Suggestions for Table Service with Active 18-month old

[sheilag]

Hi there,

I have an active 18-month old, and this will be her first trip to Disney. We have various table service meals planned with characters, and I'm hoping the noise and excited will keep her in her high chair. She tends to want to move around, and won't sit still very long when we've taken her to other family dining restaurants (and she's too young to just model her older sister's good behaviour)

Anyone have suggestions for best places to take such a young toddler? How about suggestions on how you've coped with the high chair lockdown?

Regards,
Sheila

 

[danalee]

Well I didnt have to use a high chair "lockdown" when we went but I say Whispering Canyon Cafe and OHana's might keep her interested! Lots going on and not quiet They were fun for us Always lots going on

 

[sheilag]

Thanks. I was being somewhat facetious about the "lockdown" . However, I appreciate the whispering canyons suggestion - my only problem is the boat time required to get there (we're staying at Contemporary) and we're already committed to do that another night for Hoop Dee Doo (fingers crossed that goes well).

You know, I've never gone to Ohana - maybe should check it out. We've been/ are going to Chef Mickey's, Crystal Palace, and various princess things. Do folks like eating there?

Other suggestions would be appreciated, thanks.

Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[danalee]

I knew you were! been there done that I know with my son I always thought about duck taping him in there!

Anyway we really did enjoy Ohana and next trip we are going to do the character Lilo & Stich Breakfast there. I was coming back to say HDDR or Mickeys Backyard BBQ, never been yet but it sounds like fun!

Have a good time and I am sure you little one will have a blast

 

[jenjersnap]

Family style places are the best - get in and get your food brought to you FAST. Our favorites are: Garden Grill, 'Ohana for breakfast or dinner, Akershus for breakfast. I run myself ragged at buffets.

Though I do have to say that the sensory overload goes a long way to keeping my kids in their high chairs, I am worried about my little guy when we go to WDW next month. He wants his big brothers' freedom from high chairs and will want the ability to participate in 'Ohana and WCC activities, I'm sure.

 

[jenb1023]

If you don't have it scheduled already, I would suggest Playhouse Disney at Hollywood & Vine at MGM. We did it for lunch. Jojo and Goliath are there from Jojo's Circus and Leo and June from Little Einsteins. It is a buffet which allows for more movement and the characters dance with the kids about every 20 minutes which allows the kids to jump and dance around. Lots of fun! My DD was 3.5 at the time and is very well behaved in restaurants but she was too excited and having too much fun to eat or stay in her seat!

 

[DisneyArk]

Thanks. I was being somewhat facetious about the "lockdown" . However, I appreciate the whispering canyons suggestion - my only problem is the boat time required to get there (we're staying at Contemporary) and we're already committed to do that another night for Hoop Dee Doo (fingers crossed that goes well).

You know, I've never gone to Ohana - maybe should check it out. We've been/ are going to Chef Mickey's, Crystal Palace, and various princess things. Do folks like eating there?

Other suggestions would be appreciated, thanks.

My son loved Chef Mickey's and Crystal Palace when he was 18 months old - so those are great choices!
The boat ride between WL and the Contemprary is very short. My sons thought it was fun. The wind was blowing when the boat moved and they liked looking around at everything.

My sons liked Whispering Canyon cafe when they were 3 and 5, but they've never asked to go back. I think you could enjoy Ohana instead at your resort and the food would be served much faster.

You will have so much fun at the character meals because the characters love toddlers!!

 

[Jajone]

Not so sure HDDR will work so good for you. We went when DD was 5 and DS was 3 and neither enjoyed it enought o be quiet and/or watch the show. They just didn;t get it. No characters no interaction no activity for them to do.

 

[sharibrat]

You know, I've never gone to Ohana - maybe should check it out. We've been/ are going to Chef Mickey's, Crystal Palace, and various princess things. Do folks like eating there?

In the same boat here.........have a 17 month old who rarely sits in a high chair. He eats best by roaming around and walking over for hand fed bites now and then! On that note, outdoor eating works for us.

We've been to Crystal Palace and I think it's one of the best buffets we've ever been to. Also, the Japanese rest in Epcot is interesting, they can watch the food being cooked....... Good luck.

 

[canwegosoon]

I really like Cape May Cafe..they have paper table cloths and crayons(great to keep the kids busy), Chef Mickey should be fine, Crystal Palace, the Plaza(they are quick and it is small so you could always step out for a few minutes), Ohannas they want the kids up and doing things(this should be on the monorail so an easy trip). Don't over load with buffets because you will have your hands full looking after the baby. If it is not a really busy time of year I would also poss. say Coral Reef (and ask for a table near the tank) because of the fish, and other children will be coming over to look at the fish so it will be less distracting. Good Luck

 

[werfamily]

When our girls were little, we found one of the best ways to keep them in their seats was to wear them out beforehand! So, if possible, walk around the lobby or the resort grounds for a while before the meal. If that fails, just keep bringing new, attractive food from the buffet.

 

[Shannone1]

Not so sure HDDR will work so good for you. We went when DD was 5 and DS was 3 and neither enjoyed it enought o be quiet and/or watch the show. They just didn;t get it. No characters no interaction no activity for them to do.

I was going to say the same thing. An unhappy toddler isn't fun for anyone. The parents, or the people at the next table.

Mickey's Backyard BBQ might be a better choice. It's outside and you can get up and move around. They have a decent buffet and ice cream bars for dessert. Beer is included too which is different. Mickey, Minnie, Pluto and Chip and Dale all come out in their western wear and you can dance with them. Then they come around to all the tables for photo ops. The band was pretty good too.

 

[Mom2Evie]

Anyone have suggestions for best places to take such a young toddler? How about suggestions on how you've coped with the high chair lockdown?

Coral Reef might be a good place for table service meal. With all the views into the aquarium, if you could sit near them your child might be distracted with the fish swimming around for the whole meal.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Coral Reef might be a good place for table service meal. With all the views into the aquarium, if you could sit near them your child might be distracted with the fish swimming around for the whole meal.

It could be terrible if they weren't seated by the aquarium, though. Because of all the glass, that is one noisy place. Plus it's dark and hard to see the fish lots of times. I'd go with buffets and outdoor venues as much as possible and skip anything that you have to wait to be served.

If you want to eat at any of the nicer sit-down restaurants, you could always hire a Disney babysitter to stay with the toddler while you go to the restaurant.