Restaurants with toddler (16 month old)

[Pluginbaby]

Our families first ever trip to WDW is this October, we will be coming across the pond from the UK for three weeks. We are on the Disney Dining Plan and have begun the process of narrowing down places we would like to eat.

My query really is to (I hope!) put my fiancées (by October will be wife!) mind at ease slightly with regards to dining at some of the signature restaurants. Most of the two credit ones we have looked at I doubt anyone would be particularly snooty about the prospect of our daughter potentially playing up (as any parents will know...can be possible) as they include the likes of Cinderella’s Royal Table etc which seem to be signature/pricey merely on account of location as opposed to food quality/dress codes and that type of thing.

However, we are looking at a few others (namely, Yachtsman Steakhouse, The Boathouse and potentially Morimoto’s) where the atmosphere seems more refined etc. I would never be embarrassed by my daughter, but at the same time we don’t want to misinterpret the kind of atmosphere these places are looking for and I guess are just looking for some advice/validation on whether you do see kids in high chairs at these restaurants?

I suppose a wider question might be whether there are any restaurants in general that you feel might not be as welcoming towards young kids? It seems a silly question as...it’s Walt Disney World (!), but there is so much for adults there that I don’t think I would see it as a blanket criteria that all restaurants are toddler friendly.

Might also be worth saying my fiancées parents are also coming, so there may be the opportunity for some babysitting on one night or two to allow us a honeymoon meal somewhere that might be a bit more couple-y.

Hope the question has come across in the right way, we just want to enjoy our meals with our daughter without staff/patrons maybe seeing us as a burden!

 

[Aj1129]

We went to Disney last August with our then almost 2 year old. We took him to a bunch of signature restaurants. He dined at California Grill, Citricos and Artist Point. DS is very good in restaurants and he doesn't get antsy when meals take a while to complete. I made sure to make the reservation a bit earlier then his normal dinner time to allow for seating and placing the order. I think you will be fine with taking a 16 month old to the places you stated. If you haven't already maybe practice going out to eat a few times at home so she is prepared!

 

[unrequited23]

I made sure to make the reservation a bit earlier then his normal dinner time to allow for seating and placing the order.

Dining earlier will help prevent any overtired crankiness. Since your family is used to running about 6 hours earlier than eastern standard time, eating early should not be an issue. I would have a small emergency snack on hand and a quiet toy (a car, mini dinosaur, etc.) just for my piece of mind. We made sure that our restaurant choices had at least one item that our kids would be guaranteed to eat.

 

[a742246]

I think Sanaa (AK), Oliva's in Old Key West (get there by boat from Disney Spring, Artist Pointe would be nice places for you to try.

 

[JZCubed]

Our families first ever trip to WDW is this October, we will be coming across the pond from the UK for three weeks. We are on the Disney Dining Plan and have begun the process of narrowing down places we would like to eat.

My query really is to (I hope!) put my fiancées (by October will be wife!) mind at ease slightly with regards to dining at some of the signature restaurants. Most of the two credit ones we have looked at I doubt anyone would be particularly snooty about the prospect of our daughter potentially playing up (as any parents will know...can be possible) as they include the likes of Cinderella’s Royal Table etc which seem to be signature/pricey merely on account of location as opposed to food quality/dress codes and that type of thing.

However, we are looking at a few others (namely, Yachtsman Steakhouse, The Boathouse and potentially Morimoto’s) where the atmosphere seems more refined etc. I would never be embarrassed by my daughter, but at the same time we don’t want to misinterpret the kind of atmosphere these places are looking for and I guess are just looking for some advice/validation on whether you do see kids in high chairs at these restaurants?

I suppose a wider question might be whether there are any restaurants in general that you feel might not be as welcoming towards young kids? It seems a silly question as...it’s Walt Disney World (!), but there is so much for adults there that I don’t think I would see it as a blanket criteria that all restaurants are toddler friendly.

Might also be worth saying my fiancées parents are also coming, so there may be the opportunity for some babysitting on one night or two to allow us a honeymoon meal somewhere that might be a bit more couple-y.

Hope the question has come across in the right way, we just want to enjoy our meals with our daughter without staff/patrons maybe seeing us as a burden!

Other than Victoria & Albert - all Disney restaurants are child friendly.

Just two examples:
1.) The child sleeping on the floor at CA Grill with his pillow & blanket in anticipation of fireworks,
2.) The adult bringing her non-service dog inside Boathouse (I own three dogs and still found this to be a bad choice).

Having early arrival times may help you manage a bouncing child, but at Disney, normal behavior includes most everything under the sun.

For instance, you would be amazed how many young children are frolicking about Magic Kingdom at times that are likely well past their typical bedtimes.

It's Disney - the so-called rules are made for children, young & old alike.

 

[Moms]

Relax and enjoy! Disney World is probably the one place where no one will look twice at a toddler in a "fancy" restaurant ... the obvious exception being Victoria & Alberts! The only place I remember NOT seeing multiple small children was Bluezoo ... and that "technically" is not a Disney Restaurant! As long as your little one is reasonably well behaved you will be fine!

 

[lovethesun12]

I brought a child of the exact same age to disney last year. Being completely honest, I definitely felt the most uncomfortable at the signature restaurants and smaller quieter restaurants. No one was ever "snooty" but I was stressed about ruining their experience. My daughter typically was the world's best toddler at restaurants (she eats everything and loves doing it) so I thought she would be fine but I think the time change/heat/crowds just got to her at times. We did everything right, planned right (early meals), slept good/etc but the fact of the matter is they are still very young kids. She had mostly good experiences but also a few not so great ones. I felt our best meals were ones like TRex, H&V (buffets) etc where it was loud anyway and lots to distract her.

If you and/or your wife are the type to feel uncomfortable if your child acts up, you might want to reconsider some of the restaurants. If you want to try but she doesn't like the idea, maybe offer to be the one to entertain the child at the restaurant or take the child out if they act up so she can feel comfortable with the decision and won't have to worry about it?

 

[MickeyWaffles]

The only signatures we have taken our kids to (well, only DD because it was before DS came along) are the Boathouse and CRT. For DS trip we didn’t pick any signatures just because we wanted more character-focused dining. Obviously as you said, CRT is totally fine. But so is Boathouse!

DD was 12 months old and I would not hesitate to bring small kids there again. It was very loud and very kid friendly. The kids meals are served in a cute little amphicar box. We travel with a large group and some of them ordered dessert/more drinks and by that time she was done. It was nice to be able to just bring her outside and let her explore Disney Springs while we waited for the others.

Disney signatures are fine to being children to. I’m sure if your child acts up you would take her out to let her run around or settle down. I will say that even the most well behaved kids can melt down at Disney due to changes in schedule and overstimulation so don’t be surprised or worried if she acts a bit out of the ordinary at a meal or two. Ours have been overally very very good but always eat early before the kids are overtired and it seems to help.

No one will see you as a burden!

 

[Pumbaa_]

Well behaved children are welcome everywhere

If you use any type of electronic device, sound needs to be off or w headphones.

 

[Pluginbaby]

Thanks for the responses guys, really good to read the above!

As suggested by a few, we do tend to operate on a “you eat and I’ll sort her” situation if she has a bit of a play up currently when we take her out, which works fine and we are comfortable doing that but I guess it’s just a concern that we don’t to ruin anyone else’s experience/meal if that happens.

I must stress our daughter is generally very well behaved, but this is going to be so new to her and with the time difference/longer days (though we will eat earlier for our evening meals, probably around 5-6pm) we just want to ensure we are as prepared as we can be really.

Very excited

 

[OneinThree]

In general, just about everywhere in Disney is family oriented with few exceptions. That said, particularly in terms of signature dining, it bears keeping in mind that other guests are shelling out hundreds of dollars to enjoy the ambiance and theme despite meals being typically overpriced. I can't see anyone feeling that babies "don't belong", but I do believe (as a father of 5) the parents' should take responsibility and not expect other guests to have to deal with crying, yelling, or screaming kids during their dinner. There's often no way to predict. We don't avoid any activities we want to experience, and the last instance for us personally was at the IMAX in Kennedy Space Center. During the beginning of the film, our 18 month old decided it was time to yell over the film so we could hear her. Out of consideration for others, my wife took her out while I stayed with the other kids. I would simply ask that others extend the same courtesy.

 

[Pluginbaby]

In general, just about everywhere in Disney is family oriented with few exceptions. That said, particularly in terms of signature dining, it bears keeping in mind that other guests are shelling out hundreds of dollars to enjoy the ambiance and theme despite meals being typically overpriced. I can't see anyone feeling that babies "don't belong", but I do believe (as a father of 5) the parents' should take responsibility and not expect other guests to have to deal with crying, yelling, or screaming kids during their dinner. There's often no way to predict. We don't avoid any activities we want to experience, and the last instance for us personally was at the IMAX in Kennedy Space Center. During the beginning of the film, our 18 month old decided it was time to yell over the film so we could hear her. Out of consideration for others, my wife took her out while I stayed with the other kids. I would simply ask that others extend the same courtesy.

Yeah I think that is totally fair, and is how we approach meals out in the UK.

We are a couple that would hate to have any negative bearing on other people’s vacations, if the circumstance arises where our daughter gets a little frustrated, we would take it in turns to settle her/take her for a stroll/walk etc.

 

[sleepydog25]

Agree with the other posters that every restaurant at Disney (save V & A's) is open for kids and adults alike. I also agree with those who say dining earlier would likely help in terms of any potential problems with the toddler crowd--it's what we always did with our daughter. That aside, as you imply, there are still some Signatures that are a bit quieter than others. Below I've included a few Signatures we frequent and a brief commentary on each regarding food, service, and how you might feel with a toddler in tow.
Morimoto Asia: Despite being a Signature, I wouldn't call Morimoto an intimate, terribly refined dining experience. Yes, there are some upscale dishes there and the prices are, indeed, mostly Signature in range; however, it's a large venue, has quite a bit of bustling activity (including a bar when you first walk in), and isn't particularly quiet. You wouldn't feel out of place there at all. And, the bonus is the food is largely very good--one quick recommendation is the buri bop.
The Boathouse: Again, it's a lovely, engaging restaurant but not one I'd consider overly quiet or refined--casually upscale perhaps. It, too, has a large bar near the main seating area which contributes the atmosphere. There is also seating outside on their deck which is lovely when not too hot or raining. The salads and the beef carpaccio are excellent.
Il Mulino: Italian and located at the Swan Hotel (a short walk from Epcot). You can get small plates there which helps with varying appetites, and while quieter than either Morimoto Asia or The Boathouse, it's still quite convivial. Given that numerous business women and men stay there, the vibe can often be one of new acquaintances and plenty of talking. Service and food are both top notch.
California Grill: It's perhaps the loudest Signature which can be good on one hand if your child is merely a little energetic or a drawback if you need some quieter area to let him/her unwind a bit. Food is largely excellent, but it is about the priciest Signature on property. They do have a superb Sunday brunch that I think would be a better option. Less glitz and plentiful food.
Jiko: Excellent food, lovely service, and an extensive wine list, all in a unique setting. However, it is one of the quieter Signatures and has more of a date night feel to it than most. If you're looking for some intimacy with your fiancee, then Jiko would be an excellent choice. It's tucked away at the AKL but well worth the moderate effort to get there.
Artist Point: Much like Jiko, it's an excellent place to have a nice, romantic dining experience. AP is one of the easiest Signatures to get into as many don't want to bother getting over to the Wilderness Lodge for some reason. Food, service, wine list, and ambiance are superb. After dinner, walking around the grounds at the Lodge is nice way to let the experience sink in, plus you can walk over to Geyser Point (their new bar on the water) and watch some of the higher explosions from the MK fireworks.

Best wishes!!

 

[Pluginbaby]

Agree with the other posters that every restaurant at Disney (save V & A's) is open for kids and adults alike. I also agree with those who say dining earlier would likely help in terms of any potential problems with the toddler crowd--it's what we always did with our daughter. That aside, as you imply, there are still some Signatures that are a bit quieter than others. Below I've included a few Signatures we frequent and a brief commentary on each regarding food, service, and how you might feel with a toddler in tow.
Morimoto Asia: Despite being a Signature, I wouldn't call Morimoto an intimate, terribly refined dining experience. Yes, there are some upscale dishes there and the prices are, indeed, mostly Signature in range; however, it's a large venue, has quite a bit of bustling activity (including a bar when you first walk in), and isn't particularly quiet. You wouldn't feel out of place there at all. And, the bonus is the food is largely very good--one quick recommendation is the buri bop.
The Boathouse: Again, it's a lovely, engaging restaurant but not one I'd consider overly quiet or refined--casually upscale perhaps. It, too, has a large bar near the main seating area which contributes the atmosphere. There is also seating outside on their deck which is lovely when not too hot or raining. The salads and the beef carpaccio are excellent.
Il Mulino: Italian and located at the Swan Hotel (a short walk from Epcot). You can get small plates there which helps with varying appetites, and while quieter than either Morimoto Asia or The Boathouse, it's still quite convivial. Given that numerous business women and men stay there, the vibe can often be one of new acquaintances and plenty of talking. Service and food are both top notch.
California Grill: It's perhaps the loudest Signature which can be good on one hand if your child is merely a little energetic or a drawback if you need some quieter area to let him/her unwind a bit. Food is largely excellent, but it is about the priciest Signature on property. They do have a superb Sunday brunch that I think would be a better option. Less glitz and plentiful food.
Jiko: Excellent food, lovely service, and an extensive wine list, all in a unique setting. However, it is one of the quieter Signatures and has more of a date night feel to it than most. If you're looking for some intimacy with your fiancee, then Jiko would be an excellent choice. It's tucked away at the AKL but well worth the moderate effort to get there.
Artist Point: Much like Jiko, it's an excellent place to have a nice, romantic dining experience. AP is one of the easiest Signatures to get into as many don't want to bother getting over to the Wilderness Lodge for some reason. Food, service, wine list, and ambiance are superb. After dinner, walking around the grounds at the Lodge is nice way to let the experience sink in, plus you can walk over to Geyser Point (their new bar on the water) and watch some of the higher explosions from the MK fireworks.

Best wishes!!

Thank you so much for the response, really helpful to us and I think we are going to take your advice on a couple of these having now done the obligatory menu check/YouTube look (California Grill for all five of us, Artist Point for us two - assuming the grandparents are happy with that!).

Thanks again

 

[pickers1982]

we have taken our children multiple times and been multiple times without children too. from what i ve seen, personally if im in disney, the only behaviour i object to in any restaurant is watching a tablet so that i can hear what they are watching. other than that in any restaurant i have been in at disney children have been welcomed.

i find alot of the time its what you are comfortable with. i have been in restaurants, out of disney, where i have been uncomfortable with my children being there and it ruins your experience and also feeds through to the kids.

of the sugnatures we have taken under twos to le cellier and jiko and both were fine with the kids (we dont have quiet kids)

 

[sponica]

Since the pricing (and meals) are generally the same, you could also do a signature lunch and a lite dinner. We're taking our rugrat to Tiffins one day for lunch, but basically she eats out twice a month. (If the restaurant has high chairs, we bring her).

I find that a lot of kids who don't have restaurant manners don't have them because parents never take them to restaurants OR are eating around parent schedules vs kid schedules. My kid wants lunch at 1130, if we can't eat at 1130 I have a bag of gold fish with me while we wait for the food to be served. Same thing with dinner. She wants dinner at 5. I'd prefer a 7 PM dinner but I don't want to be THAT parent with the melting down kid...so our dinner reservations are going to be on the early side...

 

[OneinThree]

i find alot of the time its what you are comfortable with. i have been in restaurants, out of disney, where i have been uncomfortable with my children being there and it ruins your experience and also feeds through to the kids.

of the sugnatures we have taken under twos to le cellier and jiko and both were fine with the kids (we dont have quiet kids)

So you're basically suggesting that as long as you can somehow tolerate your kids' poor behavior, it's perfectly fine to visit that on other guests?

I find that a lot of kids who don't have restaurant manners don't have them because parents never take them to restaurants

It starts at the dinner table at home. Allowing one set of behaviors at home and then expecting something different when you're out isn't reasonable.

 

[sleepydog25]

Thank you so much for the response, really helpful to us and I think we are going to take your advice on a couple of these having now done the obligatory menu check/YouTube look (California Grill for all five of us, Artist Point for us two - assuming the grandparents are happy with that!).

Thanks again

You're welcome! I think you'll enjoy both for different reasons. For AP, I suggest booking your reservation for no later than 6 (we usually go when they open at 5:30) and asking for a window seat--if you get one (and the earlier you go the better the odds), it enhances the experience for us. You've likely already found some items to your liking there, but I would tell you that some of our favorites are the smoky mushroom bisque (save some bread to sop the bowl), the short rib bolognese, the buffalo (when they have it--currently they don't), the salmon, the housemade donuts, and the berry cobbler. They have an excellent selection of wines from the Pacific Northwest (Washington and Oregon, mostly). Enjoy!

 

[pixie08]

I think it depends on you and your child. My son is now 3 and going on his sixth Disney trip. He has been at 13 months, 18 mos, 2 years , 2 1/2 and 3 years. He has been to all types of restaurants. I will say the hardest age was the 18 month and the 2 year trip. He just wasn't interested in sitting too long. We went to signatures but we strictly did an entree and left. We couldn't sit for a 2 hour meal. Now we will give him an ipad before dinner (we take it away when food arrives) or he will sit and color for a bit. He is a great eater and loves food so he will sit and eat with us and the signature restaurants have the best kids meals and desserts. He loves the decorate your own stuff they usually have.

So anything is possible. It depends on your child and your expectations. Also we are fully prepared to get up and leave at any point during a meal if we need to. We have (fingers crossed) not have had to yet but if he acted up I wouldn't sit there (at a signature restaurant particularly) and let him yell or run around. We would have one of us take him out and the other wrap the food and pay but again this luckily hasn't happened yet. I am not sure I would choose Morimoto as the DS restaurants have a little bit of a different vibe, not sure on Boathouse we have never been. We have felt very comfortable at any of the park or resort signatures.

 

[Pumbaa_]

So you're basically suggesting that as long as you can somehow tolerate your kids' poor behavior, it's perfectly fine to visit that on other guests?



It starts at the dinner table at home. Allowing one set of behaviors at home and then expecting something different when you're out isn't reasonable.

No one is suggesting their children are monsters. For children to be well behaved does not equal complete silence. They are kids. They can be boisterous without being ill behaved

OP sounds like you have a great plan. Enjoy!