WCC and Teens

[swwake]

I posted this on the Family board and didn't get too many responses, so I thought I'd post it over here to see if anyone here has ideas.

We are bringing our daughter who will be 16 when we travel. I have planned to make ADRs at lots of well-rated and very nice restaurants. I had originally nixed Whispering Canyon Cafe because I thought that we were all "too old" for it. We did Hoop De Doo last trip and really didn't get much out of it (I think we had poor seating), and we were ALL admittedly much younger then.

But then yesterday, I came across some reviews, photos and even video of WCC and it made me think twice. What I saw was true Disney imagination and creativity at it's best, with customer involvement. I talked to DH about it last night and thought that maybe we should replace one of our other options (we're thinking to replace Teppanyaki at Epcot) with WCC, just so we get the Disney "spirit".

What are your thoughts on this? Has anyone taken kids around 16 who have enjoyed WCC? Are there other "not-to-be-missed" restaurants for the teens?

 

[M-I-C-K-E-Y]

Our oldest DS was 15 last year and knew that his little brother HAD TO ask for a ketsup. He quickly excused himself to visit the restroom and let the ketsup mayhem take place without him! Other than him (Mr. Touchy) we all loved WCC. As a side note, he did love the food, but hates extra, very vocal attention.

 

[Shmily1]

Last summer we took DS17, DD16 and DDBFF16 for a week. We had a blast, even at the character meals! DS and DD always tell me not to embarass them... that was a joke. If it wasn't DH and Goofy at Cape May breakfast it was DS and Tigger at Crystal Palace! They played just like kids... but don't let me embarass them. It's ok cause I won't forget the fun they had. It seems the "cool kids" can really let themselves go when at WDW.

DS did not like 50's PT though. He was aggitated with the server. He wanted two different drinks and I had already told him it was fine, just order anything you want. The server was asking him did he just want the glass from the one drink or did he want the drink. She worded it about 5 different ways then finally he said just bring me anything you think I want, since evidently what I'm telling you isn't what you want to bring. DH finally had to get involved to get him a drink.

Whatever interactions you choose, they will have a ball!

 

[tlriv5]

We did WCC with our 11 year old. I know there is a big difference between ages, but she loved it. She will be 13 this year when we go back and this is the only place my children said we HAVE to repeat. We didn't have anything too embarrassing happen. We did have a ton of ketchup brought to us and we had to take it to someone else, but that is all that happened to us. We did witness someone getting an extremely large drink and having it announced to the whole place, but I think she must have had 4 or more drinks beforehand. We loved the big skillet meal too. THat was the real draw back for us.

 

[partofyourworld710]

I'm 17, and WCC is one of my favorite restaurants, and I would absolutely recommend taking teens there. They can become as involved as they want, but I've never noticed any pressure to become involved in the activities. It's tons of fun if you do play along, but if you don't want to, it's ok, because someone always will, and it's lots of fun to see other people get messed with.

 

[accarson]

My DS 16 AND DSD 14 had a great time at WCC Christmas. He ordered a large lemonade. Once he finished it our server let everyone know to let him by if they saw him heading to restrooms. DSD who is usually shy interacted the entire time. She has already requested WCC for April trip. They also enjoy CP AND CM the both of them are waiting with cameras soon as they see characters. I hope your DD enjoys.

 

[swwake]

Thanks for all of your input everyone! Are there any other specific recommendations for teens? This will be her last "Kid" trip to WDW and I want to make sure she gets the most out of it.

Oh, and we definitely will be doing WCC. Gives us a chance to check out WL too!

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) WCC is a fun experience.
2) It gets more fun with greater audience participation.
3) I think your teenager will like it.
4) But, don't make it your first WDW eatery.
5) The teen *usually* needs to be in the mood for WCC.
6) A couple of days at WDW is usually enough.
7) Then, they can fully appreciate WCC's corniness.

 

[NMAmy]

My dd and her best friend were 16 when these pictures were taken and they had a blast at WCC.

The two "princesses" wouldn't eat their dinner so the entire restaurant had to make choo-choo and airplane noises. (My dd is on the right.)

I could have warned him about dd. She used to refuse to open her mouth like that when she was little. I kicked her under the table and she finally opened up. (That was not my method when she was little!)

 

[swwake]

That is hilarious! I am definitely taking our family there!

On a similar note, we really wanted to bring one of DD's friends on this trip, but it would be an extra $1,000 or more for us to do it and she can't find any friends who are remotely interested in WDW at this point. All of that might change as the year goes on.

It just looks like your DD and her BFF were having such a good time. DD is an only child, so I wish she had someone to share the experience with.

 

[NMAmy]

That is hilarious! I am definitely taking our family there!

On a similar note, we really wanted to bring one of DD's friends on this trip, but it would be an extra $1,000 or more for us to do it and she can't find any friends who are remotely interested in WDW at this point. All of that might change as the year goes on.

It just looks like your DD and her BFF were having such a good time. DD is an only child, so I wish she had someone to share the experience with.

DD is an only child, too. We lucked out with this particular friend--she is a peach! Just a very sweet, easygoing girl. We pay her way. She's coming with us again in March. They have so much fun and it gives dd someone to hang out with when I get tuckered out.

 

[dizneyluv]

which at the time was quite a miracle (and still is some of the time). WCC was the favorite of the 06 trip. I did not warn anyone of the things I had read. My teenager loved the attention and when he asked for a refill and the server brought it out we all cracked up. What she made him do when the refill was finished was priceless. The food was really great too!

The fun and food were absolutely worth it in my opinion. Even if you get a server less than enthusiastic the environment is fun.

Oldest DS was 13 at the time we went to WCC and very melancholy, he loved the server because she paid special attention to him, she knew somehow that he needed it. She was one of many cast members that made the trip special.

 

[Twitterpated Dad]

Twice we've taken our two boys and a couple of their friends to WCC. Their ages were 9 to 14. They all loved WCC. Even a normally shy 14 year old participated in the games.

On a sad note: The restaurant in Japan has been renamed Teppan Edo. It has gone way down hill. The DIS Unplugged has a review of it in today's podcast. I'd scratch it off your list.