-type table and are willing to wait. We have an early ADR (5:00). I'm glad I started this thread before cancelling! Thanks again everyone. I am looking forward to it now.

BTW, I have not been able to "reply" today. Had to use quick reply. Anyone else having this problem?

 

[the Fidge]

how about a booth, we sat at a booth and I am not fond of table stacking myself. The children issue, remeber you are in the world of children. I had such joy in a couple with a baby that rattled and made all sorts of racket. It is a song and music to my ears! The sounds of children is the sound of life.

The sound of dust gathering on my shoulders of stillness not appealing one bit! So, do not ever let that prevent you from sharing some joy with a person like me!

My son is 10 and I treasure every sound a child makes!

The booth was very comfortable and felt very secluded to me!

Relax enjoy have fun!