Signature Dining ???'s

[zarvgirl]

Okay you food guru's I need some help...
We are a family of five on the DDP and after getting all my ADR's in order I am second guessing myself!!
After reading reviews and checking our dining plans I am considering a signature restaurant for our family. (Yatchman Steakhouse, California Grill, Flying Fish) all have something available that I could work into our schedules....great.....but how friendly are these places to children. Our children have generally good manners and can handle most restaurants.
Is there one that stands out more then the others?
Also what type of dress code? I want to feel comfortable and wondering how dressed up we should be, would golf shirts for the guys be okay, and dresses for the ladies?

TIA for your help.
zarvgirl

 

[jen42002]

I have been to all three and think any of them would be a good choice with a family. I did eat at Yachtsman and California Grill last month. By far, California Grill was the better meal!

 

[larsnshan]

I think most restaurants at Disney are pretty kid friendly even signature restaurants. Most offer a menu to color on or something of the sort to entertain children. Truthfully, I would say Yachtsman or Flying Fish is a little more laid back then California Grill. As for dress code most state no tank tops, swimwear, hats for gentleman, cut offs, or torn clothing, but when we went to Jiko and Narcossees in September some individuals didn't even abide by those "rules". Personally my 6 year old son and I both dress up for our dinners because we feel it adds to the experience, but if you prefer not to you wouldn't seem out of place at all. Golf shirts and dresses would be more than acceptable - honestly I wore a dress and heels and almost appeared over dressed. I always encourage parents to take their kids to signature restaurants (if they feel their kids can handle sitting quietly for a longer period of time) especially if they are like us and wouldn't normally expereince those type of restaurants at home.

 

[LaurenT]

All would be fine...we've taken our 7 yr old when she was 5 and 6 to all of them. As for the dress code, Disney has preferences, but will let peple in with almost anything, so a sundress and golf shirt will be lovely. You'll see some in suits and tailored dresses, but, unfortunately in my opinion, you'll also see some in shorts and t shirts looking like they just ran a marathon.

 

[septbaby]

I've only eaten at California Grill and would say that would be nice for a family. There is a great view of the Magic Kingdom from the restaurant. We had exceptional service and wonderful food.

One place that is very family friendly, but not on your list is Narcoossee's. I'd highly recommend that one too.

While I loved our meal at Jiko I think that one has less "entertainment" to keep kids occupied.

 

[Momto2PrncChrmgs]

We've eaten at Cali Grill 4 times with kids of various ages, infant thru age 9 (we usually go with my SIL and her family). We like to dress up a little (my boys usually wear shorts, button-ups or polo shirts and sandals, I'll wear a sundress or dress jeans and a nicer top). It's still very kid friendly, loud, you'll see TONS of kids everywhere. The meal here is OUTSTANDING, but it is a little long and drawn out esp if you go during Wishes! Probably the best filet ever! We're planning on visit #5 in January with our 4 and 8 yr old boys if all goes as planned! Enjoy your trip with your family no matter what you choose!

 

[rubato]

So far, my only signature is Citricos, but they were wonderful to my son who was 10. The waitress made him a special meal because he was an adult according to the meal plan, and I refused to pay full price for him to order off the kids menu. She also went on a hidden Mickey hunt with him and spent so much time with him that he felt really special. Every restaurant in disney is for families except V & A.

 

[girls]

We ate at 2 signatures on our last trip with our 3 y.o. and 2 y.o. and it was fine. They were all kid friendly. Have fun!

 

[crostorfer]

I took my 7 year old to both the California Grill and Flying Fish Cafe and didn't feel uncomfortable having her in either place. There were kids EVERYWHERE in the CG, some very well behaved, some running around and driving their parents nuts, so I assume that kids are the rule there, not the exception.

Personally, I enjoyed the the Flying Fish more, although there were way fewer children present. The environment was a little more laid back and my daughter absolutely loved her appetizer and dessert. Plus, the Boardwalk is really fun at night. You can exit the Flying Fish into Seashore Sweets, which is full of candy if your kids decide not to eat their dinner, LOL.

 

[puffdragon]

I would recommend the CG, allowing the children to see Magic Kingdom from on high will be a wonderful experience for them, as well as viewing the fireworks. The one advantage that YS has is the amazing childrens desert where they get to paint a chocolate mickey with icing. I may be in my 30's, and I had no qualms in ordering for myself, I could imagine it being a real disney highlight for your young ones