Signature Dining Restaurants--OK for children?

[Altoqueenkelly]

I think DD2.5 got more compliments because she was REALLY quiet. I took a picture of her while eating there

This is soooo adorable!! My DD has done this before (altho not a Disney)... precious!! I love the little sleeping faces!!

 

[topmonkeygirl]

Even kids who behave badly are welcome unfortunatly. On our last trip we went to Narcoossee's and right beside us there were 5 or 6 kids at the table next to us with no adults. They were seated behind us and on the other side of us. The kids ranged from about 4 to 7. They were crawling under the table, throwing food at each other, playing with everything on the table, dropping plates on the floor, and every time a waiter went by they stopped them for something. One waiter had to escort one of the kids back from the restroom. I wanted to scream at the parents hope you're having a nice meal without the kids to bother you. I understand it's Disney and there are going to be kids there but at least sit at the table with them and control them some what.

With that being said that was the worst I've seen kids behave, mostly I've seen well behaved kids at all of the signatures I've been to.

 

[Mommytobree]

Even kids who behave badly are welcome unfortunatly. On our last trip we went to Narcoossee's and right beside us there were 5 or 6 kids at the table next to us with no adults. They were seated behind us and on the other side of us. The kids ranged from about 4 to 7. They were crawling under the table, throwing food at each other, playing with everything on the table, dropping plates on the floor, and every time a waiter went by they stopped them for something. One waiter had to escort one of the kids back from the restroom. I wanted to scream at the parents hope you're having a nice meal without the kids to bother you. I understand it's Disney and there are going to be kids there but at least sit at the table with them and control them some what.

With that being said that was the worst I've seen kids behave, mostly I've seen well behaved kids at all of the signatures I've been to.

Why were the kids sitting by themselves? Are they not able to accomidate a large group at the signatures?

 

[Uncleromulus]

Amazing as it sounds, I've heard of several occasions where "adults" have seated a group of kids apart from their own table.
I even saw it once at Jiko. About 4 young to middle age women came in with about 6 kids in tow--I assume they were "theirs", but can't swear to it.

Anyway, the women were absolutely oblivious to the table with their kids--who were throwing food at each other, etc etc.

Most disgusting.

But all this not to deter you in any way from taking kids to Signature restaurants. The norm seems to be well behaved children.

 

[PaxsMom]

We took our son when he was almost two to MANY signature restaurants. I was dreading it. I went and bought a backpack full of coloring books, puzzles, whatever to keep him entertained! He never needed to open it. First, we ordered his food right away.. then he had his dessert (ice cream) when we ate our meals. He sat there the entire time. I also brought tootsie pops that he had a couple times, if needed. The servers took great care of all of us.. we are doing DxDDP twice this year! Relax and enjoy. It will all work out!

 

[tinacaplan]

We've had ADRs for California Grill on our last two trips with our four year old son and I have cancelled them both times. I'm not so much worried about him disturbing dinners in the restaurant, although that isn't something I could guarantee, my husband is super quick about taking our son for a walk, if need be. That said, when I'm even a little tense about my kid's behavior, it makes it hard or me enjoy myself. I figure if you're paying for very expensive food, why ruin it with that kind of anxiety?

This time, we're making reservations for our son to stay at the Neverland Club at the Poly, where we're staying, while the two of us go to Citrico's. I know we'll have a better time and so will our son. I know this isn't an option for you with the little one, but its just my two cents on this.

Ultimately, you know your own kids and, yes, it is Disney and you will see kids all over the place.

 

[TiggerTrigger]

I think a lot of it comes down to how you feel about bringing your children into a finer dining environment. If you dine out frequently with your children, you probably have a good idea how they'll behave in a restaurant and have a variety of actions you can take to turn things around if anyone gets a bit unruly. Our favorite is "the walk." Of course, kids will be kids and there are going to be those meals where they choose to be extremely difficult - i.e. you want to pull your hair out b/c nothing is turning the situation around. Still, I don't think this is reason to avoid signature spots. While CRT doesn't really count, we've had very good experiences with our girls at Le Cellier and California Grill. In fact, DD5 declared Cali Grill to be her fave meal of the last trip...pretty impressive considering we had 7 character meals that trip. I have to say, the staff at Cali Grill was wonderful with our girls. In most cases I'd agree that an earlier time slot might be better, but we timed our Cali Grill meal around a 10pm showing of Wishes and it was great. So, we'd definitely take our kiddos back to a signature and would recommend the same for other families.

 

[rhodymom]

I guess I think its your vacation and you know your children so you need to go with it and don't' fret if they aren't perfect. So do things like don't book signature your first night there...everyone will be tired (unless that is the only thing you do that day of arriving. Be prepared with an "exit strategy" if needed. And lastly HAVE FUN! The food is great at all the restaurants you looked at and everyone will love it.

 

[topmonkeygirl]

Why were the kids sitting by themselves? Are they not able to accomidate a large group at the signatures?

Good question, I have no idea. I can only tell you all of the tables near them, and the wait staff were thrilled to see them go. The waiter even came by one time and said they were putting a rush on their tables. I thanked him for that. You'll be fine there are plenty of kids in the signature restaurants.

 

[havoc315]

The signature restaurants at Disney are absolutely not "fine dining.".

They are simply fairly good casual restaurants. While the 1-credit restaurants are equivalent to chains like Applebee's, the signatures are a clear step above that.

You'll see plenty of children at more than half the tables, especially of you dine early.
In fact, I'll go as far as saying that the signature restaurants are BETTER than 1-credit restaurants for youngish kids -- far superior children's menus.

That said, some signatures may be better than others for some kids.
For example, California Grill already is a bright loud environment. So no chance of interrupting a quiet candlelit dinner for someone else.

While I believe that parents should teach their kids respectful behavior in ANY restaurant, for those saying that Disney signature restaurants are "fine dining" improper for some kids -- that's wishful thinking on their part.
I had a wonderful fine dining meal a few weeks ago, it was a 3 hour meal, 9 courses, with a massive waitstaff descending on the table with each course. Exquisite farm to table ingredients. A price putting the 1 meal as the same as dining for 2 weeks at Disney. That's fine dining, and I didn't bring the kids, lol.

 

[pixarmom]

The signature restaurants at Disney are absolutely not "fine dining.".

They are simply fairly good casual restaurants. While the 1-credit restaurants are equivalent to chains like Applebee's, the signatures are a clear step above that.

You'll see plenty of children at more than half the tables, especially of you dine early.
In fact, I'll go as far as saying that the signature restaurants are BETTER than 1-credit restaurants for youngish kids -- far superior children's menus.

That said, some signatures may be better than others for some kids.
For example, California Grill already is a bright loud environment. So no chance of interrupting a quiet candlelit dinner for someone else.

I posted earlier, but I just wanted to second havoc315's comments about Disney signatures vs. fine dining. Part of the reason we previously avoided Disney signatures with kids is because comments on the Dis led me to believe they were comparable to non-Disney "fine dining." After reading other descriptions, like the one havoc315 just posted, we decided to give Disney signatures a try - and I SO glad we did. I think Disney signatures are great because they offer more interesting menus than the average park fare in a relaxed setting, and they cater to guests of all ages.

 

[havoc315]

I posted earlier, but I just wanted to second havoc315's comments about Disney signatures vs. fine dining. Part of the reason we previously avoided Disney signatures with kids is because comments on the Dis led me to believe they were comparable to non-Disney "fine dining." After reading other descriptions, like the one havoc315 just posted, we decided to give Disney signatures a try - and I SO glad we did. I think Disney signatures are great because they offer more interesting menus than the average park fare in a relaxed setting, and they cater to guests of all ages.

I think there are some people who wish that the signature restaurants were kid-free fine dining experiences, so they try to scare away families in posts, lol.
And... I don't mean to sound snobby, but many people haven't experienced real fine dining.

 

[Colleen27]

The signature restaurants at Disney are absolutely not "fine dining.".

They are simply fairly good casual restaurants. While the 1-credit restaurants are equivalent to chains like Applebee's, the signatures are a clear step above that.

You'll see plenty of children at more than half the tables, especially of you dine early.
In fact, I'll go as far as saying that the signature restaurants are BETTER than 1-credit restaurants for youngish kids -- far superior children's menus.

Well said. Disney's signatures are like going to The Melting Pot or Shulas instead of Applebees or Texas Roadhouse, a clear step up in menu, service, and atmosphere, but not a fine dining experience that should intimidate families with younger children.

 

[North of Mouse]

Fine dining is not limited to adults only, but parents that bring children aught to at least make sure they are well behaved. Just because you are paying too doesn't mean your children should be allowed to ruin the meal of other diners, because that is their only means of fine dining also. Children CAN sit quietly and have table manners if that is what they have been taught, but you can't wait until you get to Disney to teach them. I love to dine with a family near with children when they have dining manners and are using inside voices, not voices that the whole restaurant has to hear. I raised 3 so I've been there and done that. If they insist on misbehaving, we went and took a little "walk & talk" and then they'd best change their attitudes. It actually CAN be done - but it has to start at home and be consistent. We always went to nice restaurants because our children knew exactly what we expected of them. They will live "up" or "down" to your expectations and consistency according to how you teach them.