Jiko and kids

[spatter1234]

We have ADR for Jiko in a couple of weeks and have 5 and 3 year old boys. I am questioning whether we should keep the ADR or change to a more kid friendly restaurant. Any suggestions?

 

[Magic2000]

Jiko is one of our favorite restaurants!!! We've eaten there with our DD who also really enjoys it! I've seen many children there the same ages as your boys. It is one of those restaurants that seem to take a little more time than others ~ don't know if your boys would get antsy waiting.

If you think the kids would do fine, definitely try it (worse that can happen is you get your food "to go" instead); if you think the boys would prefer to have a more lively meal, try a character meal!

Have a great trip!!!

 

[MomWith2Cinderellas]

We are doing Jiko with a 5 and 3 year old (both girls). We are not hesitating to go. Our girls are pretty well behaved and when we go for a dinner that runs on the long side, we bring wonder markers or crayons. The power of a wonder marker is amazing!!

 

[K and K's Mommy]

We are doing Jiko in October. My kids have already been to California Grill and Artist's Point with no problem. My kids love the desserts at the "fancy" restaurants so they enjoy going to one on vacation.

 

[cybertheo]

We went with a 2 year old and a nine year old... They both found plenty to eat... The buffet is kid friendly...

 

[Ozymoe]

We went with a 2 year old and a nine year old... They both found plenty to eat... The buffet is kid friendly...

Cybertheo, I think you are talking about Boma, next door.

My thought is, I like Jiko's, but think 3 and 5 year old boys would like a less dark and reserved dinner. Lol...have they/you been to Whispering Canyon Cafe? It's definitely not a laid back, quiet place to dine, but there's lots of fun for active children.

Liberty Tree Tavern is another place children seem to enjoy a lot as well as Chef Mickey's. If I were going to pick a quieter place that kids usually enjoy, with good food I'd opt for Coral reef with its under-the-sea aquarium.

Another place with excellent food is the Grand Floridian Cafe, but, like Jiko's, it doesn't have any special things happening for a 3 & a 5 year old either (IMHO). Have you been to a Rainforest Cafe with them yet? They might enjoy that, and Rainforest has decent food, large portions (definitely share).

 

[crazykids]

We'll be there in a couple of weeks w/ our 3 little ones - ages 20 months, 3, & 4. There seems to be a really good selection on the kids menu, much better than most restaurants.

 

[cybertheo]

Oh right I am thinking about Boma's...Nevermind...

 

[spatter1234]

Thanks for the info. You can never have enough of the Crayola!

 

[spatter1234]

Great information! We love the character meals but it will be nice to try something new (especially since we have the free DDP)! Can't wait. Will let you know how it goes!

 

[shellybaxter]

We love Jiko. It is a great restaurant with an amazing menu. The children's menu is really good. We took our niece to Jiko when she was 4 years old. She was really good and sat pretty well (I think she slinked down to the floor once or twice) for the entire 2.5 hours we were there.

However, when we were planning our next trip she was 7 and I asked her where she wanted to eat. She didn't really have any must eat restaurant but said "please don't take me back to that dark restaurant with the birds". That was Jiko. Three years later she remembers hating to sit still for so long. Since we love Jiko, she went to Simba's cubhouse that trip and had fun while we dined at Jiko.

I learned a lesson that just because children will sit through a nice dinner doesn't mean they should. I want my niece to have a good time when we go to Disney, not to remember how much she disliked sitting in a restaurant.

BTW - she felt this way even though she loved the food and the waiter had Goofy call and say hello to her

 

[Magic2000]

Just wanted to say the kids menu is really good. Nice selection for the kids. (The steak w/ mac & cheese for adults is really good too!!!)

Have a great time and enjoy!!!!!

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

Great information! We love the character meals but it will be nice to try something new (especially since we have the free DDP)! Can't wait. Will let you know how it goes!

Good for you! Jiko is one of our favorites! It's good to spread your meals around a bit. If we ate to suit where our kids wanted to every meal, we'd be eating counter service chicken strips every meal!! Nice thing about Disney, even the more upscale Signature Dining establishments are extremely child friendly. You definitely won't be the only table with kids in your party!

 

[missmun52]

I will be there this Sat. with my 2 1/2 year old son. I cant wait to try Jiko. I wanted to do it for so long but was always afraid to do it with a child. I called one day about three weeks ago and cancelled ohana (due to recent reviews) trying to get boma for that night and it was booked so the cast member said why not Jiko. I asked her if it would be ok with my son, she said this is Disney and it will be fine. So I booked the earlier booking at 5:30 and plan to enjoy my meal. If my son acts up I am prepared to take my food to go.

 

[*NikkiBell*]

You won't have a problem at all! Jiko is excellent!

 

[spatter1234]

Good for you! Jiko is one of our favorites! It's good to spread your meals around a bit. If we ate to suit where our kids wanted to every meal, we'd be eating counter service chicken strips every meal!! Nice thing about Disney, even the more upscale Signature Dining establishments are extremely child friendly. You definitely won't be the only table with kids in your party!

Our family too! Sometimes I think my kids will turn into a chicken strip. I am still looking forward to it only because Jiko's has such great reviews. Thanks for the information everyone!