Restaurants with Kids.....

[kimnvbva]

I am narrowing down my choices for ADR's which I get to make 6/22. I would like to go to California Grill, Coral Reef and Le Cellier (esp?). Are these kid friendly? Should I not even bother? I would love to get a ressie for California Grill and watch the fireworks with the kids. I think that would be awesome. Are kids frowned upon in these types of restaurants? I know WDW is all about the kids (most of the time ) but there are a few restaurants that are geared for a more "grown up" crowd. What are your experiences? TIA!

 

[Kallista]

I am narrowing down my choices for ADR's which I get to make 6/22. I would like to go to California Grill, Coral Reef and Le Cellier (esp?). Are these kid friendly? Should I not even bother? I would love to get a ressie for California Grill and watch the fireworks with the kids. I think that would be awesome. Are kids frowned upon in these types of restaurants? I know WDW is all about the kids (most of the time ) but there are a few restaurants that are geared for a more "grown up" crowd. What are your experiences? TIA!

I have not been to Coral Reef, but I have been to California Grill and Le Cellier.

California Grill is a great restaurant to take kids to. We usually order our food and then walk out on the balconies to look at the MK and the lake. All of the staff are very friendly to kids and helpful. Love it.

Le Cellier isn't as interesting a restaurant for kids, but the staff is friendly. All of the staff at the Disney restaurants are pretty kid friendly.

My mom had a great review of Coral Reef. I haven't been there. The view might interesting for kids, though.

 

[smwslp]

I think it depends on how old your kids are...with our DDs 2 and 3, we chose not to go to California Grille, but we are going to LeCellier and Coral Reef.

 

[bas71873]

Of those 3, we only did Coral Reef and we LOVED it. DD4 at the time loved watching the fish in the aquarium and this was the only meal all week that she ate the entire dinner. And she LOVED the make your own sundae....they brought a scoop of ice cream and individual bowls of chocolate syrup, sprinkles and M&M's....this was the dessert on the DDP. IMO, Coral Reef is definately kid friendly!

 

[4forMe]

Another vote for Coral Reef.

We were there last year for my twins' 7th birthday. All my kids (ages 9-5) LOVED Coral Reef. There were a lot of families when we were there at lunchtime. It is definitely kid friendly.

 

[aestapa]

We've been taking our boys to Coral Reef since they were 3 and 18 mo. (They are now 5 & 3). We always request a 4pm seating. We seem to have better luck getting a table next to the tank. They love it!

I'm glad you asked this question, because we were wondering about going to California Grill this September. It sounds like it may be a great option.

 

[nicki.momof3]

We were thinking coral reef also for our next trip but after I read tihe menu I am really rethinking it. Besides the sundae there is little / nothing for my picky kids to eat.

The menus really help when deciding.

 

[thespouseandi]

Another vote for Coral reef...our 3 and 4 yo's had a great time watching the fish and divers....it really helped pass the time there.

 

[brergnat]

WELL BEHAVED kids are not frowned upon at California Grill.

Obnoxious, loud, screaming kids are not APPRECIATED by diners wishing to have a nice meal in a high quality restaurant.

Le Cellier and Coral Reef, being located INSIDE a theme park are much more family friendly. You will be fine in both of these, provided there is something that your kids will eat.

But please, for the sake of the adults who would like to enjoy a nice meal at CA Grill, only take your children if they are well behaved, and you intend to make sure they mind their manners.

My one experience at CA Grill was so not what I had expected, nor hoped for, due in large part to the cacophony created by the abundance of obnoxious, overtired children who shouldn't have been in that restaurant in the first place, and whose parents seemed to have no idea what a "signature dining" experience was supposed to mean. They were just there to see the fireworks. If your kids cannot stay up until 10pm without completely melting down (and I don't blame them if they are that young...) do everyone a favor and have dinner at Chef Mickey's, where the kids can have as much fun as they want, be loud, and party, and then go out onto the 4th floor observation deck AFTER your dinner and watch the fireworks there.

It's really a shame that CA Grill has become an "attraction" just for families wanting to watch the fireworks...it's supposed to be a fine dining location. I sort of wish they'd get rid of all the windows in there so they could get back to what they do best...FOOD! And it could stop being such a ZOO in there...

Okay, stepping off my soapbox now.

OP: I have a 5 and 3 year old. To be honest with you, I would not take them to CA Grill. There are better options at WDW for kids. The biggest problem with that restaurant is that if your younger kid gets "antsy", or has a complete meltdown, there is nowhere really to take them to escape for a bit (think: Time Out), except out on the roof, which is not ideal. The access to the restaurant is very strictly controlled, and there is no "easy out, easy in"...plus, if you do NOT get a table near the window, it's a rather boring restaurant for kids.

 

[DISNEYFOS]

We've been to all three with children. I guess Coral reef would provide the most entertainment for the children with the tank...but I wouldn't say the others frown on Kids per se...It is Disney. We tend to dine whereever we want and if one of our children is acting up..one of us will take her for a walk. We wouldn't let them sit there and scream or anything....Just by the fact your asking the question you probably wouldn't do that either..so go where you want...its your vacation too! I always just brought my own entertainment...i.e. coloring, little figureines..etc. whatever works for your kids.

Oh just to add, we went to California Grill for my Aunt's 60th. We had two kids under the age of 3 (my neice who is very high energy) and we did great. We were able to see the fireworks and the girls loved it. Enjoy your vacation!!


Another story..We were at Le Cellier last Oct. My 5 year old just basically colored the whole time which was great..but my 1 year old was having none of it... My husband kept taking her out to walk outside whenever she got ansy and then bring her back to sit... I thought she was being attrocious with all the outings..but I guess we were managing it..cause I had two older couples come over and tell me how well behaved my children were... So I guess the bar is raised a lot higher than I would have it ;-) Hopefully that story puts you at ease..

 

[kimnvbva]

Thanks for the great info! My kids are almost 7 and 4. They do pretty well at restaurants. I give them things to do like coloring books, word searches, etc. I think the atmosphere will be helpful too. If we do CA Grill, I will make sure we have a good rest before we get there, making sure we don't have tired, grumpy kids. I am that type of person who stresses over making sure my kids don't make too much noise and ruin everyone's night out. Thanks!

 

[nicki.momof3]

What about Ohana for kids? We were thinking about it.

 

[ToddyLu]

WELL BEHAVED kids are not frowned upon at California Grill.

Obnoxious, loud, screaming kids are not APPRECIATED by diners wishing to have a nice meal in a high quality restaurant.

Le Cellier and Coral Reef, being located INSIDE a theme park are much more family friendly. You will be fine in both of these, provided there is something that your kids will eat.

But please, for the sake of the adults who would like to enjoy a nice meal at CA Grill, only take your children if they are well behaved, and you intend to make sure they mind their manners.

My one experience at CA Grill was so not what I had expected, nor hoped for, due in large part to the cacophony created by the abundance of obnoxious, overtired children who shouldn't have been in that restaurant in the first place, and whose parents seemed to have no idea what a "signature dining" experience was supposed to mean. They were just there to see the fireworks. If your kids cannot stay up until 10pm without completely melting down (and I don't blame them if they are that young...) do everyone a favor and have dinner at Chef Mickey's, where the kids can have as much fun as they want, be loud, and party, and then go out onto the 4th floor observation deck AFTER your dinner and watch the fireworks there.

It's really a shame that CA Grill has become an "attraction" just for families wanting to watch the fireworks...it's supposed to be a fine dining location. I sort of wish they'd get rid of all the windows in there so they could get back to what they do best...FOOD! And it could stop being such a ZOO in there...

Okay, stepping off my soapbox now.

OP: I have a 5 and 3 year old. To be honest with you, I would not take them to CA Grill. There are better options at WDW for kids. The biggest problem with that restaurant is that if your younger kid gets "antsy", or has a complete meltdown, there is nowhere really to take them to escape for a bit (think: Time Out), except out on the roof, which is not ideal. The access to the restaurant is very strictly controlled, and there is no "easy out, easy in"...plus, if you do NOT get a table near the window, it's a rather boring restaurant for kids.

DH and I do not have children, The only 2 restaurants that bother me with children are Ca Grill and Fultons. We simply pay so much money to go and enjoy the food at these places. The FW are usually late and children who come to the CA Grill are so tired. Maybe I am just getting older, but it just seems things have gotten out of hand at these two places the last couple of years. It is unfortunate that we do not have children....but take it from the childless couple in the corner who work very hard for their money to go out and enjoy the "signature" dinners--we do notice your children and appreciate those with manners. Children are fun to watch especially at DW.... just not while you are enjoying a $30 filet or $54 crab dinner....and they are crawling under the table next to you or loudly moving about. Hats of to the ones who dress them up for dinner and use these experiences as a way to teach manners and respect.

 

[AuroraBeauty]

We have been to nearly every 'fine dining' (i.e., 2 TS) restaurant at WDW with out DD and because we insist on good manners we have never interrupted anyone. We have, however, been annoyed by others with small children who choose to allow their children to run around, yell, play noisy games, throw things, etc.

Most people think their children are well behaved, as a general rule. However, if you wouldn't take your children/child to a fine dining establishment at home then don't do it while on vacation. I'm not trying to be rude, but understand that fine dining takes longer and just isn't all that engaging for children.

It takes practice to sit still and be quite, and after a long day at the parks it's the last thing kids want to do if they are not used to doing so. As others have said, WELL BEHAVED children are appreciated. And I think that goes for any restaurant, even the more casual quick-serve.

Yes, kids get antsy and cranky. So plan for it -- bring something to color, a game device, music, something they can do quietly and alone. Order something for them right away so they can have a snack if they might be hungry. But remember, your meal will take some time so spread out their food too so that they're not sitting there waiting for you to be done.

 

[Iceman10]

All 3 are excellent! But my kids beg for the Coral Reef every time. They also very much enjoy the Sci-Fi at the Hollywood Studios.