Hit me with the Pros and Cons of late dinner seating (with Kids)

[nigellong]

Like a lot of you we are having a hard time with the late dinner seating we have been given for our June 29 7 day eastern cruise - we have an active, social 6 year old son. But IF we wanted to change, how easy is it to do that: either now, before we leave, or on the Magic?

 

[MICHELLENDEAN]

I had the late seating with my 2 year old and I am Still unsure about how to advise you on this one:
PROS:
no rushing
being able to take your formal/character pictures early (5ish, I believe) while others are getting ready for the early dinner.
Having the kids awake for the early shows...although the only one my daughter actually sat through was Disney Dreams because of all the characters, costumes...etc...
the others were a bust, she lasted maybe 15 minutes and that was one of the reasons we didn't request an early seating ..I thought she'd love the shows with all the characters but really only one show had them.
CONS:
Tired, kids
hungry kids
kids who couldn't and didn't wait to eat (this could also be a pro) you can order room service or have the kiddos have an early supper at Pluto's to hold them until the big dinner) then they could eat or just have dessert.
My little one would just about be at meltdown level and one of us always took her in the stroller and stolled her until she either fell asleep. or unfortunalty I sent my husband for dinner and I ended up eating late in the room.
Either way it's just PLAIN HARD to travel with little ones and be on anyone elses schedule (dinner/shows) you just have to play it by ear!
GOOD LUCK!

 

[cumickey]

We have a DS3, and requested late seating as a decision had to be made!!. Whatever the choice we would be second guessing till we are on the cruise. Our plan is to go back to the room about 3pmish and let him nap for a couple of hours, we have a verandah so looking forward to sitting out there and reading a book at this recharging session!!. But with kids you just never know what they will do, always a surprise!.

BUT!!!!!, after reading these posts I am now tempted to change my request!, as the idea of going to a show after eating appeals. Wish they did room babysitting as once he is asleep it would be great to party!. If DS does not nap that sleep could be as early as 7pm after all the activities we will be enjoying and lots of fresh sea air!.....his parents may collapse too!, but what a waste of time sleeping is on a disney cruise LOL!.

Thanks so much for posting this question though as it is great to hear other peoples experiences with this dilema. Keep posting previous cruisers with little ones!

Decisions, decisions!