Would it be unforgivably tacky if...?

[3floridarays]

...we let our DS take his Nintendo DS to California Grill? I'm thinking about trying to get an ADR to celebrate mine & DH's 21st anniversay, but DS will be with us and I know he will get bored if we sit there for 2+ hours. Of course, he would have his ear buds so there wouldn't be any noise to disturd the other diners and he is a very quite kid.

We have never been to Cali Grill and I think the view would a special way to celebrate our anniversary, but getting dirty looks from other diners all evening would probably not be very relaxing.

 

[verticalchaos]

Personally I look at that in the same terms of cell phone usage at tables or in theatres.

UNCOOTH AND DISRESPECTFUL.

Sorry. I vote no.

 

[disney_girl125]

I think that's a good compromise! I don't see anything wrong with it, it's Disney..we all do things a little different there?! maybe? lol. He'll have his ear buds on, so it's not like he'll be distracting anyone.

 

[Pink Mouse Ears]

It wouldn't bother me one bit. If I were there, I'd be happier that the child next to me was quietly keeping entertained than if he were crying, whining, etc. I guess its just the parent in me. DH and I still like going out to dinners, and we do everything we can to keep DS2 from disturbing other people at the places we go to.

 

[Skylarr29]

It's not great etiquette but I would prefer a quiet child playing Nintendo than a child bored and running around my table. I say go for it and don't care what others think.

 

[drmommy]

It's DISNEY and he's a kid! If it means a pleasant meal and if he's quiet, why not? Let him take it...I wouldn't mind a bit.

 

[Harlie]

If its not disruptive to other diners I say it doesn't matter what someone is doing at their own table during their dining experience. You are footing your bill not your "annoyed" neighbour

 

[Pumbaa_]

If the dinner would be too long for your little one, this might help

Children's Activity Centers
Children's Activity Centers throughout Walt Disney World Resort are delightfully themed playspaces, where children ages 4 to 12 are invited to play videogames, enjoy dinner and snacks, watch Disney movies and interact with other kids their age—usually while parents are off experiencing more grownup fare.

Children Activity Centers throughout Walt Disney World Resort Hotels:


Simbas Cubhouse at Disney's Animal Kingdom LodgeOpen daily from 4:30 p.m. to midnight, Simba's Cubhouse is based on Disney's The Lion King and is located on the first floor near the Uzima pool deck area.
Never Land Club at Disney's Polynesian Resort: Located near the Snack Isle and the bus stop across from the Great Ceremonial House, the Never Land Club is open daily from 4:00 p.m. to midnight.
Cub's Den at Disney's Wilderness Lodge and The Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge: Open daily from 4:30 p.m. to midnight, Cub's Den is a wilderness-themed activity center located outside the main lobby near Wilderness Lodge Mercantile.
Sandcastle Club at Disney's Yacht Club Resort, Disney's Beach Club Resort and The Villas at Disney's Beach Club Resort: Located near Atlantic Wear just off the main lobby of Disney Beach Club Resort, Sandcastle Club is a nautical-themed activity center open daily from 4:30 p.m. to midnight.
Mouseketeer Club at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa: Open daily from 4:30 p.m. to midnight, Mouseketeer Club is located near Gasparilla Grill & Games.
Camp Dolphin at Walt Disney World Dolphin and Walt Disney World Swan: Camp Dolphin is located near the health club in Walt Disney World Dolphin, open daily from 5:30 p.m. to midnight.


Kid's Nite Out
Together with independent childcare provider Kids Nite Out, the hotels at Walt Disney World Resort offer you the convenience of expert, one-to-one in-room babysitting for an additional cost. You can even reserve a childcare specialist to accompany you and your family during your visit to the Parks, providing a helping hand where needed. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

To contact Kid's Nite Out, Inc., please call (407) 828-0920, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., 7 days a week. Guests under age 18 must have parent or guardian permission to call.

Hope you have a great night out

 

[Tricia1972]

Pumbaa_ beat me to it! I suggested the same thing at the same time. GMTA I guess ;-)

I had the link in mine, so I'll add it back in http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/recreation/kids-activities/ :

I think the kids club would be a great thing for an eleven year old boy, he'd probably have a lot of fun there. If he were younger, I'd be more likely to 'get' "Ants in the Pants" At 11, I think you're hitting the tween stage, and it's more likely that he'd have more fun with kids his age.

 

[Pumbaa_]

fastest warthog around

 

[0hLovely]

I'd rather have a child quietly playing a DS than throwing a fit asking if it's time to go or running around the place ruining my meal. So i'd be okay with it.
who really cares what they think anyways! you are enjoying a nice meal and not disturbing others! a win win situation!

 

[verticalchaos]

No matter how "quiet" (and I've seen supposedly well behaved kids playing with their DS thingamabobs on the subway and they are FAR from non-disruptive) it is, the things give off an infernal glow that CAN bother other people. Disney or not.

I love Pumbaa's suggestion. If a dinner is going to be too long for your kid, either rethink it or look into options for him that don't involve technology at the table.

 

[Googilycub]

We are going to the California Grill in May. I plan on letting my daughter (age 4) take her nintendo ds, and her ipod. I will make sure that there is no sound with the ds (she can use her head phones). I think that it is a great idea! That way if she gets board, she has something to do, and we can enjoy the rest of our dinner!

 

[quinnc19]

To whom is it disrespectful?

I think it's fine for a small child if it allows everyone to enjoy their meals (other diners included).

Personally I look at that in the same terms of cell phone usage at tables or in theatres.

UNCOOTH AND DISRESPECTFUL.

Sorry. I vote no.

 

[Tricia1972]

No matter how "quiet" (and I've seen supposedly well behaved kids playing with their DS thingamabobs on the subway and they are FAR from non-disruptive) it is, the things give off an infernal glow that CAN bother other people. Disney or not.

I love Pumbaa's suggestion. If a dinner is going to be too long for your kid, either rethink it or look into options for him that don't involve technology at the table.

Hey come on, it was my suggestion too. Sure give the warthog ALL of the credit because she is one nanosecond faster than me

I agree with your sentiment though. I think I'd feel more forgiving it it was a 4 year old at the table next to me playing to keep occupied, not so much for a tweenager.

 

[Tricia1972]

To whom is it disrespectful?

I think it's fine for a small child if it allows everyone to enjoy their meals (other diners included).

The OP's son is 11

 

[DisneyFamily123]

You didn't say how old DS is.... for us, that matters. I want my DS to learn how to be patient at a meal. But that doesn't mean bored.... As DS gets older, I'd expect more patience with more conversation and less need to tune out. And playing video games would not be OK for us because the meal should be family time, but it wouldn't bother us a bit if a kid at another table was.

DS3 sat through several meals with a large family group but there was plenty of interaction. DS4 (the next year) with just mom and dad was entertained in a couple ways.... looking at photos on our camera taken earlier in the day, also looking at the Birnbaum's Disney Guide for kids and talking with us about what our plans were for the next day.

At California Grill, I also walked out on the observation deck twice (once each side) in between courses to give a break from sitting at the table. Our table was next to the open kitchen too so DS was sort of entertained from watching the chefs.... plus we got a preview of some dishes before we decided what to order!

We were not at Cali Grill for the fireworks, but we were there for the sunset which was very beautiful from the observation deck.

 

[Pumbaa_]

Hey come on, it was my suggestion too. Sure give the warthog ALL of the credit because she is one nanosecond faster than me

neener neener neener

 

[Pumbaa_]

You didn't say how old DS is.... for us, that matters. I want my DS to learn how to be patient at a meal. But that doesn't mean bored.... As DS gets older, I'd expect more patience with more conversation and less need to tune out. Playing video games would not be OK for us because the meal should be family time.

This is an excellent point. Great opportunity to talk about the day, what are we going to do tomorrow, make a plan, review pics, heck, have him do a dining review for us (ok, that would be too much like homework )

Good discussion everyone, interesting to see different points of view

 

[verticalchaos]

Hey come on, it was my suggestion too. Sure give the warthog ALL of the credit because she is one nanosecond faster than me

I agree with your sentiment though. I think I'd feel more forgiving it it was a 4 year old at the table next to me playing to keep occupied, not so much for a tweenager.

Sorry Tricia! Your idea too!!!

As to your question quinnc19 - it is disrespectful to all the other people trying to have a nice dinner. Kids move around when playing those games no matter how "quiet" or "well-behaved" mommy and daddy may claim they are. The headphones still emit noise. And most of all, the screens give off a glow. Other people are paying just as much as you yo enjoy a nice, quiet, peaceful dinner. If they wanted kids and silly videogames, they'd be at a food court somewhere.

There's nothing wrong with teaching your child how to sit quietly, take your time, and enjoy a nice conversation while dining.