Is Shula's good baby friendly?

[Halle]

Is Shula's Baby friendly? DS and his DW are celebrating our 35th anniversary at Disney with us. We'd love to go to Shula's. My DS and his wife are very respectful of other diners so that isn't the issue. I noticed there isn't a children's menu, do they have high chairs? Thanks for your help.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) They do have high chairs.
2) But, one seldom sees kids.
3) It is not really a kids place.
4) if the kid or baby acts up, they will ask you to remove the child.
5) People pay big bucks for the meal and want to dine in peace. *

* Hate to say it, but I am the same way. I expect good food, good service and good ambiance for a high price meal. I do appreciate it when the wait staff asks people with noisy kids to remove them until the kids settle down.

 

[TaraPA]

I have never seen small children at Shula's at The Dolphin or at our local Shula's. However, I don't know if they have a minimum age requirement or not. If they have high chairs then obviously you can take babies & kids in there, I've just never seen any.

 

[waltskids]

Have never seen a small child (say under 12) at Shula's when we dined there (both in the Dolphin and the one near home). It's really not a place for young children. Our kids dine out all the time and we wouldn't take them there until they are much older.

 

[Lewisc]

They don't have a kids menu. Unless something has changed they have a sharing charge. It doesn't apply to a baby but parents dining at Shula's (and other signature restaurants in the S/D) receive 2 hours of complimentary time at Camp Dolphin for their kids 4-12.

There are many restaurants (almost all) in WDW that are family friendly. Shula's is trying to make it obvious that parents with young kids would be better served in a different restaurant.

 

[septbaby]

I think they even offer complimentary child care if that is hint enough.

Try to Book Yachtsman, that will be more comfortable for the family.

 

[Inurdrems9]

I took my DD when she was 8 months and every one said what a good baby she was.

 

[Art 1]

It's not a place for a baby. I would hope to not have to sit next to one while there.

 

[nemmie]

We are very regular at Shula's and I see children all the time.
There is a child's menu, I know this because I order from it.
Is it a place where you will feel comfy if your baby starts screaming the place down? No, I can only imagine it would be pretty horrible for you.
So whilst Shula is not exactly child friendly it's certainly not discouraged to take children in. We have dined with friends children (we do not have any ourselves) many times and have never ever felt unwelcome or uncomfortable. That said, the children were always quiet and well behaved.
Shula is dark and usually quiet. We often get ''looks'' when we dine with friends and enjoy ourselves a little too loudly for other patrons but you know what your money is as good as anyones and as long as you are not making a huge scene within the restaurant you won't have any problems at all.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Here is the childrens menu at Shula's:

Appetizer: Chicken Noodle Soup--$6.95

Entrees:
8oz french cut chicken breast-$11.95
Cheeseburger-$8.95

Sides: Mashed Potato-$4.95
Mac and Cheese: $4.95
That's it!!

I would say that children are "welcome" but certainly not encouraged at Shula's. A crying misbehaving child would be clearly out of place.

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

I definitely think they are trying to market Shula's as an adult restaurant, offering free child care and not advertising a children's menu, although they do not have any rules against having children there. Most diners go there expecting an adult night out. It is your call, though. A sleeping infant might not be noticed, but one cry and all eyes will be on you, I'm fairly certain.

I wonder why the apparent contradiction, though. Is there a reason why Shula's goes through the trouble of appearing to be adult only, when technically it isn't?

 

[Uncleromulus]

I guess because they know where they are located--WDW, where kids are a fact of life. And look at the hue and cry when V&A banned kids under 10--that made national news!!
So it's probably easier to keep the kids under the radar--handle them IF they come in, but don't welcome them with open arms (or a large children's menu)

 

[CNPHILLY]

I am also at Shula's quite often and see way too many kids there. It is not a restaurant for young children. I have a 2 year old and, while he is one of the quietest and calmest children I have ever known and I know he would be fine during the meal, I would not take him there simply because I want to be respectful of the other couples who are often there for a relaxing "date night" to themselves (and are spending quite a bit of money for it at that).

 

[Sleeping Becca]

I think it is in poor taste to bring a baby to Shulas, Yatchsman is an excellent steakhouse and is much more kid friendly.

 

[TDC Nala]

Bistro de Paris tried the same thing - no children's menu advertised. They will provide one if you ask, and only if you ask. Bistro and Shula's aren't "family" restaurants but they won't kick you out if you show up with kids or babies.

 

[Lewisc]

The OP asked if Shula's is "good baby friendly". Even "good babies" cry. You don't want to spend an anniversary dinner deciding which parent has to go outside with a crying baby or if you want your food packaged to go.

WDW has a lot of restaurants. Pick one that's family friendly?

How big is your family? I think Shula's has some rooms for a private party.

 

[CNPHILLY]

The OP asked if Shula's is "good baby friendly". Even "good babies" cry. You don't want to spend an anniversary dinner deciding which parent has to go outside with a crying baby or if you want your food packaged to go.

Agreed, and further the people already eating there don't want to spend their meal worrying about whether a child right next to them will be a problem. I agree with the suggestion of the Yachtsman or another more family friendly restaurant. Personally, I would go with Ohana, where you couldn't hear the baby anyway and everyone pretty much always has a good time. Good luck!

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

I love the family friendly dining recommendations the prev. posters issued, but if you want something a little more "upscale" or differnt I have another idea. I was just thinking that for almost the same money as Shula's you might be able to set up a private dining experience. I know they do these at the beach of the Grand Floridian. You could also do a fireworks boat cruise. The GF will also cater that. That would be an awesome way to celebrate an anniversary and since it is private, you can take care of the baby without having to go somewhere else. Just a suggestion if you decide not to do Shula's.

 

[honeymo78]

Is private dining really that inexpensive? Four of us ate at Shula's for less than $300 - closer to $250 actually. I would be interested in what/where you could get for that amount of money.

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

This menu is for the Grand 1 but it does not factor in the cruise cost itself.
http://allears.net/menu/menu_gy1.htm

http://allears.net/menu/menu_gfp.htm
That is the pricvate dining menu. I've never done it, so I can't say if it would cost more for delivery to certain locations, but it is worth a phone call!