Is this possible?

[NeverlandClub23]

Back in '96 we went to WDW with my aunt and uncle and 3 cousins. There were 9 of us total (5 kids ages 16, 15, 14, 13, 11). We ate 3 TS meals a day and at most of them they'd ask if we minded being split up into a group of 5 and 4. All of us kids begged our parents to let us eat by ourselves. We thought we were so "adult" being able to eat alone. Some of the restaurants we were within viewing of my parents and some of them we were completely out of sight. I guess we just weren't "troublemaker" types of kids or that we were just so excited to be "on our own" that we didn't dare do anything to get in trouble so that we'd be able to do it again (that and we were so worn out from the constant go, go go!). Those meals are some of my favorite memories from that trip .

We were on a dining plan back then so we just gave them our cards and met up at the entrance of the restaurant after the meal. That was sometimes an issue as sometimes we had to wait quite awhile for them to be done or vice versa.

 

[PatsMom]

I'm assuming the kids eat out often enough that they know how to behave in a restaurant so I would have no problem with the OP's plan. The server shouldn't be expected to watch them, but he or she also shouldn't need to. At 12 and 13 they are quite capable of serving themselves from the buffet. I know I didn't accompany my daughter up to the buffet at that age. She knew not to touch the food, use the utensils, etc.

As someone pointed out, I'd have a plan for when they finished their meal since they are likely to be done first. Pool, arcade, return to room, campfire, etc. Just know where they are going to be. And I'd make them have a cell phone and check in via text message when they changed locations. Much less obtrusive and annoying to other diners in Jiko!

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

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

Good point!

 

[princess aleya]

Not going to flame you, but thought I would just mention this.

WDW and it's resorts do attract people who, let's just say, don't have your child's best interest at heart.
With it being outside of a park, anyone wanting or looking to do something doesn't have to pay to go into a park.

It doesn't happen often, but it does happen. People prey on kids at WDW and any amusement park. (so no flames of WDW is perfect please)
Perverts, cons, anyone looking for a mark knows that kids are vulnerable at these places.
And look for them that aren't with an adult.

Just for their safety, it really isn't wise to not have at least 1 adult with them. I know it would save you $$ and be convienent, but what happens....IF? You know?

People are so busy with their own vacations, they may not pay attention to something happening right in front of them. So don't count on others stepping in.

Have a good trip.

I totally agree with you.

 

[Bob NC]

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.

You have mentioned this "server supervising the children" scenario a couple of times now. Just WHERE has the OP mentioned this?

 

[NancyCnstn]

I dont have anything against foreigners! for you to even think that of me when you do not know me. Going to the movies in your hometown is alot different then leaving your children in a place where anything can happen. Its so vast. with so many people around. I'm just the type that would worry. maybe it's because I dont have a child that age yet. And it's just my opinion. I dont judge people so please dont judge me.

 

[TDC Nala]

You have mentioned this "server supervising the children" scenario a couple of times now. Just WHERE has the OP mentioned this?

The OP didn't. One of the replies suggested the OP give the server their cell phone number and slip them a 20 to watch the kids. Doing such a thing would indicate that the parent would expect the server to take some sort of responsibility for supervising their children, which is not the server's job, their job is to wait tables. They may not give proper attention to other tables if they're busy being paid extra to keep an eye on a tableful of minor kids. And under what circumstances should the server actually use the phone number and call the parents - is that left up to the server's judgment?

If the kids are old enough to dine alone they are old enough not to need a babysitter, so no need to "officially" put that responsibility on the server, and the kids can carry a phone to call the parents if they think they need an adult's assistance.

 

[debster812]

I think it sounds like a perfectly reasonable idea. Same resort, restaurants in close proximity to each other. It will be a fun, 'grownup' night for the tweens

 

[angierae]

In 8th grade (so 13-14) my daughter's school band went to Cedar Point and the kids paired up in 2s and spent the entire day wandering around the park by themselves. They had to check in (in person) with the adults three times over the course of the day, but they were expected to be able to get food, stand in line for rides, etc and behave all day. This was a school event, and they were deemed mature enough for that.

I am really surprised at the number of people who would worry about a group of four teenagers/older preteens going to dinner together at a resort. As long as they texted/called to say when they were done with dinner and had specific instructions about where they were to go afterwards, I wouldn't even blink at this.

Heck, four 13 year olds? I wouldn't have a problem with them spending the day in a PARK together if they were going to stick together.

I wonder how many of the people who are against it actually have kids that age? I know when I had a 3-4 year old 12 or 13 still seemed really young to me. My DD is 15, and at 12 or 13 was staying home alone or babysitting and cooking meals for the kids.

Heck, at 12 I was cooking dinner for my entire family because they got home later and it was easier to have dinner at a decent time then wait for my mom to get home and THEN cook.

Yes, letting go of your kids is scary but so is sending 15-16-17 year olds out into the world with no idea of how to handle things like eating in a restaurant alone, shopping, etc. They have to have practice.

 

[Jemmi1218]

I think its a perfect idea! As kids my cousins and I went to disney a lot! we are 2 years apart. Our parents started letting us navigate the parks alone when i was 13 and they were 11! We used to have a BLAST!!! A couple of times we went to dinner ourselves and our parents went somewhere else to eat. They gave us our money and showed us before we left how to calculate a tip. It was a fun real world learning experience and from then on the kids always figured out the tip! Let your kids have a fun night and let them feel grown up!

 

[Alesia]

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

The age range at the kids clubs has more do do with risk management than anything else. Most likely, it's the insurance company that won't allow children over 12.

 

[HeidiGW]

I wouldn't hesitate...and I keep a tight rein on my children. I second really all the positive points other posters have made. it will be a good experience for the kids. they will be comfortable in the environment as they have been there before! Have a great time!

 

[jaoconnor]

I'm surprised it's debatable. Responsible tweens should have NO PROBLEM dining without parents.

 

[inkedupmomma]

The age range at the kids clubs has more do do with risk management than anything else. Most likely, it's the insurance company that won't allow children over 12.

and I'm thinking there is a reason for that age limit, kwim? I could be totally wrong, but most places that sit kids in resorts, or health clubs, etc.. usually cap off at age 12. By 12 they are pretty good at being able to fend for themselves for an hour or two. and again, it's not like the kids are taking the monorail to another resort or park, they are right across from them.

You'll be fine!

 

[BriarRosie]

I have also babysat other kids when I was 12/13, so if the parents know their kids' level of responsibility, then I don't think there's a problem with the kids checking themselves in Boma and dining there.

I don't think the parents need to do anything above that. No keeping tabs during dinner, but I think having their kids text them after dinner what they're doing at the resort would work well.

 

[momhmmx2]

I would like to thank everyone for there varied responses

I am not the least concerned about how the children will behave. If I were I would not even consider this an option. So NO WORRIES for those of you who might be dining when my kids & their friends are there I, also, would not expect a total stranger (the server) to watch after my kids. I am confident they are able to do this by themselves..

I only asked the question to make sure Disney didn't have a problem with it..

We have decided to go for it! The kids will text us when they are done eating. Their ressies are at 5:15pm ours are at 5:30pm. After they are done eating, they will be waiting in the lobby for another member of the party(an Aunt and her 2 kids) to arrive around 6:15 then headed to MK with them while we(parents) enjoy our 2 hour dinner at Jiko

I'm so excited to try JIKO!! Can't wait! Any suggestions on what to eat?

Thanks again!

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

I would like to thank everyone for there varied responses

I am not the least concerned about how the children will behave. If I were I would not even consider this an option. So NO WORRIES for those of you who might be dining when my kids & their friends are there I, also, would not expect a total stranger (the server) to watch after my kids. I am confident they are able to do this by themselves..

I only asked the question to make sure Disney didn't have a problem with it..

We have decided to go for it! The kids will text us when they are done eating. Their ressies are at 5:15pm ours are at 5:30pm. After they are done eating, they will be waiting in the lobby for another member of the party(an Aunt and her 2 kids) to arrive around 6:15 then headed to MK with them while we(parents) enjoy our 2 hour dinner at Jiko

I'm so excited to try JIKO!! Can't wait! Any suggestions on what to eat?

Thanks again!

There is nothing less than wonderful at Jiko. Enjoy!

 

[Vijoge]

Any suggestions on what to eat?

Thanks again!

Maize Encrusted Halibut (my favorite) or the Filet Mignon with Mac'n'cheese(DH the Complete Carnivore's choice).

I have never had a meal I enjoyed more (anywhere, not just at WDW) than the one we had at Jiko. Can't wait to go back in Feb.

 

[DISNEY1975]

My kids are world travelers and are perfectly capable of ordering, figuring out tip, getting from point a to point b and know very well how to behave in a restaurant. I think your kids will be fine..especially at a buffet...especially where you are close by. Its not like you would have gone in line and filled their plates for them anyway.

Go for it..sounds like a great idea!

 

[phyllis1966]

I think it's a great idea. My DD is now 11 and the thought of her doing this is a tiny bit scary to me, but at age 13 I'm sure she and her friends would be fine.

As far as whether or not they'll leave an appropriate tip, since it's a buffet, you can figure out the tip ahead of time and tell them how much to leave - easy!

Have fun at Jiko (yum)!