Toddlers and dining?

[Keistypants]

What would you recommend for sit down restaurants for a 2.5 year old and a 1 year old? I don't want to bother anyone if they decide they want to be loud or messy.

any input helps! I've never been to Disney with small children before :-o

 

[momto3pirates]

We always liked character buffets with little ones. There is lots of food variety and lots of noise. You can also eat quickly in case your kids have short attention spans like mine!

 

[Keistypants]

We always liked character buffets with little ones. There is lots of food variety and lots of noise. You can also eat quickly in case your kids have short attention spans like mine!

Thanks for the advice!! Do you have any advice on how to get a character buffet reservation with less than 30 days to go?

 

[Sparty1833]

Thanks for the advice!! Do you have any advice on how to get a character buffet reservation with less than 30 days to go?

Checking everyday and being flexible. The touringplans reservation finder is pretty good.


Apparently, a few reservations open up the day before from people canceling their reservations at the last minute.

 

[Bbguy5]

you're at disney, kids are allowed to be loud and messy! My DD at 1.5 and 2 had no problems at any place we went to. I would try whispering canyon (non-character) naturally loud and more laid back, garden grill (character, usually easy to get).

 

[Keistypants]

you're at disney, kids are allowed to be loud and messy! My DD at 1.5 and 2 had no problems at any place we went to. I would try whispering canyon (non-character) naturally loud and more laid back, garden grill (character, usually easy to get).

I guess that is true... I just always have a lot of guilt that I'll be disturbing other people!

 

[Dis703]

Honestly, outside of Victoria and Alberts, kids are welcome and expected anywhere at Disney. I wouldn't stress about that. Character meals are fun options, but we found that most restaurants were a fun experience for our kids at that age. Some have entertainment while others have decor they enjoy. Most offer some crayons and a menu to color but we also traveled with some little activity kits and stickers for occasional use as well.

 

[Shellyb84]

Honestly, outside of Victoria and Alberts, kids are welcome and expected anywhere at Disney. I wouldn't stress about that. Character meals are fun options, but we found that most restaurants were a fun experience for our kids at that age. Some have entertainment while others have decor they enjoy. Most offer some crayons and a menu to color but we also traveled with some little activity kits and stickers for occasional use as well.

I agree. Take them where you want. The only restaurants I've been to that are pretty quiet are Jiko and Yachtsman, so if you think you'll feel awkward if your kids get loud, maybe avoid those two.

 

[PollyannaMom]

I don't want to bother anyone if they decide they want to be loud or messy.

If they tend to be fussy, I second buffets. - No waiting and people expect noise anyway! But sometimes kids get over-stimulated at Disney and actually enjoy and absorb a quiet spot for a bit, so you may be surprised.

Your best chance at success is all in the prep, though - same as for restaurants at home. Be prepared with things that hold their attention (fairly easy at Disney) and things that calm them (not so easy at Disney). My biggest tip is to include them in the conversation. A meal isn't really your break at that age (I remember really missing that!) and I think it's when parents treat it that way that kids in restaurants tend to lose it a bit.

For the 2.5 year old, you might be able to teach him/her "I Spy" before you go - It's a good game for waiting and a great way to practice colors or shapes. A pad of sticky notes in your bag is simple and small - good for drawing, counting, covering things up and remembering what was there...

The 1 year old will probably just want some quiet cuddles. An air-conditioned restaurant is a great place to reconnect from being in the stroller and sit on mom or dad's lap for a bit before the food comes!

Trying not to let them get overwhelmed/exhausted in general helps too. You know your kids, and what sets them off. If they're content going in, the restaurant will just be more of the grand adventure. So keep close to their normal schedule if you can, and remember that everything is about the "sweet spot" - hungry enough to eat, but not so hungry they're cranky, etc. (I think it's good to occasionally take a little walking break if they're in a stroller all day, too - stretch those little legs.)

 

[GillianP1301]

It depends on the toddler. If they are used to sit down meals and don't have much of an issue sitting through an hour or so, then you can easily take them anywhere at WDW (except for V&A). If they are on the fussier/busier side and/or you just don't want to have to worry about how much noise they may want to make, then buffets are definitely a great option. They are pretty chaotic at the best of times, so nobody is going to even notice a few more toddlers enjoying themselves.

 

[JZCubed]

What would you recommend for sit down restaurants for a 2.5 year old and a 1 year old? I don't want to bother anyone if they decide they want to be loud or messy.

any input helps! I've never been to Disney with small children before :-o

When my child was a toddler (she's now 8 y.o.), she was well-behaved, even at the dinner table.

However, the extra stimuli at Disney was like catnip - and virtually every sit-down meal was 'ruined' by an otherwise well-behaved child acting-out for no apparent reason.

1.) Get the first seating of the meal period and there will be fewer people around you to be bothered.
2.) It's Disney, adults must expect children - even in a dining room.
3.) I would leave a few extra $$ on top of my gratuity to 'compensate' for the mess that my child left on the ground.
**4.) Most important - arrive with a sense of humor, you'll need it!

 

[Keistypants]

If they tend to be fussy, I second buffets. - No waiting and people expect noise anyway! But sometimes kids get over-stimulated at Disney and actually enjoy and absorb a quiet spot for a bit, so you may be surprised.

Your best chance at success is all in the prep, though - same as for restaurants at home. Be prepared with things that hold their attention (fairly easy at Disney) and things that calm them (not so easy at Disney). My biggest tip is to include them in the conversation. A meal isn't really your break at that age (I remember really missing that!) and I think it's when parents treat it that way that kids in restaurants tend to lose it a bit.

For the 2.5 year old, you might be able to teach him/her "I Spy" before you go - It's a good game for waiting and a great way to practice colors or shapes. A pad of sticky notes in your bag is simple and small - good for drawing, counting, covering things up and remembering what was there...

The 1 year old will probably just want some quiet cuddles. An air-conditioned restaurant is a great place to reconnect from being in the stroller and sit on mom or dad's lap for a bit before the food comes!

Trying not to let them get overwhelmed/exhausted in general helps too. You know your kids, and what sets them off. If they're content going in, the restaurant will just be more of the grand adventure. So keep close to their normal schedule if you can, and remember that everything is about the "sweet spot" - hungry enough to eat, but not so hungry they're cranky, etc. (I think it's good to occasionally take a little walking break if they're in a stroller all day, too - stretch those little legs.)

This was great advice! Thank you
For posting :-D

 

[Keistypants]

When my child was a toddler (she's now 8 y.o.), she was well-behaved, even at the dinner table.

However, the extra stimuli at Disney was like catnip - and virtually every sit-down meal was 'ruined' by an otherwise well-behaved child acting-out for no apparent reason.

1.) Get the first seating of the meal period and there will be fewer people around you to be bothered.
2.) It's Disney, adults must expect children - even in a dining room.
3.) I would leave a few extra $$ on top of my gratuity to 'compensate' for the mess that my child left on the ground.
**4.) Most important - arrive with a sense of humor, you'll need it!

Our girls are really pretty good, but when overstimulated they get crazy! I totally know what you mean. Thanks for the reply! I'm going to make sure I get an extra big suit case to pack my sense of humor in!

 

[RangerPooh]

Character buffets, Whispering Canyon, O'hana, Trails End, Liberty Tree Tavern, Rainforest Cafe, Sci-Fi and Dine, 50s Prime Time Cafe, Boma,

 

[ESO]

As others said--it's Disney. Kids are welcome at nearly every restaurant.

Think about what time of day is best for your kids. For my family (my littles are 3 and 4), it's breakfast. The kids are always great for breakfast--well behaved and ready to eat. Least predictable is dinner. It's when they're most likely to have a melt down, and it's amplified at Disney. It took us 2 trips for this to finally sink in. In planning the next trip, we'll still reserve a couple of dinners, but for the most part, we'll stick to quick service.

Also, think about how far into the trip you are. We've found that if we're going to do a table service dinner, it's better toward the beginning of the trip. I think everyone's just tired by then end, so we keep it flexible. We had dinner at Artist Point on arrival day, and the kids were fantastic! I think everyone was well-rested and excited to be there. We'd also been showing them pictures of the kids dessert--a piece of chocolate that you paint. They knew what to expect and were excited about it.

I agree with other commenters about the buffets. You have more control over timing. And there's always a good variety. I prefer family style meals though--like Ohana or Garden Grill (side note--I think this is a great, underrated character experience, and there's a good chance you can get a reservation within 30 days). I like not having to get up and down. You're either dragging the kids to the buffet line or someone has to stay with them at the table. I feel like I never actually get to eat. With family style, it's just all right there.

 

[Hopefully]

you're at disney, kids are allowed to be loud and messy! My DD at 1.5 and 2 had no problems at any place we went to. I would try whispering canyon (non-character) naturally loud and more laid back, garden grill (character, usually easy to get).

It is Disney and children are accepted everywhere. But I don't think any child is "allowed" to be messy in a restaurant.
OP you know your girls best. I would trust your own judgement about what they can handle
Good Luck

 

[Hoodie]

When mine were little they liked 50's prime time. Rainforest Cafe can be hit or miss, it depends on your kids. Mine think the animals are "neat" but they were a little scared of them at first. If your kids are a bit more cautious, it may be too much for them. We found Via Napoli in EPCOT good too. Spaghetti and pizza make them happy. You can bring snacks into the parks and the restaurants as well. A few goldfish crackers go a long way in placating fussy, hungry kids.

If you really want character dining, check some of the resorts like 1900 Park Fare or Cape May Cafe. They sometimes have more openings than the inside the park options, especially during the day.

We arrive on the 19th too! Counting the days....

 

[Bbguy5]

It is Disney and children are accepted everywhere. But I don't think any child is "allowed" to be messy in a restaurant.
OP you know your girls best. I would trust your own judgement about what they can handle
Good Luck

Guess I didn't mean like throwing food all over the place haha

 

[Disneylovingmomof2]

I was nervous about this too as my toddler is a handful my suggestions are Tusker House at AK (awesome!!!), Sci Fi at HS, we did Akershus at Epcot and that was also fine (this was more for my five year old daughter though). Not sure where you're staying but Boma at AKL is very nice. Liberty Tree Tavern was also lovely and we could see the parade going by right out front! We did Be Our Guest for breakfast as well and it was fine but reviews I've read make it seem like lunch is better.

 

[gharter]

I think a lot of it really depends on the child. For those that are well behaved, any sit down restaurant is fine. As others have said, its Disney, you expect to see kids, and expect the dining areas to be noisy, in general. For those young kids who are not as well behaved, the above suggestions of character meals, buffets, some of the louder restaurants, or those with a lot of activity going on are great choices.

I just recall our last meal at California Grill. I have no problem with kids being there (ours always were). But several parents were letting their 2-4 years olds run around the restaurant yelling and screaming. Really hurt the dining experience. Next to us was a table of similar aged kids whose parents had coloring books, etc for them, and you never would have known they were there. Of course the parents also paid attention to them.