Signature Dining with a 4-year old?

[Mississippianna]

On our next trip with DD this fall, she will be 4 years old. I'd like to go to a Signature one night, all three of us, and I have it narrowed down to 3 choices. Which would you recommend for food, service, and atmosphere? I know it's Disney, so everywhere is kid friendly, but which do you judge to be the most appropriate? Or do you have a suggestion? None of us are picky eaters, but DH does love a good steak.

 

[latexscooter]

All your choices are great but I voted for "other" category for a couple reasons. When our DD was her age we often ate at nice restaurants. She knew appropriate behavior and it never occurred to her to act out. That said, she was more conscious of her behavior during these dinners and wasn't as relaxed as she would be at Chili’s . I suggest you go to Jiko's because it is a wonderful restaurant, has great steak, but can be a nice treat for your daughter after the meal. It's a beautiful resort and kids love to check out the animals. Also, depending on when you go, there are various activities she can participate in. My daughter loved the night vision goggles and story time in the evening and she also participated in "rubbing" the medallions in the lobby. I think it's a win-win for everyone and something you might want to consider.

 

[Mississippianna]

All your choices are great but I voted for "other" category for a couple reasons. When our DD was her age we often ate at nice restaurants. She knew appropriate behavior and it never occurred to her to act out. That said, she was more conscious of her behavior during these dinners and wasn't as relaxed as she would be at Chili’s . I suggest you go to Jiko's because it is a wonderful restaurant, has great steak, but can be a nice treat for your daughter after the meal. It's a beautiful resort and kids love to check out the animals. Also, depending on when you go, there are various activities she can participate in. My daughter loved the night vision goggles and story time in the evening and she also participated in "rubbing" the medallions in the lobby. I think it's a win-win for everyone and something you might want to consider.

I LOVE Jiko. I finally made it there this past December and it is SO good. I didn't list it just because I have eaten there before (this list is all places we've never been), and we may stay at AKL so seeing the animals would be a daily thing. I know she'd love it there!

Our DD is great with eating out. I wouldn't be considering a Signature if she wasn't, I promise! I can only imagine she'd get better, and more patient over the course of this year.

 

[latexscooter]

Okay, then I'll change my vote to Yachtsman. The stupid voting thing won't let me change my vote so you'll have to take me at my word. I haven't eaten there but it's on my list for this year. That way she can burn off some steam on the beach out front of the Beach Club afterwards and you can enjoy the atmosphere there.

 

[robinb]

I voted for Narcoossee's. It's the most open of all the restaurants and already a little noisy . Plus you can ask for a table where you can see the castle.

ETA: If you like a good steak and your DD will go to a kid's club, consider going to Shula's. If you go early enough (around 6pm, I think) your dinner at Shula's includes 2 hours of free childcare at the Dolphin Club. They'll even feed your DD! My DD loved the Dolphin Club when she was little .

 

[happymom2one]

We were there in early Dec with my then 3.5 year old and went to Narcoosse's and I think it was great. They treated her just like a princess. They made a very special kiddie drink while we waited for our seat since my DH and I got a drink. Also they boxed up the dessert since she was too tired to eat dessert. It was a great! There was a other kids so we werent the only ones.

 

[hannahdrewmom]

I voted Yatchsman because my kids loved the puzzle desert thing you painted. It was laid back and didn't feel stuffy and the food was awesome.

I'm excited to hear about Narcossees we are going there in may with a 2 and 4 year old.... glad to hear such great reviews!

 

[DisneyFamily123]

I picked Flying Fish Cafe because I love the food.... and the boardwalk entertainment right outside the restaurant is a lot of fun in the evening.

But Narcoosees has a deck, from which you can see the Castle, the MK fireworks, and the lighted boat parade that passes by at 9pm. We did this in Dec. 2010 when the MK fireworks were at 8pm. California Grill is also fun to view the castle from up high... and the sunset or fireworks if there around that time.

Of these three... best food is...
#1 - Flying Fish
#2 - California Grill
#3 - Narcoossees

 

[Colleen27]

Of those, we haven't tried Flying Fish so I can't offer any perspective on that choice.

Narcoosees would be my pick over Yachtsman, because the view is so beautiful and the food is excellent. Yachtsman was good but in a less uniquely Disney way; it was very much like any number of nice steakhouses we've been to at home and in other travels, and we left feeling like it lacked the Disney touch present at the other signatures we've tried (all of them except Citricos and Flying Fish).

 

[Pakey]

If your 4 year old is well behaved, I would pick Flying Fish. It's got an open kitchen and a busier atmosphere with whimsical decor. Although I always eat fish here, I've heard raves about their steak (only one on the menu).

Second I would pick Narcoosees. It sits on the water, the wood floors make it a little noisier, the views from the windows are great and would probably entertain your 4 year old. I just don't like the food here as well as I do FF.

Yachtsman is one of the least child friendly of the signatures, up there with Citricos (I also think Jiko is less child friendly). Along with Artist Point, these are the quietest restaurants of the signatures.

 

[Mississippianna]

ETA: If you like a good steak and your DD will go to a kid's club, consider going to Shula's. If you go early enough (around 6pm, I think) your dinner at Shula's includes 2 hours of free childcare at the Dolphin Club. They'll even feed your DD! My DD loved the Dolphin Club when she was little .

Now, that's a good tip! I'm going to look into that. I'm willing to spend the $$ on Shula's for sure if DD can go to the Dolphin Club for free!

Narcoossee's was supposed to be my birthday dinner in '09 but I got step throat on that trip and we still haven't made it back. At the same time, we've not yet explored any of the Epcot resorts. I was down with a friend in December and we walked over to Beach Club just to see the carousel. I just loved it!

Lots to think about! Thanks y'all for all the input! Keep it coming!

 

[robinb]

Now, that's a good tip! I'm going to look into that. I'm willing to spend the $$ on Shula's for sure if DD can go to the Dolphin Club for free!

Narcoossee's was supposed to be my birthday dinner in '09 but I got step throat on that trip and we still haven't made it back. At the same time, we've not yet explored any of the Epcot resorts. I was down with a friend in December and we walked over to Beach Club just to see the carousel. I just loved it!

Lots to think about! Thanks y'all for all the input! Keep it coming!

You need to make your reservation at the Dolphin Club in advance. You'll also want to check with them that they are still doing the promo. IIRC the offer was also on Blue Zoo and maybe some of the other Dolphin restaurants. They Dolphin restaurants (including Shula's) also have coupons available through restaurants.com ($25 for $10) and there are plenty of online coupons for restaurant.com to reduce your price to $2.

 

[Mickey & Minnie Mom]

I voted Narcoosee's as my kids have loved it that last couple of years (ages 10 & 8). They really like the food ... and the desserts. HUGE Nemo cupcake and the make your own smores. The steak is so yummy here, as well as the seafood.

Enjoy watching the boats on the lake, seeing the castle. You can time it to watch the fireworks which is fun and also the Electric Water Parade.

Yachtsman is good, they do love that white chocolate puzzle, but the food has been inconsistant. Not so good last year, very good 2 years ago, and not so good the year before that. I actually had to send my steak back last year as it was delivered cold. Yuk!

And I second Shula's as an outstanding steak! Also the key lime pie is yummy! Our kids had a great time at Camp Dolphin too.

 

[kamikazecat]

We took our 4yo to Yachtsman Steakhouse last summer and he loved it. The puzzle dessert was a huge hit and as others have mentioned, it wasn't overly stuffy. Our waiter was wonderful and had a great time talking to our son.

 

[cbg1027]

I voted for FF. I have not been to Yachtsman yet, but FF had much better food and service than Narcoossee's.

Plus, if you DH still wants a steak if you go to FF, their Char-Crusted Rib-eye is AMAZING!

 

[3pletprincesses]

just got this off the hotel website

Your child can enjoy two hours of complimentary time at Camp Dolphin while you dine at Shula’s Steak House, Todd English’s bluezoo or Il Mulino New York Trattoria. In addition, we’ll also extend this benefit to parents who purchase a spa service at Mandara Spa. Simply present your receipt as proof of purchase (One child admitted for each adult entrée purchased. One child admitted for each purchase of a spa treatment of 75 minutes or more.)

 

[robinb]

just got this off the hotel website

Your child can enjoy two hours of complimentary time at Camp Dolphin while you dine at Shula’s Steak House, Todd English’s bluezoo or Il Mulino New York Trattoria. In addition, we’ll also extend this benefit to parents who purchase a spa service at Mandara Spa. Simply present your receipt as proof of purchase (One child admitted for each adult entrée purchased. One child admitted for each purchase of a spa treatment of 75 minutes or more.)

Thanks for looking that up. I'm glad they still offer the program. My kid had a blast every time she went to Camp Dolphin. She had her face painted once and a couple of times they went to the arcade and were given a bunch of tokens for free. The combination of (1) free childcare, (2) a free meal for the kids, (3) a restaurant.com coupon which will save you $23 off your meal and (4) a romantic dinner ALONE cannot be beat !

 

[psac]

I voted for FF. I have not been to Yachtsman yet, but FF had much better food and service than Narcoossee's.

Plus, if you DH still wants a steak if you go to FF, their Char-Crusted Rib-eye is AMAZING!

I could have said the same EXACT thing. Agree completely with this. The only exception would be if you really like lobster. Narcoossee's does a great lobster. Otherwise, FF is the best choice of what you have.