Jiko with toddlers?

[badblackpug]

Okay...I may not even look back at this thread in fear of being flamed about what I am about to say...but isn't WDW a family destination, thus, equals children of all ages? I am all about getting some quite time away from the kids and not allowing my children to be disruptive to those around us and if that means I miss the meal I paid for then so be it. However, I am not cancelling my reservation for Jiko's because what my 3 year old may or may not do.

Now keep in mind overall she is a well behaved child, but we are in WDW and you never know when a meltdown could happen. I plan on letting her get in a afternoon nap before dinner, but I cannot make any promises. However, if she did become disruptive I would take her for a walk while the rest of my party finished their meal.

Again, however, I ask this with the gentlest tone...does everyone not expect to hear children on a dining experiece to WDW??? I don't think there should be any off limit restaurants unless WDW decides to make it that way - thus no choice to the family and roll of the dice for Disney (decrease in business aka Pleasure Island).
By the way I've been that parent with the screaming child on the airplane expecting someone to hand us a parachute and tell us where to go. Even though we over prepared as a parent. There was nothing we could do - restaurant a little bit different of a situation. However, this will be my DD(3) 4th trip to WDW. First time was beautiful and the last two times challenging (terrible twos lasted a LOOOOOOONNNNNGGGG time), but she is behaving much better and understands a LOT more. But that shouldn't matter....

If we as a family choose to try a signature restaurant we should be respectful of others enjoyment, but they should be respectful in not telling us where to or where not to eat. I am sure most of your comments are just suggestions, but I am not feeling that. I will not be cancelling our families reservation, but I will be respectful of those around us if any of us become disruptful (any age can become disruptful). Thank you for letting me vent - I hope no one takes it the wrong way.

I will join you in the flames. Other than Victoria and Albert's where WDW has expressly stated that kids are off limits, there are children's menus available, ergo, children are expected and welcome. I agree, DO NOT let your children disturb other diners. There is nothing I hate more than to hear children screaming through my meal. ....and I have 4 of my own. My kids are generally well behaved in restaurants, but I don't hesitate to take them out if they become disruptive. I know not everyone does this. As for letting your child "walk around in the booth," NO WAY! That is annoying to your fellow diners. I don't want to be the person that has a toddler stomping up and down behind me and hanging over the booth, staring at me through my meal. Besides, it is not teaching your children good table manners.

Here goes.....I will be dining at Jiko in approximately 2 weeks....with my 21 month old!

 

[Uncleromulus]

It's rather like LilyWDW suggests--we expect kids of all ages at all WDW restaurants and we understand "normal" kid behavior. But most of us do not enjoy having food thrown at us, kids running throughout the restaurant, or toddlers simply screaming their heads off while the parents sit with bemused expressions.

 

[itchin2go]

I thought (could be wrong) that OP was asking not "will we be allowed" or "will everyone else feel comfortable", but instead, "will we be a good fit" or "will WE feel comfortable".

WDW is a family destination. It is anyone's right to take their toddlers to Jiko if they want to. No one said, "Oh, you're not allowed." I think everyone who commented was coming from the "good fit" angle.

I have eaten at Jiko twice. I would have been mortified in that setting if my child started acting out. If my child started acting out at Whispering Canyon Cafe, it wouldn't have been nearly as noticeable, embarrassing or difficult to address. Also, it's WAY more likely that my kid WOULD act out at Jiko, given the length of a meal there and the fact that there's no stimulation/activities for a small child. Is this not pertinent information for a parent trying to make an informed decision?

I *thought* (again, could be wrong) that OP was coming from that angle.

So, I don't understand the indignance from the PPs. If everyone had responded, "WDW is a family destination, so you take your kids wherever you want, " would that have answered what OP was asking? I don't think so.

 

[Lily & Giny's Mom]

What meal TS at disney is not a two hour meal? Iwould go and see what happens. They do have a childrens menu. L&G's Dad.

 

[itchin2go]

What meal TS at disney is not a two hour meal? Iwould go and see what happens. They do have a childrens menu. L&G's Dad.

CG, Jiko and Hollywood Brown Derby are the only meals I've had at WDW that have run long. My daughter did fine at CG (but mainly because she was so tired, she was just almost in a fog state), but she started to get really antsy at HBD (she was 6 at the time). We were uncomfortable and unhappy by the end of that meal.

As a matter of fact, last year when we went to Jiko, she went to kids' club, but the meal ran so long that *I* went back to the room (staying at AKL) while my husband settled up because *I* was getting tired. Seriously.

Otherwise, our meals at WDW have been of normal length.

 

[Lynne M]

Okay...I may not even look back at this thread in fear of being flamed about what I am about to say...but isn't WDW a family destination, thus, equals children of all ages? I am all about getting some quite time away from the kids and not allowing my children to be disruptive to those around us and if that means I miss the meal I paid for then so be it. However, I am not cancelling my reservation for Jiko's because what my 3 year old may or may not do.

No flames here. The OP asked if Jiko is the sort of place where she'd be comfortable bringing a toddler who is prone to meltdowns, other posters described the restaurant, she decided on her own that Jiko wouldn't suit their family. Her choice. No one jumped on her.

I know that lots of parents get used to leaving meals early, having one parent take a cranky little one out for a walk, etc. But many parents also find it stressful for themselves and their kid to be in a situation where there's constant 'ssssshh-ing' and interruption of meals and prefer to avoid the quieter places. Both points of view are equally valid, IMO.