Napa Rose + 1 yr twins

[kikiq]

The OP didn't say they were having Chef's Counter, just that they were going to Napa Rose for dinner, so it wouldn't necessarily be a 2 hour meal.

There are only two seatings whether you sit at the Chef's Counter or at one of the tables. Most of our dinners have been close to 2 hours from the time we are seated at our table to the moment we leave. This last time was actually longer but we were at the Chef's Counter. It doesn't have to be a 2 hour meal and they could could just have appetizers (scallops!!) and dessert.

 

[Momoftwo21]

We love Napa Rose (hubby and I had dinner there the night we got engaged), but I wouldn't do it with young ones...just too much money for an experience where you are tending to the kids and not totally focused on the yummy food and each other. We like Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen at Downtown Disney for celebratory nights with the kids. They have a great kids menu and outside seating which is more amenable to families. Wherever you end up, Enjoy!

 

[taaren]

To the OP, I agree that the kids should not come but *I* will be honest and say it's more so that *you* and DH can have a nice, relaxing experience, considering the $$$$ prices.
I feel for the other diners, too, and others have spoken eloquently on their behalf, but I'm irked by the general societal attitude (not necessarily those expressed here) that kids can't dine anywhere but McDonald's. As one friend's husband put it, "If there is a kids' menu at the restaurant, you should go there expecting to dine with kids around." And to face such attitudes at a DISNEY park feels like a bit of an unexpected slap to me. Part of the reason I'm excited about this trip is the feeling we'll be somewhere that I can be out with my kids without strangers judging us for having them out of the house while my kids get to practice their Public Manners.
So do what's best for *you* I guess I'm saying.

Totally agree with this. While my nephew was an angel that we could take to fine dining and my son is a wiggler, I wouldn't take either to Napa Rose because _I_ want to have a enjoyable and relaxed meal. For the same reason, even though BB would be okay to take even my wiggly child, I'm not taking the DS4 to it until he's old enough to have a more refined palate (I'll serve him filet mignon at home but he still doesn't know the difference between that and tri-tip, so what's the point?). In the meantime we're lucky enough to have family nearby who will watch him or sometimes we swap babysitting nights with another family we travel with. For us money is a consideration, and if I'm going to spend the $$ for my son to have a fancy meal, it might as well be one he'll love like a character meal.

 

[TigerlilyAJ]

We had a birthday dinner at the late seating and had a family come in right from the park around 9 pm. It was in a word...HORRIBLE. It was bad for the kids and all of us around them, but the parents didn't seem to mind
...There are only 2 seatings, 5:30 and 8:30.

Ugh. I feel bad for the other diners AND the kids! I only hope that the kids at least had some afternoon snack and were not meal-less from lunch that day until a 9pm seating. I have no intention of trying to take kids under the age of 10 to anything that late except fireworks, F!, WOC, and then only because I don't have a choice.

Thanks, Sydnie and others, for speaking on the environment at other eateries (and the slooooow pace at Napa Rose, which could nix it for us if the prices and "adult" environment didn't already). I'm with taaren: I don't plan on using the fancier restaurants until my kids can appreciate a $20-40 plate of food above their excitement for a fast-food meal that comes with a toy. Character meals it is.

AJ

 

[twopeasonepod]

As another M.O.M., I have to say that no one really knows what it's like to have twins. It is very, very different from having kids a year apart or whatever. And I can't even imagine what triplets or quads is like! That said, I wouldn't even think about taking them to NR. It just wouldn't be worth it to me, and I would also stress out about disturbing others, which would make it even less rewarding.

We love RC and Jazz Kitchen, as well. We also really appreciate Espn Zone, because there is something for everyone food-wise and also a decent bar for us. The TVs are very engaging for the boys, but they are 5 now. Not sure if your little ones will be mesmerized by the **** tube the same way that ours are.

P.S. we do NOT like Naples or whatever it's called. Slow, dismissive, expensive.

 

[FlameGirl]

You caught us...we are all friends of the chef. Actually we are all the same person (the chef).

Interesting first post. Oh hey, welcome to the DIS!

 

[Disney Dreams]

I'm not going to tell you what to do or not do, as I am not a parent yet. What I will say is that when people come to these boards asking about a special place to have memorable birthday dinners, romantic anniversary celebrations, or even a place for a proposal, we always recommend Napa Rose. Most of us revere Napa Rose as the place to go for a refined meal. You know your twins best, but how will they behave during a Napa Rose meal? If they are typically well-behaved and quiet for the extent of a meal, then it is your decision whether or not to bring them. Just keep in mind what other diners are expecting when they book a reservation at Napa Rose and hopefully your decision whether or not to bring the twins will coincide with those expectations. How's that for the P.C. answer?

Do we award medals on DIS for best delicately worded, well-navigated reply ever? Sonnyjane needs one. Perfect reply.