Rainforest Cafe question

[sarahandhannahsmom]

We are having dinner at Rainforest Cafe in Animal Kingdom. We have never been to one. We are traveling with DD7, DD4, DS2. Someone told us that our two youngest kids would be afraid. Any thoughts on that?

 

[cocodog]

I don't think they will be afraid. My children, 5 and 8, enjoyed it.

 

[DisneyJen0504]

I dont think they will be afraid-if you are seated very close to a Gorilla or Elephant and this upsets your children, I am sure they will be able to move you to a table that is not right next to some of the large moving animals. I think you will have a good time though!

 

[bellarella]

It depends on the temperment of your child. We went to one when our DDs were 3 and 1. Our 1 year old was fine. Our 3 year old was afraid, but not so much as to force us to leave the restaurant. We just went to the one at AK last week. My now 4 year old DD specifically asked to go because "this time she wouldn't be afraid because she knew it was just pretend."

What can be scary for young children is that it is kept dark and every 10 mins or so they have loud sound effects. If your kids can handle more intense parts of movies or TV shows they should be fine. If those sorts of things upset them, they probably won't enjoy it.

 

[ashresiren]

I took my two nephews when they were quite small (kindergarten and 2nd grade). They were completely enamored with the theme of the restaurant and have done nothing but talk about going back. I can't imagine a child becoming truly terrified, and I believe your 7 and 4 year olds will love it.

 

[FLPrincessMom]

I took my twins when they were about 1 1/2. The thing that they were afraid of was the thunderstorm. I don't remember how frequently it happened but after the first one we were more prepared for the next ones. They should do OK if you let them know ahead of time that there is going to be a storm coming! They loved the rest of it!

 

[Maude4Disney]

DS was 4 when we took him there and he has not wanted to go back (he's 11 now) He was afraid of the thunderstorm and it was just plain too loud for him. We haven't tried w/ our youngest (who is now 4) but I think he would love it. I think it all depends on your childs temperment. I don't know if it's the fading memory, but the one at DTD seemed louder than the one at AK (DH and I had lunch there on our trip w/out the kids )

 

[Luv2Roam]

I have seen itboth ways for kids. Ones who look scared and cry. Others who are so enamored they want to walk around and look at all the animals.
If you kids don't like loud noises, they may not like RFC.
When in doubt you could see if it is possible to be seated next to an aquarium, rather than the louder moving animals.

 

[cheerdancer11]

The only thing that might get scary are the thunderstorms that occur every half hour. Other than that they should love it, definietly order the volcano desert!

 

[sarahandhannahsmom]

Thanks for the wonderful replies. We're going to give it a shot.

 

[budbeerlady]

My dd has hated this place the three times I have tried it, she just hates all the noise, she wouldnt eat because her hands are over her ears the whole time. Not worth it for us because the food is not cheap and she didnt enjoy it. Try them out by walking through the gift shop the day before if you can.

 

[swilshire]

On our first visit, my 6yo spent the entire meal with his head in a parent's lap. He was terrified. I think part of it was being tired in general, but it was not fun for him.

The next time we ask to be seated in a quiet section and were near the bar. It was better, but he still was not happy.

The third time (over the course of about a year) we ask for a quiet spot but didn't get one. We had to ask to be moved after the first monkey sounds. They put is in a bit of an alcove where DS was content.

If there's any doubt, I would wait until the kids are older.

JMHO.

Sheila

 

[pandamom]

We have never been to the Disney ones but the one in Chicago is my dd7 and dd5's favorite restaurant. We have been going for about 2 years. The first time we went they were slightly afraid when the first "storm" started but once they understood it wasn't real they loved it. They both love the Rainforest characters and gift shop and the Volcano dessert is a must. Good luck and have fun!

 

[rarrington]

We went last week with dd 2 1/2 and dd age 5 1/2 and they loved it. I think it was very fun. They typically don't care for real thunderstorms but they are not absolutely terrified of them either. I think watching the animals move and make noises was so entertaining that they problem didn't realize there was thunder and it only lasts for what seemed like 30 seconds. We would do it again in a heartbeat. Had the volcano dessert which was good!

 

[sarahandhannahsmom]

Thanks again for all your responses. My girls love the characters and I don't think they will be afraid of the animals. The thunderstorms may be a bit frightening. We live in southern Indiana and have very heavy and often scary storms here. Hopefully they will understand that they are just pretend.

Being on the meal plan, I can't imagine all the great food we will get to try.

Allie