Shula's child offerings?

[Crystal_27]

I read on Allears that Shula's does not offer a child's menu and that there is a $10 charge for sharing plates. What do people usually do here when they dine with children? My thought was to get my DD the shrimp appetizer and a side or two, and then let her eat some of my steak if she still was hungry. However, in letting her share my steak, would I then be subject to the $10 charge? Any input would be appreciated. Thank you much!

 

[Pygoplites]

Shula's dinner menu on the Dolphin Hotel website does indicate that "a children's menu is available upon request." You may want to contact them to confirm selections and prices.

 

[Missytara]

You can request a children's menu at the Dolphin. I stayed there one year and it was written at the bottom of the menu.

Also, if you order something for her; even if it is an appetizer and a few sides, and then you share a few bites of her steak with her, you will not be subject to the plate fee.

The plate fee is only if you request to get say a 20 oz. steak with all the sides, and then split it with someone. They are essentially giving you a huge (and I mean huge) meal and splitting onto two plates.

Some restaurants will only charge you like a dollar or so, like Rainforest Cafe - but it is more at Shula's, since they are high-end.

Also, they do have a dress code of business casual......

 

[Crystal_27]

Awww, thanks so much you guys! My DD is a great eater so I know that she would be disappointed to miss Shula's (although, we're going to be hard pressed to convince her to get the shrimp instead of the $40 lobster tail).

 

[robinb]

My suggestion is to not even bring her to Shula's. I saw kids there once and they looked completely miserable. It's dark and boring for a 5-year old. It's so dark that they bring you a flashlight so you can read the menu! It's too dark to draw/color and the glare of any kind of electronic game would be disturbing to other diners.

The Dolphin Club used to provide 2 hours of FREE childcare while parents dine at Shula's. My DD loved the Dolphin Club when she was 5. If you get here there in time, they will bring them to the ice cream restaurant (can't remember the name right now!) for a free dinner. Back in the club they played games, had their faces painted and ended up in the arcade with free tokens. They give you a pager so they can contact you in case of emergency.

 

[Art 1]

Shula's is not really a place for a child.

 

[Crystal_27]

My suggestion is to not even bring her to Shula's. I saw kids there once and they looked completely miserable. It's dark and boring for a 5-year old. It's so dark that they bring you a flashlight so you can read the menu! It's too dark to draw/color and the glare of any kind of electronic game would be disturbing to other diners.

The Dolphin Club used to provide 2 hours of FREE childcare while parents dine at Shula's. My DD loved the Dolphin Club when she was 5. If you get here there in time, they will bring them to the ice cream restaurant (can't remember the name right now!) for a free dinner. Back in the club they played games, had their faces painted and ended up in the arcade with free tokens. They give you a pager so they can contact you in case of emergency.

Shula's is not really a place for a child.

Hmmmm, will defintely keep that in mind too. Thank you both!

 

[Carol17]

We ate at Shula's last week.I had to laugh about the comment on the dress code of business casual(which is true). We dressed well, but everyone around us was in jeans, and even a guy in shorts(during Florida's record breaking cold snap I might add!) Yes, it is very dark in there. We really enjoyed the evening. Food was great(yet expensive), large portions, the side dishes are big enough for two at least. The one silly thing was that they put the menu on a full size football and place it on a stand on your place. It was ridiculous really. It cheapened the place. You still get a menu, though, and they come around and show you samples of the various cuts/sizes of meat. Very helpful in choosing what to get.

 

[Pygoplites]

We ate at Shula's last week.I had to laugh about the comment on the dress code of business casual(which is true). We dressed well, but everyone around us was in jeans, and even a guy in shorts(during Florida's record breaking cold snap I might add!) Yes, it is very dark in there. We really enjoyed the evening. Food was great(yet expensive), large portions, the side dishes are big enough for two at least. The one silly thing was that they put the menu on a full size football and place it on a stand on your place. It was ridiculous really. It cheapened the place. You still get a menu, though, and they come around and show you samples of the various cuts/sizes of meat. Very helpful in choosing what to get.

Yeah, the football shtick is really goofy. Everything else is "classic steakhouse" and a football menu just seems out-of-place. Not a deal-breaker, but certainly incongruous with the overall ambiance.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Shula's is not really a place for a child.

1) Agreed.
2) The kid's menu is just smaller portions.
3) Do not expect mac-n-cheese.

 

[brergnat]

Bluezoo and Shula's don't want kids in the dining room. That's why you get 2 hrs free child care at the Dolphin Club. It's their "nice" way of saying that.

If you want to take your child to a more accommodating steak house, try Yachtsman at the YC. Since it is Disney owned, they expect kids, and provide a kid's menu.

While I'm sure your daughter is well behaved and seems to be quite the foodie, Shula's is really an adult atmosphere.

 

[TDC Nala]

It's not V&A - they don't ban children under 10. There is nothing to prevent parents from bringing their young children if they wish. Sounds like both even offer a child's menu, even if it's just smaller portions and no nuggets or mac and cheese. Some parents (and kids) probably actually welcome that.

I don't do Shula's but I've gone to Bluezoo on several occasions when the dining room was full of kids. So the free childcare thing doesn't always work.

 

[waltskids]

Shula's is not really a place for a child.

I agree I love having my children try new places, but this is a restaurant geared toward adults.

 

[waltskids]

It's not V&A - they don't ban children under 10. There is nothing to prevent parents from bringing their young children if they wish. Sounds like both even offer a child's menu, even if it's just smaller portions and no nuggets or mac and cheese. Some parents (and kids) probably actually welcome that.

I don't do Shula's but I've gone to Bluezoo on several occasions when the dining room was full of kids. So the free childcare thing doesn't always work.

Wow, that is very surprising! We have dined at Bluezoo a few times before (child free) and have only ever seen one child there, about 10 or 11 years old. I guess it all depends on the time of year you visit. All of our visits there have been during the summer. That is another restaurant I believe is more for adults than young children. There are so many other WDW owned yummy restaurants to try, we like to leave something for the adult travelers to enjoy...which includes us when we can get babysitting