Kids / teens dining alone?

[ACJT]

In a real world scenario, the OP probably wouldn't have asked a stranger in the first place and opened up the topic.

. I agree again

 

[DisneyWishes14]

OP, because there is a 14-year old in the group, the kids will be fine eating alone. If they need help with calculating a tip (but it doesn't sound like they will!), they always have suggested tipping percentages at the bottom of the meal bill (15%, 18% and 20% I believe is listed)

Also, while you continue to look for a table for 5, you could also look for a table for 2 around the same time. If you can snag that, you can always ask at the podium if you can all be seated together. Even if they can't put you together, you would all be in the restaurant around the same time if you would still like to eat there.

 

[DCLBACH]

In a real world scenario, the OP probably wouldn't have asked a stranger in the first place and opened up the topic.

Umm,.. It's not exactly a personal question. Not something I'd shy away from asking anyone??

 

[Alesia]

Umm,.. It's not exactly a personal question. Not something I'd shy away from asking anyone??

But would you just walk up to a random stranger and ask? I can't imagine walking through the mall and approaching a total stranger and asking "Can my kids eat in a restaurant alone when we're in WDW?"

That what the PP is saying.

 

[kreckl]

Wow- seems like a lot of attitude to me. I read this thread because I was curious about the ages, too. But being told they "need to tip properly" seems unnecessary. While good etiquette would suggest that an optional tip should be considered it is by no means mandatory, and the amount is always flexible. OP was asking because they are trying to do the right thing and yes- seemed from an outsider looking in got a whole lot more than the info they were seeking.

 

[Alesia]

Wow- seems like a lot of attitude to me. I read this thread because I was curious about the ages, too. But being told they "need to tip properly" seems unnecessary. While good etiquette would suggest that an optional tip should be considered it is by no means mandatory, and the amount is always flexible. OP was asking because they are trying to do the right thing and yes- seemed from an outsider looking in got a whole lot more than the info they were seeking.

My only point was to remind the OP in case it was something she hadn't thought of. It wasn't a judgement on her parenting skills or anything else. I was simply trying to save her from the potential embarrassment of seeing the bill later and realizing that her kids had unintentionally stiffed the server (which is something that has happened to several of my friends.)

 

[Uncleromulus]

I am reasonably sure some of the responses were from folks--like me--who have seen misbehaving kids at WDW-- WITH their parents.

Not to mention w/o them.

 

[happymommy]

My kids have sat a a restaurant on vacation at that age with a couple of other kids same ages and eaten alone. Math for tipping is easy, so they were fine with it!

I don't see a problem with kids eating alone.

 

[powellrj]

This was back when they had the steakhouse by Chef Mickeys. I can't think of the name of it now. We were sitting at a table when this man came in with a group of kids ranging in age I would guess the youngest was around 3 and the oldest was maybe 10. If I remember right, there were 8 or 9 kids with this one man. DH and I were talking about what a brave man he was for taking all those kids out to dinner by himself. He gets them all settled and then he leaves. He leaves them to order by themselves and sit alone. Once he left, the oldest girl took over. The kids were taking off their shoes and sitting on the floor under the table. The girl was like a little diva, she was sending food back to the kitchen and ordering the staff around. They had about all the staff trying to keep all the kids rounded up. We were about done with dinner, so we didn't wait around to see how it ended.

The point I was making is if they let this happen, there is no reason in the world that a group of well behaved teens wouldn't be allowed to dine alone. As for tipping, I would think any teen that has taken math could pretty well figure it out!!!

They will be fine, I wouldn't give it another thought!

 

[OKW Lover]

This was back when they had the steakhouse by Chef Mickeys. I can't think of the name of it now.

Concourse Steakhouse.

 

[DCLBACH]

In a real world scenario, the OP probably wouldn't have asked a stranger in the first place and opened up the topic.

But would you just walk up to a random stranger and ask? I can't imagine walking through the mall and approaching a total stranger and asking "Can my kids eat in a restaurant alone when we're in WDW?"

That what the PP is saying

So PP was referencing strangers in a mall? My bad for not reading that.

 

[DCLBACH]

Wow- seems like a lot of attitude to me. I read this thread because I was curious about the ages, too. But being told they "need to tip properly" seems unnecessary. While good etiquette would suggest that an optional tip should be considered it is by no means mandatory, and the amount is always flexible. OP was asking because they are trying to do the right thing and yes- seemed from an outsider looking in got a whole lot more than the info they were seeking.

Thank you and well said.

 

[usnuzuloose]

OP, you can always go up with them to check in and see if you can all be seated and if not let them know that the kids will be staying to eat. I guess if there is an issue they would let you know right there and then. That is what I would do.