Why would someone do this?

[dzneprincess]

I just have to say ducklite, that the tone in your last post stressed your point so much better and eloquently then your OP. If you would have stated things as such, in your first post, I don't think this thread would have gotten near as much attention as it did.

 

[kgkmom]

But then my parents did the sensible thing and planned realistically: we normally ate at 5pm as kids, so we ate at 5pm on vacation. We were out of there by 7pm which is when most adults think about eating. We certainly wouldn't have considered going to a TS restaraunt after 7pm in the evening: the youngest child's bedtime was 8pm and short of staying up for the fireworks one night, that routine was followed on vacation too.

Exactly! This is why I will not be bringing DS to WDW before he's six. My DD was a super easygoing baby and toddler, DS is the exact opposite. The times I take a chance and try to do something with him off schedule, he flips out and is a maniac (he's 2 1/2). So, WDW is out of the question until he's older.

This is just to echo many posters' statements that it basically comes down to knowing your kids, and respecting that vacations can amplify tensions all around. DD and I tend to do commando style, blitzing of the parks. I know that this probably won't work with DS. When we take DS, we'll be sure to take things down a notch and to not expect perfection.

And if he acts up, we're out.

 

[Mackey Mouse]

"I'm not expecting no children at WDW. I'm expecting reasonably well-behaved kids and concerned, proactive parents. I don't think that's too much to ask, regardless of where I'm eating."

No this is not too much to ask. Now I am asking here that we all step back a bit and take this thread as a learning thread. Can we please stop with the sarcasm and nastiness or it will be locked.

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

Hey I am relatively new here and I am scared to take my 18 month old out to eat at WDW now. I just booked at Boma. Is that appropriate for a child?? I booked for 5:30 because that is what time we normally eat.

I have been to the world over 15 times without children and this will be my first trip with children. I must say if you dont have kids you have no idea what can happen at a meal. I am now a parent and understand that things happen..... but I am in control.

Anne I was a little offended at first by your apparant attitude towords children in genral but now see you were more angry with the parents. I guess my question would be do you have kids?? Until you have been there and learned you shouldnt judge so harshly. But in your defense those parents sounded obnoxious (sp). I actually had someones children running under my table at CG, a meal that I dropped alot of money on last year so I do understand your pain. Maybe just watch the tone.

 

[D L and K's Mom]

WE like BOMA. There is alot to look at there. We like to order then walk a little around the restaurant. When you check in there is a little "stream" where you can toss pennies etc. I think BOMA will be GREAT for you!!!

 

[mlwear]

When my son was diagnosed with autism, I decided I would never judge the parenting skills of others. So many things can be going on, which the casual observer is unaware. Especially when my DS was younger he would melt down and go into a full scale tantrum. I had to endure the glares and mumblings of people who had no clue about our lives. So while trying to calm my child and neutralize the situation, I was humiliated by others. Those early years were particulary difficult.
However, I have always removed my son from a restaurant, movie theatre, church service, etc. any situation in which his behavior may impede the enjoyment of others in the environment. I have spent many evenings in the car or walking outside while DH finished dinner with other DS and brought remains of our dinners in boxed containers. For quite a while we didn't even go out as a family. DS now can sit through most meals if he is seated in the proper location and we use other stratagies we have learned over time.
Likely the family the OP encountered was a typical family, but one just can't know what is going on in someone else's life. For that alone, I would never presume anything about anyone. Having been a victim, I won't do it to another and will suggest that others should follow suit. JMHO.
The comments about kids' manners did hit a nerve with me. DS is 8 years old and doesn't always use silverware. He mostly has to use a spoon. He certainly doesn't eat with his face in his plate, He tries his best and gets help from not only us but his Occupational Therapist. So, I hope if you see him pick up a green bean with his fngers, he won't be put in the category of farm animal at the trough. Actually, I believe his manners are better than many, especially those that demonstate respect and consideration of others. Again, a quick observation can not provide a fair assessment of a child or his/her parents.
Getting specifically to the complaint of kids disrupting meals. What are you going do? It's going to happen. It's annoying, yes. It is ridiculous to think that all families with kids should be segregated to one area. Those of us who have worked for years ensuring that our children will behave in a way that doesn't disrupt others shouldn't have to sit "the kids' table". We want to enjoy our dinner, too. As far as specific hours for seating with children, I agree with a pp, that isn't fair either as some parents have their children nap in preparation for a late night. Just because there are a few tables with disruptive children, doesn't mean that it should be assumed all tables with children will be that way. However, I think it is FAR more likely that you will encounter it at WDW. If it isn't tolerable, then I would dine elsewhere. The odds of having a noisy child at a fine restaurant not on Disney property must decrease significantly. Now, we could address rude adult behavior as well, which I find just as annoying: people using cell phones at dinner, obnoxiously loud people, people snapping and demanding things of servers...There will always be something that CAN take away from your dining experience, ITA with a pp that suggested focusing on the positive aspects.

 

[Mackey Mouse]

Sure try Boma's....why not?

I would suspect you would probably nap your 18 month old that day so that he/she would be well rested for dinner at Boma. You have picked a decent time to eat so the baby would not be too hungry....I say go for it.

And one more thought.. I do not think whether the OP has children or not has anything to do with this discussion. I think this way, my priest is not married nor has ever had children, but he feels qualified to give advice on marrying and raising children. Or how about this one, my pediatrician was never married and never had children, and he was great taking care of my babies and giving me advice...

Just keeping it real.

 

[DaisyD]

The way I see it, is that disabilties or not, if the kid throws a tantrum it's time to leave. To stay is beyond rude. I expect parents to do this whether at WDW. the local McDs or any other place in the world. The parents can EASILY ask for their food to go and take it outside or back to the room and eat. We have done that in the past because there is no way I'm going to ruin someone else's dinner simply because my kid is having a meltdown. ITA with Anne.

 

[ducklite]

Hey I am relatively new here and I am scared to take my 18 month old out to eat at WDW now. I just booked at Boma. Is that appropriate for a child?? I booked for 5:30 because that is what time we normally eat.

I have been to the world over 15 times without children and this will be my first trip with children. I must say if you dont have kids you have no idea what can happen at a meal. I am now a parent and understand that things happen..... but I am in control.

Anne I was a little offended at first by your apparant attitude towords children in genral but now see you were more angry with the parents. I guess my question would be do you have kids?? Until you have been there and learned you shouldnt judge so harshly. But in your defense those parents sounded obnoxious (sp). I actually had someones children running under my table at CG, a meal that I dropped alot of money on last year so I do understand your pain. Maybe just watch the tone.

I have a 20 year old, so I've been there, done that. The one or two times he got at all disruptive during a meal we left. End of story.

We regularly visit WDW with our ten neices and nephews (not all at once--I'm not crazy!). I've got five neices/nephews who I can take *almost* anywhere although only one--almost ten years old--would I take to Citrico's. Some of them we stick to CS and places like 1900 PF and Le Cellier, where a bit of noise isn't going to be as noticable. Of course things like food throwing and outside noises are never allowed, and we would leave, period. And for safety reasons, getting up from ones seat except to go to the bathroom is also never allowed.

And you should be fine with Boma, it's a pretty loud environment to begin with. I genearlly suggest taht people book ADR's for half an hour earlier than the usually eat, because by the time you actully get seated and served (or get your plates at a buffet) it can be 15 or more minutes later than your usual time.

Anne

 

[ducklite]

WE like BOMA. There is alot to look at there. We like to order then walk a little around the restaurant. When you check in there is a little "stream" where you can toss pennies etc. I think BOMA will be GREAT for you!!!

Order? it's a buffet... Am I missing something here?

Anne

 

[Mackey Mouse]

She might be thinking of Jiko's, I get them confused too.

 

[TigerKat]

When my son was diagnosed with autism, I decided I would never judge the parenting skills of others. So many things can be going on, which the casual observer is unaware. Especially when my DS was younger he would melt down and go into a full scale tantrum. I had to endure the glares and mumblings of people who had no clue about our lives. So while trying to calm my child and neutralize the situation, I was humiliated by others. Those early years were particulary difficult.
However, I have always removed my son from a restaurant, movie theatre, church service, etc. any situation in which his behavior may impede the enjoyment of others in the environment. I have spent many evenings in the car or walking outside while DH finished dinner with other DS and brought remains of our dinners in boxed containers. For quite a while we didn't even go out as a family. DS now can sit through most meals if he is seated in the proper location and we use other stratagies we have learned over time.
Likely the family the OP encountered was a typical family, but one just can't know what is going on in someone else's life. For that alone, I would never presume anything about anyone. Having been a victim, I won't do it to another and will suggest that others should follow suit. JMHO.
The comments about kids' manners did hit a nerve with me. DS is 8 years old and doesn't always use silverware. He mostly has to use a spoon. He certainly doesn't eat with his face in his plate, He tries his best and gets help from not only us but his Occupational Therapist. So, I hope if you see him pick up a green bean with his fngers, he won't be put in the category of farm animal at the trough. Actually, I believe his manners are better than many, especially those that demonstate respect and consideration of others. Again, a quick observation can not provide a fair assessment of a child or his/her parents.
Getting specifically to the complaint of kids disrupting meals. What are you going do? It's going to happen. It's annoying, yes. It is ridiculous to think that all families with kids should be segregated to one area. Those of us who have worked for years ensuring that our children will behave in a way that doesn't disrupt others shouldn't have to sit "the kids' table". We want to enjoy our dinner, too. As far as specific hours for seating with children, I agree with a pp, that isn't fair either as some parents have their children nap in preparation for a late night. Just because there are a few tables with disruptive children, doesn't mean that it should be assumed all tables with children will be that way. However, I think it is FAR more likely that you will encounter it at WDW. If it isn't tolerable, then I would dine elsewhere. The odds of having a noisy child at a fine restaurant not on Disney property must decrease significantly. Now, we could address rude adult behavior as well, which I find just as annoying: people using cell phones at dinner, obnoxiously loud people, people snapping and demanding things of servers...There will always be something that CAN take away from your dining experience, ITA with a pp that suggested focusing on the positive aspects.

Thanks mlwear, you shed a whole new light on this entire subject IMO!!

 

[dalt01]

and the beat goes on ta da dum ta da dum

 

[TheRustyScupper]

(Flame Proof Suit in Place)

1) OK, let's face it.
2) There ARE people who should not go to upscale restaurants.
3) There ARE lower class people in the world.
4) Not discrimination, just a fact.
5) The dining plan allows these folks to go places they normally would not.
6) Frequently, others who do go to these places are inconvenienced.
7) I don't know how to solve the problem.
8) But, I usually
. . . ask for a manager
. . . ask him to follow me
. . . go to obnoxious people and let them know they are obnoxious
. . . then let the manager handle it from there
. . . without my intervention, I know the manager would not interfere

 

[coppertop]

I think it is inconsiderate for someone WITHOUT children to go to a place which is completely catered towards children (DISNEYWORLD) and moan when children are making a racket. The adults without children are the ones who are out of place.

 

[notnothin]

I think it is inconsiderate for someone WITHOUT children to go to a place which is completely catered towards children (DISNEYWORLD) and moan when children are making a racket. The adults without children are the ones who are out of place.

I have to disagree with your statements, as it is an entirely false assumption. As was stated earlier in this thread, WDW does *NOT* specifically cater to children and/or parents with children. There are a large number of people without children that attend, as well as honeymooners, etc.

 

[notnothin]

(Flame Proof Suit in Place)

1) OK, let's face it.
2) There ARE people who should not go to upscale restaurants.
3) There ARE lower class people in the world.
4) Not discrimination, just a fact.
5) The dining plan allows these folks to go places they normally would not.
6) Frequently, others who do go to these places are inconvenienced.
7) I don't know how to solve the problem.
8) But, I usually
. . . ask for a manager
. . . ask him to follow me
. . . go to obnoxious people and let them know they are obnoxious
. . . then let the manager handle it from there
. . . without my intervention, I know the manager would not interfere

ITA with your statements. You are right on the money.

 

[ducklite]

However, I have always removed my son from a restaurant, movie theatre, church service, etc. any situation in which his behavior may impede the enjoyment of others in the environment.

Which is the difference between you and parents who would have the "so sad, too bad" attitude some in this thread seem to think is fine.

The comments about kids' manners did hit a nerve with me. DS is 8 years old and doesn't always use silverware. He mostly has to use a spoon. He certainly doesn't eat with his face in his plate, He tries his best and gets help from not only us but his Occupational Therapist.

And if I saw a child who was trying but strugling due to a disability, that's en entirely different thing, and I'd have a ton of empathy for the child and their parents. My son struggled with motor skill problems and still holds his knife awkwardly. That's NOT what I'm talking about. I'm referring to a kid who is throwing food or "eating" mashed potatos with fingers after witnessing the same child effectively use a utensil--both of which I've seen school aged kids do in restaurants--is a child who need redirection, reprimand, or just "time to go", or moreso parents who need to get a clue.

We saw that type of behaviour at Narcooses a few years ago--I'll never forget it, mom and dad were both sloshed after finishing a bottle of wine and having some scotch before dinner. Their three "darlings" were out of control, and the more drunk mom and dad got, the more out of control the kids got in an effort to get the parents attention. That was pitiful and very sad, while being absolutely disgusting at the same time.

Anne

 

[dalt01]

dearest rusty, last time i checked we discontinued the Caste system in this country

 

[susy]

Hey! I did not read through ALL ten pages, but I wanted to point out (if no one did earlier) that Citrico's is TWO dining credits. I don't find that a good deal at all. I have NEVER let my son disturb others in a restaurant by talking loudly or getting up or any of that stuff. He is 8 and has eaten in very upscale places. He brings a book to read or QUIETLY plays w/ his gameboy.

As far as it being ALL the parents, I can tell you (as a teacher), sometimes IT IS the kids. In our society that has gone a bit overboard in protecting childrens' self-esteem , it seems that anything goes and the kids are believing every blown out of proportion praise that is sent their way.

Guess what? If you over-praise kids for every little thing and they are never held accountable for things, they are going to be in for a RUDE awakening because the real world DOES NOT CARE about their self-esteem. Their future boss cares that they do their job. Period. Praise them when it is EARNED and it will carry more weight and mean something.

I know I sound harsh, but as a fifth grade teacher I know that my students know that I love them when I challenge them to be better and praise real successes.

Bottom line: Let the kids know your expectations BEFORE you enter the restaurant and the consequences for not meeting them. If you already know your kids can't handle it, don't it to them (or others).