Is this possible?

[inkedupmomma]

dude, the kids are 12 and 13. By that time I was babysitting and cooking for the kids I was watching lol! What you are doing is perfectly fine! Only you know your kids and how they act in public. But at that age, they should be able to go up to a buffet, hand over a card to pay and tip. Go, have fun, and enjoy Jiko! Like others said, it's right across from Boma, if there is any issue, they are right there!

 

[LoriABil]

I think it would be a great - you know whether they can handle it! Plus, meeting with the server might help ensure they are looked after. I can't see the server letting anything happen to them!
I would, however, let them know how you expect them to behave and that you will be checking up on them. I am sure they are well behaved, but sometimes even well mannered kids will push it when in a group - showing up and all that.

 

[TDC Nala]

I can see going in to meet the server, and letting them know the parents are just over in Jiko. But I don't think you can expect a server to "look after" your children, it's not their job. I'm not for giving the server payment before the meal or a phone number or anything that in effect suggests that they are expected to have responsibility for the kids.

 

[wilma-bride]

My concern would also be witht he way that would behave rather than any risk that any harm would come to them.

If you are 100% confident that they can be trusted to behave then I don't think there is a problem. I think you do nee to consider what they will do after the meal, though, as it's pretty much guaranteed they will be done eating before you are.

 

[NancyCnstn]

I personally could not do it. B ut you have to decide whats best for yourself. I just feel Disney is so large and so many different kinds of people from all over the world, I would just be to afraid. But thats just my opinion.

 

[Dis_Yoda]

I know at that age I would been fine by myself at Dinner. In fact, I know I did that myself on an evening where my parents were at a meal w/ my father's coworkers and I was stuck at the Yacht Club alone at 13 so I went into EPCOT and ate alone.

 

[aprilgail2]

I see no problem with that at all! My daughter will be 11 soon and she and her friends have recently started getting dropped off at the movies and will eat at Applebees (right next to movies) after the movie. One parent drops off and another picks up- only daytime movies at this point though! I can't believe at 12 and 13 anyone would have a problem with their child eating in a restaurant on their own!

 

[essom71]

Ok so I realize this might make some people upset but.... we are going for a week with a group of 4 13 and 14 year olds and I don't intend to watch them every minute of every day. I wouldn't do that at home and in fact they are quite capable of babysitting. They will have cell phones and will be expected to check in frequently.

NOW: They only get one chance... screw up once and I'll be their best friend the entire trip!!

 

[wishinon3stars]

I don't see any problem with this. It will be special for the kids. I definitely would have done this when my kids were that age. And I think there's nothing wrong with letting the server know you'll be right across the hall. I was a server for years and this would not have bothered me at all.

Just make sure they know what the plan is if they finish their meal before you are finished. Have a great trip!

 

[Rylee]

As long as the children will act appropriately, I don't see anything wrong with your idea.

I would have 2 concerns...

1) Since Boma is buffet, (people are up and moving about) I would remind them to be careful about watching out for others as they are going back and forth to the buffet. I have witnessed a child collide with a server, and a pot of hot coffee spilled all over the server.

2) What arrangements or plans do you have for them after they finish their meal? Will they be allowed to go to the pool or arcade? Or, are they expected to return to the room and stay there? I would want to make sure they know exactly what is expected of them so I would know exactly where they are.

 

[Mimi1965]

Jiko is right across the hall & one whole wall of the restaurant is glass-i bet you can even SEE the kids from there.

I'd do it in a heartbeat

 

[TDC Nala]

You can't see into Boma from Jiko (or vice versa).

 

[MickeyNicki]

Funny you should mention that...Oct 08 we stayed at the AKL and went to an early dinner at Boma...next to us were two little boys, maybe 10 and 12? They dined by themselves and the parents were next door at Jiko having dinner. They were soo cute! The server kept an eye out for them and they went up to the buffet by themselves and ate mostly bread, fruit and dessert LOL!

 

[mdsoccermom]

I personally could not do it. B ut you have to decide whats best for yourself. I just feel Disney is so large and so many different kinds of people from all over the world, I would just be to afraid. But thats just my opinion.

Those awful foreigners. What does where a person is from have to do with anything?

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

I wonder if there is a specific Disney policy- at what age can you dine alone? Does anyone know?

Also, I wonder at what age parents *want* their children to be able to dine alone. For example, is it a regional thing? I know around here (near NYC) by 7th/8th grade, many kids are going to the mall/movies/diner/Mc Donald's with friends. Do other areas wait until they are 14/high school? Or even older?

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

Those awful foreigners. What does where a person is from have to do with anything?

OMGosh, I missed that!

 

[TreslovesWDW]

Well I am a worry wart over my kids and I think this is something even I would do. If the kids have a phone to call you when they are done eating and you will only be across the resort sounds fine. I don't like when the want to walk around Walmart while I shop but I just started to let them,they do have a phone. We are going to Hershey Park tomorrow and I am really having a hard time thinking if I would let them go by themselves there. One 16 year old and three 13 year olds. But to eat by themselves when you are in the same area is a nice idea they will have fun feeling a little grown up.

 

[TheNewMrsB]

I agree with those who think this could work out just fine. And hey, I'm sure they'll get a total kick out of dining sans parents and being able to eat whatever they want without feeling like they have to eat their veggies

Everyone knows their child's abilities and limits best. It's your call.

 

[HunnyJar]

At first I wasn't going to give my opinion, but I figured what the heck.. Considering you will be basically across the hall, I would imagine this would be okay. However, I would call Boma directly to find out if they have any rules on this matter.

Personally, I this isn't something I would do, but you know your kids. If the restaurant is fine with this and you are fine with this - that is what matters! I know when I was a teenager my friends and I would go to restaurants quite a bit when we were around this age, but at the same time I would not be comfortable with my 14 year old son doing this with his friends. He has very good manners and is a very polite kid, but kids can be stupid (we all can) with their friends sometimes and I would hate to have a family's dinner ruined because of their antics. That's just me, though.

 

[inkedupmomma]

I wonder if there is a specific Disney policy- at what age can you dine alone? Does anyone know?

Also, I wonder at what age parents *want* their children to be able to dine alone. For example, is it a regional thing? I know around here (near NYC) by 7th/8th grade, many kids are going to the mall/movies/diner/Mc Donald's with friends. Do other areas wait until they are 14/high school? Or even older?

I think the day cares they provide only go up to age 12... I guess disney assumes after age 12 the kids are ok? It may not even go up that far? But seems like an indication to me