Noise Level... Storybook Dining

[leebee]

How noisy is Storybook Dining? The little guy (7 or 8 years old, depends on when we travel) has ADHD so sometimes noise levels are a concern. He has headphones and earplugs he can wear. He's done fine in restaurants at home, but I am pretty sure he can't handle the noise and confusion of, say, Chef Mickey's. This is his first trip to Disney and DH and I will be taking him out to dinner while his parents have date night. I know SBD has characters, but how hectic/crazy is it compared to someplace like Crystal Palace- or any other Disney restaurant?

 

[HopperFan]

How noisy is Storybook Dining? The little guy (7 or 8 years old, depends on when we travel) has ADHD so sometimes noise levels are a concern. He has headphones and earplugs he can wear. He's done fine in restaurants at home, but I am pretty sure he can't handle the noise and confusion of, say, Chef Mickey's. This is his first trip to Disney and DH and I will be taking him out to dinner while his parents have date night. I know SBD has characters, but how hectic/crazy is it compared to someplace like Crystal Palace- or any other Disney restaurant?

DS has HUGE HUGE sound issues. We have done it three times. I will say everything about it is structured so well for him BUT there are moments when the noise level goes up. A PA system will announce when the characters are coming, I think music and and I feel like it is overly loud and exuberant. It caused small kids to get louder in excitement. Just plan on putting the ear plugs in when you get there and it will stifle the sudden noise increases. And of course headphones are always there on standby if it gets too much.

The characters themselves move slowly through the room and you go meet the queen when it's your time. Those interactions are great and none chaotic.

Perhaps arrive a bit early and request a table by a window wall telling them why. We have had this each time and it really helps for DS to be able to look outside (remove himself mentally if need be) and it means we had few tables of people surrounding us as opposed in middle of room closely surrounded by people/noise.

 

[Disturbia]

How noisy is Storybook Dining? The little guy (7 or 8 years old, depends on when we travel) has ADHD so sometimes noise levels are a concern. He has headphones and earplugs he can wear. He's done fine in restaurants at home, but I am pretty sure he can't handle the noise and confusion of, say, Chef Mickey's. This is his first trip to Disney and DH and I will be taking him out to dinner while his parents have date night. I know SBD has characters, but how hectic/crazy is it compared to someplace like Crystal Palace- or any other Disney restaurant?

This was one restaurant where our then 4 year old was very uncomfortable. And she is sensory seeking and ok with fireworks. The atmosphere was not as immersive and it was hard to see characters if you were not in the middle (might have been too much to be in the center).

We were sat near the kitchen and there was still social distancing (characters took pictures from afar and no interaction). There was an incident (rare I assume) where a homeless person wondered in and was escorted by several security people (he was there for several mins and seemed to have mental health issues). We stayed at the Poly this past Dec but we didn’t book this again. Interaction at CRT is much better. 1900 park fare and Topolinos breakfast (around noon) are a must do for us.

I usually have some make a face Disney sticker pages and/or Melissa & Doug puffy stickers to keep kiddo distracted.

 

[Disturbia]

For local restaurants we take a colorpockit or a travel mini coloring book (like bendon or Amscan kits or party playpacks)

 

[erinch]

We happened to have an ADR right when they opened and the restaurant filled slowly. This might be a good strategy, plus asking for a table not in the center of the room.

 

[Disturbia]

If you are going with 2 adults, I would say go ahead and try it. Most restaurants are fine with having to leave to calm a child down and come back. Also, since it’s a fixed course, in the worst case scenerio you can take the food to go. I agree with booking an ADR right at opening. Ours was the second or third seating and we had to wait 45 mins outside (we had added a guest to a 4 seater).