Reviving a couple of issues...

[misslissa]

I returned from WDW and haven't gotten around to posting my personal observations about previous discussions... but I have time today! So, I will

First off, there was the issue of the DDP and how good of a value this was. I think, if you are a big family full of big eaters, it would be a great value. However, for DH and I, it was way too much food. We both love dining out, we're both overweight (to be honest) and don't always make the best choices... But, even for us. This was way too much. Another thing I noticed is that the food quality has seriously dimmed... And, a few of the items I would have liked to order normally were 'not included'.

I hope Disney goes back to the way things were because things are getting too similar from restaurant to restaurant.

Secondly, some mentioned the issue of kids in certain restaurants. I witnessed a little one (about 1 or 2) watching a DVD at the table at CG which would normally bother me... but being in Disney and considering the kid (and parents!) were quiet and behaving... it was a complete non-issue. I would sit next to them any day.

However, in Le Cellier, we had the huge displeasure of sitting next to a family of 4 including man, wife, a 3 year old daughter and a 1 year old son. (I'm guessing at these ages, but trying to describe). We were seated next to the wall so there was a booth type seat on my side of the table which I shared with the man. He kept his backpack on the seat in between us and I had to ask him to move it to be seated (while DH and the hostess waited), move it to go to the washroom and move it when I came back. He acted like this was a huge inconvenience... but to me it certainly was. I went to the washroom right at first, but from there... they became the family that had to announce to everyone around what they were doing!!! They were teaching their kids manners at fancy restaurants. They were showing them how to do everything the 'right way'. And, when the kids started to get antsy and run around... they didn't get up and seat their children... they spoke and yelled EVEN LOUDER for everyone to hear. I realize, it isn't the kids behavour that is an annoyance... it is usually how obnoxiously the parents respond to it!!!

I've never been to Le Cellier before but thought the food and atmosphere were amazing. I just hope that this family (if they are on the DISboards, they were wearing red, homemade tshirts on Sept.13 at dinner) doesn't go about ruining someone's meal again or mine the next time I decide to try and have a leisurely meal.

 

[CarolA]

My favorite are the parents who "repeatedly yell" "If you don't be quite we are leaving" or someother stupid statement.

Here's a clue, if you have YELLED the same threat 10 times with NO follow through, both the kid and everyone else around knows you aren't really going to do a thing so shut up! (And wait until your child is teenager... you will pay.... )

 

[Eeyore2003]

Even though I dislike complaining about others, I agree, that is one thing that can get annoying. You gotta know your kids and if the way they behave at dinner is better suited to a character meal, then by all means that's where you should take them, if alone to save you meaningless yelling and embarrassment.

I also agree, as long as a kids are behaving, I really don't care if they play games at the table, color, or do any other assorted activity. Bravo for the parents to enjoy a nice meal while the little ones stay occupied.

I also do not care what someone is wearing. If the attire is business casual and the man at the next table is in shorts and a t-shirt, I'm not going to let it ruin my meal, nor do I particularly care. If this so bothersome that it ruins someones meal, then they are obsessing way too much and rudely ignoring the people they are dining with.

Actually, the meal the bothered me the MOST of all the meals we've eaten at WDW was at Artist Point. A family of 3 children and parents. They were not noisy at all, the children were dressed to the hilt as were the parents, but the father was talking incessantly. Everyone in the family was just looking at him, quietly shaking their heads as if they dare not say a wrong thing or make a wrong move, even the Mom. Having come from an abusive family, this looked all too familiar. Now THAT really DID bother me. Maybe I was way off, but I don't think so. It was the only meal I ever specifically remember where the people at a nearby table REALLY bothered me as I ate.