Highway in the Sky Dine Around with Wishes viewing area

[eeyoreandtink]

I have kids, but I can see their perspective. I purposely choose some date nights where I know kids will not be. Why?
1. Because I'm looking for a break from kids. Having someone else's kids there is just a reminder that I need to worry about my kids and their safety/the babysitter.
2. Because without kids, you can more easily relax - you don't have to worry you might talk about things they aren't ready for, you might do something they shouldn't see, you might make a joke they should never be around, etc. As a parent, you are vigilant with being the best example, but sometimes, you want to just be you. And you will drink less with kids around b/c of all of the above.
3. Because kid behavior is more unpredictable. Yes, some kids are perfect, but even my "perfect" tweens/teens have attitude days or days they start pouting/attituding with mom and dad...and the mom/dad and kid paradigm is the most often where friction is seen.

So, adults wanting adult experiences is not them being awful people. Alcoholic experiences seem like the place where kids could be excluded - not saying "should"...

I guess I see it differently. I don't do or say anything in public that I wouldnt want my kid to see, with the exception of my college bar days, because I know if it isn't appropriate for my kid, it's likely going to offend someone in the group. I do drink in front of my kid, and don't think there is any problem with that. I don't drink more when she isn't there. I can easily be me in front of my kid. I don't believe in hiding who I am to be a parent. Aside from a bar or V and A there isn't anywhere at Disney I wouldn't expect to see kids. No one is perfect, adult or child and I have seen behavior from adults worse than anything my kid has ever done. If her behavior became a problem, she would be removed. I just don't like how people look at a kid at something like this and automatically assume the evening is ruined. Happened to us at a food and wine event. Ladies at our table were initially pissed I had brought a 10 year old to a cooking demo, but by the end were taking to her about the best way to cook duck.

 

[TwoMisfits]

I guess I see it differently. I don't do or say anything in public that I wouldnt want my kid to see, with the exception of my college bar days, because I know if it isn't appropriate for my kid, it's likely going to offend someone in the group. I do drink in front of my kid, and don't think there is any problem with that. I don't drink more when she isn't there. I can easily be me in front of my kid. I don't believe in hiding who I am to be a parent. Aside from a bar or V and A there isn't anywhere at Disney I wouldn't expect to see kids. No one is perfect, adult or child and I have seen behavior from adults worse than anything my kid has ever done. If her behavior became a problem, she would be removed. I just don't like how people look at a kid at something like this and automatically assume the evening is ruined. Happened to us at a food and wine event. Ladies at our table were initially pissed I had brought a 10 year old to a cooking demo, but by the end were taking to her about the best way to cook duck.

So, even you agree there was a time in your 20s that you'd rather kids not have been around, and it involved alcohol and heading to a bar (which this event includes both)...and there are many people in their 20s (just like you then), particularly honeymooners and DINKs who probably have the money and desire for an event like this who would prefer to be themselves without kids around...

And let me add...you don't have to be talking about sex or blue color jokes and not want kids around. It could be about "Santa" and his lack of existence, it could be about recent terrorist attacks and politics, it could be about job worries and money, it could be about the lack of magic you see in the parks, it could be a 100 things you want to talk about on an adult evening out - there are a lot of reasons and times adults don't want to have to edit themselves or their topics and an expensive drinking/bar night out is probably one...

And I'm one of those who would be nice to all the kids...but that doesn't stop me from going to an R-rated movie or a trivia night held at a bar (and not a restaurant, so it can be no kids)...at those places, I have no worries about running into kids. I think it's fair for patrons to know whether they will or won't have kids around at this event and to lobby Disney either way - they are spending enough for this.

 

[eeyoreandtink]

So, even you agree there was a time in your 20s that you'd rather kids not have been around, and it involved alcohol and heading to a bar (which this event includes both)...and there are many people in their 20s (just like you then), particularly honeymooners and DINKs who probably have the money and desire for an event like this who would prefer to be themselves without kids around...

IN A BAR, not at Disney World. A bar, by definition, doesn't allow children. This event doesn't go to any place with an age limit at the time it travels there. There WILL be kids in Trader Sam's when you get there anyway. It isn't no kids until after 8, so no, there shouldn't be the expectation that this is a bar crawl, because it isn't. If you want no kids, stick to over 21 establishments, which are few and far between at Disney. Do newly weds expect to never see a kid when they get a drink at the bar in a restaurant?, because that is what this equates to. Every family dinner we have at Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, someone's birthday, ect involves alcohol. I don't see the problem with having kids at a dinner where drinks are served?

Also, i wouldn't want my grandma around when I was in my 20s in a bar, should we exclude everyone over 60 from this, in case we might do something they wouldn't approve of? No one would DREAM of saying anything of the kind, but it's ok to do it to kids, because they are just kids after all. No one minds being inconvenienced by another adult because its seen as the right thing to do to respect them. Not so with kids, the attitude is "they shouldn't be here" They have as much right to be there as you, I or my grandma unless and until Disney makes this adults only, and in my view no one should be made uncomfortable because they chose to bring thier well behaved child to an event that allows them.

 

[aviva5675]

knew I'd get flamed! No disrespect was intended by my post, and of course everyone has the right and the option of bringing kids...

 

[eeyoreandtink]

knew I'd get flamed! No disrespect was intended by my post, and of course everyone has the right and the option of bringing kids...

Sorry, but treating kids with the same courtesy and respect we would extent to adults is something I am passionate about.

 

[LSUfan4444]

knew I'd get flamed

Shake it off..I wouldn't do it either. For the money you would find me at V&A.

 

[Hopefully]

knew I'd get flamed! No disrespect was intended by my post, and of course everyone has the right and the option of bringing kids...

No worries. You were OK

Sorry, but treating kids with the same courtesy and respect we would extent to adults is something I am passionate about.

No Kidding.
Kids are NOT The SAME as Adults.

Shake it off..I wouldn't do it either. For the money you would find me at V&A.

Me too

 

[Farro]

Sorry, but treating kids with the same courtesy and respect we would extent to adults is something I am passionate about.

Everyone should be treated with respect, of course. But you have to understand, even if you think your child is capable of having an "adult" conversation, he/she isn't. Just nuances, anecdotes, situations...life experiences. I can't have an adult conversation with a 10 year old. But I don't think that's what you meant anyways, you were probably talking about small talk, chit-chat.

Of course you have the right to bring your child, and no one should make you feel uncomfortable. Would I raise an eyebrow? In my head, sure. It's geared towards drinking. But then I'd get over it.

Just don't expect all adults to want to converse with or pay attention to your child, we don't all find them charming.

 

[eeyoreandtink]

Everyone should be treated with respect, of course. But you have to understand, even if you think your child is capable of having an "adult" conversation, he/she isn't. Just nuances, anecdotes, situations...life experiences. I can't have an adult conversation with a 10 year old. But I don't think that's what you meant anyways, you were probably talking about small talk, chit-chat.

Of course you have the right to bring your child, and no one should make you feel uncomfortable. Would I raise an eyebrow? In my head, sure. It's geared towards drinking. But then I'd get over it.

Just don't expect all adults to want to converse with or pay attention to your child, we don't all find them charming.

Yes, by adult conversation I mean the small talk appropriate in this type of situation, which she would be 100% fine with.

And that's fine. Like I said, my kid has always been fine with adults who choose to do that, so am I. Those who are openly hostile, like the ladies at F and W, not so much. No one, not even a child, deserves to be made to feel unwelcome at an event that doesn't prohibit their presence.

 

[eeyoreandtink]

Kids are NOT The SAME as Adults.

Never said they were ,but every human being deserves the same level of respect and consideration, regardless of age, gender, race ect. Basic manners don't go away because someone is under 18, but I have seen over and over where people thing it's ok, because the recipient is a child.

 

[HopperFan]

WOAH ..... as DS2 always says to me "WOOSAH".

Yes @DisneyWishes14 asked about her DS attending, and I was the first to respond. [BELOW]

Everybody is right, nobody is wrong. This has nothing to do with respect, disrespect, adult vs kids. It's more about expectations for an atmosphere. There are kids who know how to be mini-adults and there are some who do not.

I love going to Disney now with my adult children and I love events where there are minimal children in attendance. LOVED Club Villain atmosphere and there was maybe a dozen kids tops there. I'm excited Disney is adding more events geared this way, and that they are subliminally pricing them in a way that would cause parents to pause. In DisneyWishes description of her DS he sounded like my boys, and they would totally be able to handle the event, acting like a mini-adult, using good manners, dress up and being appropriate. Had she not offered info about him, I might not have responded since many children at WDW do not behave in a way that would work for this event.

NOW the area I think will get slightly grey here is the fact that they are "communal" seating people. There will be guests that don't want to adjust their table talk for a kid. If they believe it will be an issue then maybe they whisper to the hosts that they would like all adult table seating. I think by time you get to Poly you would have an idea if the children in attendance are behaving or not. And if they are not, they do not have the right to ruin someone else's dinner. Also if they are not, the CMs may seat that family apart anyway.

Yes, Disney is for families but Disney gears much to adults, even if it is not obvious. Yes, as long as they are not disallowed, they are allowed .... but that doesn't mean they are allowed to be disruptive - so hope is that parents will look at their children and be aware of their abilities and participate in events that they will enjoy and fit in. And certainly don't be upset if there are adults that ask to be seated at a child-free table or don't gear their convo that way.

BACK to Highway in the Sky Dining ...... @DisneyWishes14 if we would be there the same trip DS2 and I would gladly share a table with you and DS, he sounds cool.

So, I was able to snag a reservation for 2 for this event for our upcoming trip. Original plan was for me and DH to go and DS9 would go to a kids club, but DH isn't going now. My next plan was to try to reduce this to a reservation for 1 and have DS go to the kids club, but I brought the plan up to DS9 tonight and he wants to do the event instead of kids club. I let him read the descriptions and see the pictures and he thought it looked completely awesome. He's an adventurous eater and is incredibly well-behaved. He likes to get dressed up and act like a "little gentleman". (He also expressed concerns that if I went alone I would become a "drunk, lonely lady" LOL!) I know, obviously, due to the alcohol and how they have priced this event (no kids price) that having a 9-year old accompany me isn't the best value for my money, but I'm definitely doing it and am fine with spending the money so he can go (trust me, I've wasted my money on worse things at WDW!). My question, for those who've gone, though, is do you think we'll be uncomfortable doing this? I'm guessing he may be the only child at the event (and I told him so). Thoughts?

Hmmmm, can you get his drinks?

I'll be honest, was really expecting this one to be pretty much adult thing ... but like you my kids were totally able to hang with all adults at events like this when younger. I would have him knock it out of the park dressed up wise, add a bow tie and the ladies will swoon. Let him show off his stylin' and etiquette skills. What a great Mom/Son date you'll have!

 

[kaytieeldr]

Also, i wouldn't want my grandma around when I was in my 20s in a bar, should we exclude everyone over 60 from this, in case we might do something they wouldn't approve of?

You/they better not exclude people over 60!!! DisneyWishes, eeyoreandtink, if I could be there when you are, I'd be happy to share a table with you and your children.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

WOAH ..... as DS2 always says to me "WOOSAH".

Yes @DisneyWishes14 asked about her DS attending, and I was the first to respond. [BELOW]

Everybody is right, nobody is wrong. This has nothing to do with respect, disrespect, adult vs kids. It's more about expectations for an atmosphere. There are kids who know how to be mini-adults and there are some who do not.

I love going to Disney now with my adult children and I love events where there are minimal children in attendance. LOVED Club Villain atmosphere and there was maybe a dozen kids tops there. I'm excited Disney is adding more events geared this way, and that they are subliminally pricing them in a way that would cause parents to pause. In DisneyWishes description of her DS he sounded like my boys, and they would totally be able to handle the event, acting like a mini-adult, using good manners, dress up and being appropriate. Had she not offered info about him, I might not have responded since many children at WDW do not behave in a way that would work for this event.

NOW the area I think will get slightly grey here is the fact that they are "communal" seating people. There will be guests that don't want to adjust their table talk for a kid. If they believe it will be an issue then maybe they whisper to the hosts that they would like all adult table seating. I think by time you get to Poly you would have an idea if the children in attendance are behaving or not. And if they are not, they do not have the right to ruin someone else's dinner. Also if they are not, the CMs may seat that family apart anyway.

Yes, Disney is for families but Disney gears much to adults, even if it is not obvious. Yes, as long as they are not disallowed, they are allowed .... but that doesn't mean they are allowed to be disruptive - so hope is that parents will look at their children and be aware of their abilities and participate in events that they will enjoy and fit in. And certainly don't be upset if there are adults that ask to be seated at a child-free table or don't gear their convo that way.

BACK to Highway in the Sky Dining ...... @DisneyWishes14 if we would be there the same trip DS2 and I would gladly share a table with you and DS, he sounds cool.

Aww, thanks HopperFan! Yes, honestly, the communal seating is really the only part that gave me pause and if people don't want to sit with us, I wouldn't be offended. Plus, I believe I read they allow only 30 minutes per venue, so, except for Citrico's, nobody really has to come face-to-face with DS. If I'm correct, the other venues (The Wave, Trader Sam's patio and CR balcony) are more of a cocktail party/dessert party type of setting without assigned seating? If that's the case, no one would really need to "mingle" with us in those venues. In my original question, I was really just trying to get feedback from people who've actually gone if they thought it would be uncomfortable for us to go and the consensus (from those who've actually gone) is that it will be fine.

So, I just brought this entire issue up with DS9. I told him, again, he may be the only kid there and that, at Citrico's, that would mean sitting at a table filled with adults who may not talk to him. He said, that's ok, I'll talk to you, plus, if I'm there, it may mean other kids will be there with their parents, too. Hmm, good point. He also said he's seen adults "do shots" before, so understands the alcohol part of the event (LOL!) So, we'll still go. I'm not going to burst his bubble on the off-chance someone else who booked didn't notice this was open to all ages. I understand adults want adult-only places (trust me, I get it!), but, until WDW places an age restriction on this event, I don't think that can be expected here. And, honestly, I would never have considered taking him if he hadn't expressed such a strong desire to go. Trust me, WDW kids club typically trumps just about everything else at WDW (except maybe shopping in Japan). After seeing all the pictures, reading the descriptions and having several discussions about it, he really wants to go and knows what the behavior expectations will be.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

You/they better not exclude people over 60!!! DisneyWishes, eeyoreandtink, if I could be there when you are, I'd be happy to share a table with you and your children.

Aww, you are so sweet, thank you!!!

 

[HopperFan]

Aww, thanks HopperFan! Yes, honestly, the communal seating is really the only part that gave me pause and if people don't want to sit with us, I wouldn't be offended. Plus, I believe I read they allow only 30 minutes per venue, so, except for Citrico's, nobody really has to come face-to-face with DS. If I'm correct, the other venues (The Wave, Trader Sam's patio and CR balcony) are more of a cocktail party/dessert party type of setting without assigned seating? If that's the case, no one would really need to "mingle" with us in those venues. In my original question, I was really just trying to get feedback from people who've actually gone if they thought it would be uncomfortable for us to go and the consensus (from those who've actually gone) is that it will be fine.

So, I just brought this entire issue up with DS9. I told him, again, he may be the only kid there and that, at Citrico's, that would mean sitting at a table filled with adults who may not talk to him. He said, that's ok, I'll talk to you, plus, if I'm there, it may mean other kids will be there with their parents, too. Hmm, good point. He also said he's seen adults "do shots" before, so understands the alcohol part of the event (LOL!) So, we'll still go. I'm not going to burst his bubble on the off-chance someone else who booked didn't notice this was open to all ages. I understand adults want adult-only places (trust me, I get it!), but, until WDW places an age restriction on this event, I don't think that can be expected here. And, honestly, I would never have considered taking him if he hadn't expressed such a strong desire to go. Trust me, WDW kids club typically trumps just about everything else at WDW (except maybe shopping in Japan). After seeing all the pictures, reading the descriptions and having several discussions about it, he really wants to go and knows what the behavior expectations will be.

SHOTS? I think we are doing those over on the Rumors of Light thread!!

 

[DisneyWishes14]

SHOTS? I think we are doing those over on the Rumors of Light thread!!

Awesome! DS9 and I will join you! LOL!!!

 

[dismom57]

Every family is different my DS21 is very differently abled and we don't have offers for date nights. So I make the choice to pay full price for his attendance at various events that we know he can handle. He is personable, does not drink, eats lightly, does not talk but loves being included.

 

[thumper*]

We do not have children and of course there are certain events that kids would be frowned upon. This however is a dining experience it's not an all out let's see how drunk we can get event. IMO that is perfectly acceptable for children. I would believe that the average parent is not going to shell out that amount of money for a child they know can't behave. I have met many well behaved children in these types of situations. DisneyWishes14 I feel that most adults are mature enough to be considerate and kind to your son and include him in the conversation. I bet he would really enjoy it, hope you both do.
Any adult that goes to Disney and expects not to be around kids is in for a rude awakening.

 

[thumper*]

I too hope this will be extended and am excited to do it if offered when we're there next December. I love to drink but have learned that mixing alcohol will make me very ill. I think I read that there are no substitutions other than non alcoholic, but how fun is that!!! Does anyone know if instead of a sweet mixed drink you could pay extra to have a glass of wine instead?

 

[DisneyWishes14]

So . . . after talking to DS9 last night about doing this event, I started having second thoughts myself and thought, if he really wants to do a monorail crawl, I could put one together myself that might actually be more appealing to him. So, I proposed to him this morning that we do this ourselves - we go to Trader Sam's when it opens at 4 pm to enjoy the antics and "magic" then head to GF to see the decorations and gingerbread house. I was able to snag a California Grill reservation followed by the Wishes Dessert Party in MK. All in all, this will probably cost as much as the Highway in the Sky event, but I think it's a better plan for him. We'll be able to stop in the gift shops (which he loves) and maybe even get a few rides in at MK. As confident as he is that he would be fine being the only kid there, I am a bit worried that he will get bored at the event.

So, I have a reservation for 2 for the Saturday, December 17, Highway in the Sky that I'm going to drop. If anyone is interested in this date and time, please feel free to PM and we can try to coordinate a time so you can, hopefully, snag the reservation. I will post this on the December Dining Reservation thread as well.