Kids/No Kids Restaurants

[Ms.Mouse]

I don't know where this new post is going to bring me as far as a closed thread or a huge flaming BUT I've been reading some of these posts and I can't believe what I'm reading on the subject of what restaurants are for and not for kids!!!!! AND I'M NOT BEING MEAN/SARCASTIC as I'm writing this thread... Just stating my own opinion and this is America, isn't it???...My DH and I have been going to WDW for many years now. We started bringing our kids (now 27&28 y.o) and now with my grandson (4yo). AND we've enjoyed many of great restaurants at WDW. My GS is very well behaved in restaurants BUT there are times when he gets excited and gets somewhat loud as he's describing something or saying something or maybe just laughing... You all know, Kids are slightly higher pitched, RIGHT???. I think when parents can't control their kids who are running around the floors of the dining area, that is too much but for kids who are laughing and having fun.... I don't care how much noise they are making..... HELLO OUT THERE!!!!!!!! WALT CREATED THE PARKS FOR FAMILIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I spoke with a CM when making reservation last year and the only place that I know there would be a problem bringing kids is V&A...Certainly a place for grown-ups.... As far as I can see... All the other restaurants have menus for kids which means KIDS ARE WELCOME!!!!!!!! If we're going to a park designed for families, we should be tolerant to those who have families... Why should they be designated to eat at the "lesser" restaurants because they have kids who like to have fun... As I was reading one of the threads, I started to think to myself.... Sounds a little like... I sit in the front of the bus (the better area) and those "lesser than I" sit in the back... Doesn't it???? Take them out of this restaurant then that restaurant then another.... Then... well, which parks would the "less tolerant" like to bar the families from because they want to enjoy the areas without the parents with those loud kids who are in tow and maybe letting off a little energy.... Well, that's the way things go, isn't it???.... we get an inch and take a mile, don't we.... AND, it's mostly the families with all those kids that keep Disney Parks "rolling in dough"... So, I guess when we get tired of seeing kids around, or hearing/seeing their laughter and excitement for being in "Walt's Playground", we can eat at V&A each nite, right???

 

[dalt01]

i think we spent part of saturday and all of sunday on this

 

[Mackey Mouse]

Yes we did.....

 

[robinb]

I think there should be more adult-only restaurants. Even V&A's is not as I actually saw a baby there once. My DD was with a baby-sitter and I would have been peeved if he kicked up a fuss in the middle of my $300+ meal.

Walt Disney World markets heavily to newlyweds and retired/active seniors. Neither group wants to share a dining room with a melting 3 year old at 9:00 at night because the parents couldn't get an earlier ADR. But they share the dining room anyway because they don't have a choice. I think that WDW should set aside a restaurant or two where children under a certain age are simply not allowed.

 

[Ms.Mouse]

Yes, and the comments and opinions are just that... not to start another problem but to get something out that's been bothering me on those threads... I would have commented there but the rudness got to be soo much that they were closed by then....If people are tired of the discussion or can't state an opinion without being rude, then they don't have to comment at all, right???

AND Yes, robinb, maybe WDW should think of more restaurants like V&A for the "adults only" crowds.... I'd agree to that also.

 

[Hixski]

They understand on DCL. They have Palos. They also have the adult pool area. They have Serenity Bay on CC. 1 or 2 adult only restaurants would not offend anyone and if it did......

 

[BillSears]

To me there is a big difference between laughter and screaming or crying. Most WDW restaurants are not little romantic places but are instead family restaurants. But even in a family restaurant your children shouldn't scream or cry or run around eating food off of others tables.

I'd say treat most restaurants at WDW like you would treat Ruby Tuesdays, Applebees, Bennegins, Chilis etc. Feel free to bring your kids but please if they are misbehaving take them outside to calm down.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

To the people who say WDW should have seperate area's for familes with kids it sounds like a good idea, but it will never happen. These people who go to WDW without kids should realize that at mostly every restaurant they will go to, there will be kids & maybe some of them will be cranky or running around screaming. I agree that those parents should do something like taking them out of the restaurant to calm them down, however Walt Disney World was designed for familes so whenever single people or senior citizens book a vacation they should no a lot of familes & little kids will be there. Also just because a family would make a 9:00 PM ADR does not mean no other time was available. What if that is what they wanted? I doubt a family would want to have their kids sit for a meal that late, however we don't know that.

 

[Hixski]

I said in my above post that it would not hurt them to have 1 or 2 restaurants (not areas) that are adult only like Palos on DCL. Everyone expects children in a restaurant. But what would it hurt to make a place like V&A adult only. Disney world was made for families and adults. People that came when their children were small still want to go when their children are grown. If you love Disney what is the harm in having 1 or 2 nice adult only places. Think in terms of a man wanting to propose. He doesn't want a screaming child at a table next to him. Or the couple celebrating their honeymoon or their 20th or 50th anniversary. A child taking bread off their table or crawling under their table is not terribly romantic.

 

[ducklite]

1. WDW was NOT designed just for families. They heavily cater to convention and conference business, as well as weddings and honeymoons. In recent years they have spent a fortune marketing to empty nesters as well. So whereever anyone is getting the idea that WDW exists solely for families, they are very, very wrong, and the millions of dollars Disney spends marketing to those other demographics absolutely refutes such an assertation.

2. Overwhelming sentiment on these boards (mine included) is that happy children who aren't disruptive are not the problem, and that children's laughter is joy. Screaming, rambunctious children with oblivious or selfish parents are far from joyous though, and no one wants to or should be subjected to that type of behavior. Unfortunately, too many parents decide that WDW is a great place to introduce finer dining after the kids have spent a day running around in the hot sun and in many cases are ready for a quick meal and bed, not giving good thought to how their children will handle the situation.

3. The majority of posters also feel that Disney needs to either create "child free zones" in certain restaurants, limit seating times for children at Signature restaurants, make some restaurants entirely child free, or a combination thereof.

4. You were poorly informed by a CM if you were told children were welcome everywhere but V&A's. Bistro De Paris and Shula's do not offer children's menu's, and either have no high chairs or charge a plate sharing fee, or offer free childcare or a combination of the above. So like V&A's, the implicit but unspoken message is that children are not welcome there.

5. Families are only a part of the financial makeup of Disney World. In all honesty the conference and convention business is what subsidizes the discounted rates that are sometimes offered.

Just setting the FACTS straight.

Anne

 

[Leanne1977]

Well said Ms.Mouse.

 

[goofy4tink]

Mind if I interject something here? Walt Disney did indeed create DisneyLand for families to enjoy together. No argument from me. Then along comes WDW...Walt had some imput into this huge complex, but not nearly as much as in DL. So, is WDW for families? Sure...however, if you accept that mentality, then you have to wonder why there are any 'over 21' clubs, or spots such as JellyRolls, in WDW. There are restuarants that cater to an older clientele....LeBistro, Shula's, Yachtsman...on and on. Are places like CG, Citricos, Narcooses suitable for kids? Only each family can decide that. However, with so many empty-nesters, honeymooners, singles being marketed to, we have to realize that every single option within the confines of WDW is not going to geared for children. I'm sorry if there are some out there that don't understand this. Not only do I have an issue with kids being out at the fancier restaurants later in the evenings (of course they're going to meltdown, they're kids and they are hot/tired/hungry), I also have an issue with young kids being out in PI late at night. But, that's just me. Even here at home, I see parents taking their wee little ones out to a bar type spot at 11 at night...can't imagine what they were thinking...drunks hitting on women, falling over themselves, into other tables.
Anyway...yes, WDW is for families, but not every single thing there is!! If your kids are nicely behaved and aren't going to exhibit behaviour that is going to negatively impact others experiences, then go for it. But, please, don't inflict your tired kids 'less than happy' behavior on others. Those other diners have paid a lot of money to have what is considered a really good meal. You are entitled to a nice dining experiece as much as the next person. And believe me, I have walked in the shoes of the mom with the melting down kid...not fun, not pleasant, but sometimes unadvoidable. We can only try to make the situation as pleasant for everyone around us as we can, rather than saying...'Well, they're just kids, this is WDW and it's all about the children here...so get over yourselves.'

 

[Leanne1977]

Mind if I interject something here? Walt Disney did indeed create DisneyLand for families to enjoy together. No argument from me. Then along comes WDW...Walt had some imput into this huge complex, but not nearly as much as in DL. So, is WDW for families? Sure...however, if you accept that mentality, then you have to wonder why there are any 'over 21' clubs, or spots such as JellyRolls, in WDW. There are restuarants that cater to an older clientele....LeBistro, Shula's, Yachtsman...on and on. Are places like CG, Citricos, Narcooses suitable for kids? Only each family can decide that. However, with so many empty-nesters, honeymooners, singles being marketed to, we have to realize that every single option within the confines of WDW is not going to geared for children. I'm sorry if there are some out there that don't understand this. Not only do I have an issue with kids being out at the fancier restaurants later in the evenings (of course they're going to meltdown, they're kids and they are hot/tired/hungry), I also have an issue with young kids being out in PI late at night. But, that's just me. Even here at home, I see parents taking their wee little ones out to a bar type spot at 11 at night...can't imagine what they were thinking...drunks hitting on women, falling over themselves, into other tables.
Anyway...yes, WDW is for families, but not every single thing there is!! If your kids are nicely behaved and aren't going to exhibit behaviour that is going to negatively impact others experiences, then go for it. But, please, don't inflict your tired kids 'less than happy' behavior on others. Those other diners have paid a lot of money to have what is considered a really good meal. You are entitled to a nice dining experiece as much as the next person. And believe me, I have walked in the shoes of the mom with the melting down kid...not fun, not pleasant, but sometimes unadvoidable. We can only try to make the situation as pleasant for everyone around us as we can, rather than saying...'Well, they're just kids, this is WDW and it's all about the children here...so get over yourselves.'

I think that was very nicely put. You have managed to get your point across in a non aggressive manner and i thank you for that.

My opinion is WDW is for everybody, families, singles, couples, honeymooners i could go on and on.

The bottom line for me is WDW is for everyone who is happy with life. Just like me.

 

[Mariposa]

I like the idea of a couple of adult only restaurants at WDW (and I have a DD8). In fact, I'd have no problem with a few of the signature restaurants going that direction (CG is the only one I'd object to, due to it's unique location- but that's just my opinion). It'd allow adults to know they were going to (most likely- hey, adults have been known to behave unpredictably at times) have a quiet-ish meal.

Plus, I'd MUCH rather have that happen than to set aside certain areas for all people with kids or to limit the times during which families can eat. MY DD8 is just as disturbed by kids behaving like little demons as I am, if not more, and I'd hate to think we'd have to sit surrounded by kids who are behaving terribly (and therefore building a chain reaction of crying and screaming in the very young children around them) and know that my child, who behaves considerably better than your average half-drunk adult, is the reason why we're stuck there. Also, we eat later than the average family, so trying to stuff food into my group at an earlier time is only likely to make us all grumpy, especially knowing (once again) that it's because of my rather unobtrusive DD. Luckily, I don't think she'd realize the reason behind either of these, but it wouldn't stop her from being miserable at meals.

I'd also suggest- completely just my opinion, again- that Disney signature restuarants (especially them, but really any with a quieter atmosphere) do the same thing most quiet restaurants do- if guests are being continually disruptive (whether children or rowdy adults), politely but firmly insist to the guests that they would most likely feel more appropriate elsewhere, wrap their food and send them on their way (even if they have to comp the meal).

 

[The Sweetness]

I have posted before in the *what would you add to WDW* threads that I think there should be a split TS in each park, (and value resort, as they may be the most notorious for *loud kids*) . When the family arrives, the kids go to one section, the parents and children 10+ can sit w the parents in a normal, and slightly more peacefull dining room

 

[mrsltg]

To me there is a big difference between laughter and screaming or crying. Most WDW restaurants are not little romantic places but are instead family restaurants. But even in a family restaurant your children shouldn't scream or cry or run around eating food off of others tables.

I'd say treat most restaurants at WDW like you would treat Ruby Tuesdays, Applebees, Bennegins, Chilis etc. Feel free to bring your kids but please if they are misbehaving take them outside to calm down.

ABSOLUTELY!!! I have a 5.5 year old and a 13 month old. My 5.5 year old wouldn't breath wrong at a restaurant my 13 month old is unpredictable. Dh and I take turns with her. We went to the Olive Garden a couple of weeks ago and the service was slow. After an hour the baby was antsy. I took her outside while Dh ate and then we switched. If people would simply have courtesy for others and understand that other people don't want to hear your fussy child (and clearly I have kids of my own) things would be much better.

 

[Leanne1977]

I have posted before in the *what would you add to WDW* threads that I think there should be a split TS in each park, (and value resort, as they may be the most notorious for *loud kids*) . When the family arrives, the kids go to one section, the parents and children 10+ can sit w the parents in a normal, and slightly more peacefull dining room

Do you really think this would work? What about families with very young children say 18 months or 2 or even 3. Would you expect these children to cope on their own in a different section to their parents.

I would never split my family in this way.

 

[The Sweetness]

Maybe I am just an inconsiderate b***h, but for the kind of place I described, if it wouldnt work out for that family, they wouldnt be seated in that restaurant. There are still other TS choices in EVERY park (even AK has1, and is working on another), and at least CS in all resorts. If people dont like the rules, they dont have to play the game

 

[Leanne1977]

Maybe I am just an inconsiderate b***h, but for the kind of place I described, if it wouldnt work out for that family, they wouldnt be seated in that restaurant. There are still other TS choices in EVERY park (even AK has1, and is working on another), and at least CS in all resorts. If people dont like the rules, they dont have to play the game

Do you think the CMs would be happy having to organise this? A serious question.

Most families like to do a bit better than counter service. We shouldnt have to eat counter service as we have young families.

I would still like to know more about your idea as you havent made it very clear. Would there be an age cut off point say if the family have children under 3 they wouldnt be welcome.

I am not trying to start a fight, i am simply curious to know how you think this would work.

 

[crisi]

I don't know where this new post is going to bring me as far as a closed thread or a huge flaming BUT I've been reading some of these posts and I can't believe what I'm reading on the subject of what restaurants are for and not for kids!!!!! AND I'M NOT BEING MEAN/SARCASTIC as I'm writing this thread... Just stating my own opinion and this is America, isn't it???...My DH and I have been going to WDW for many years now. We started bringing our kids (now 27&28 y.o) and now with my grandson (4yo). AND we've enjoyed many of great restaurants at WDW. My GS is very well behaved in restaurants BUT there are times when he gets excited and gets somewhat loud as he's describing something or saying something or maybe just laughing... You all know, Kids are slightly higher pitched, RIGHT???. I think when parents can't control their kids who are running around the floors of the dining area, that is too much but for kids who are laughing and having fun.... I don't care how much noise they are making..... HELLO OUT THERE!!!!!!!! WALT CREATED THE PARKS FOR FAMILIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I spoke with a CM when making reservation last year and the only place that I know there would be a problem bringing kids is V&A...Certainly a place for grown-ups.... As far as I can see... All the other restaurants have menus for kids which means KIDS ARE WELCOME!!!!!!!! If we're going to a park designed for families, we should be tolerant to those who have families... Why should they be designated to eat at the "lesser" restaurants because they have kids who like to have fun... As I was reading one of the threads, I started to think to myself.... Sounds a little like... I sit in the front of the bus (the better area) and those "lesser than I" sit in the back... Doesn't it???? Take them out of this restaurant then that restaurant then another.... Then... well, which parks would the "less tolerant" like to bar the families from because they want to enjoy the areas without the parents with those loud kids who are in tow and maybe letting off a little energy.... Well, that's the way things go, isn't it???.... we get an inch and take a mile, don't we.... AND, it's mostly the families with all those kids that keep Disney Parks "rolling in dough"... So, I guess when we get tired of seeing kids around, or hearing/seeing their laughter and excitement for being in "Walt's Playground", we can eat at V&A each nite, right???

Walt created the Magic Kingdom. He was long dead by the time The Disney Corporation created Epcot, MGM or Animal Kingdom. Even during "Walts Time" Disney had spaces for adults - although he died before they were funtional, the former "Top of the World" and Club 33 in Disneyland are not exactly kid friendly. Nor are the golf courses, designed as part of the initial inception of WDW during Walt's time. Within the Magic Kingdom itself, there are such kid pleasing attractions as Hall of Presidents (guarenteed to make your average three year old nap) - I suspect the target audience for Hall of Presidents is the same as the target audience for blue hair rinse. I agree that anyone that thinks they can dine in the Magic Kingdom and have a child free experience is sadly deluded (well, I hear you can do it at Club 33 in Disneyland). However, its just as deluded to think that a tantrum experiencing four year old is welcome at Citricos. There are PLENTY of places to take children who aren't dependably well behaved enough at WDW, plenty of noisy restaurants, plenty of sit down and counter service places that cater to kids. There are also - ten? - restaurants in Disney where parents should think twice before bringing in children who are not likely to exhibit acceptable behavior for a two hour meal - V&As, Yachtsman, Bistro, Flying Fish, California Grill, Citricos, Artists Point, Jiko - with the exception of Bistro, all in Deluxe hotels. (plus Shula's and Blue Zoo, if you consider those to be Disney - and I may be forgetting a few).