yet another early vs. late dining discussion

[Lisa F]

I've read (and been involved in) a bunch.

My son is 11 and on the spectrum and is medicated for ADHD and until this last summer we had to be pretty strict with the medication timing... but this last summer we began skipping doses on the weekends because it was far less noticeable when his meds are out of his system (he is on short acting.) I think as he gets older he is much more easily able to regulate himself. He still needs the first dose in the morning but on days when he's not at school he is doing fine without other doses, which makes the less structured weekends a lot easier for both of us.

So I booked my cruise on opening day - I am holding an early dinner slot but am seriously thinking of switching to a late dinner slot. With his increased flexibility during less structured times (weekends and vacations) I'm thinking that in the case the benefits of the later seating (having your day feel less cramped) might be worth it. We had some friends over for dinner this weekend and they had something to do until about 7:30 - we started with appetizers and cocktail hour and probably didn't get to actual dinner until 9 and he did just fine (he did have a snack around his normal dinner time of 6.)

So since popcorn is his favorite food on the planet, I'm thinking some popcorn during the show and he'll be good to go until dinner. Also I work in a job dealing with people all day but am an introvert and have been so busy I am feeling VERY people fatigued. I am seriously considering requesting a table for just us and I know my chances are much better at late seating then early. I have nearly 2 months til booking but am beginning to think about my choices and I think the later dinner would play nicer with some of the later afternoon tastings. My kid is still an early riser but he does go to sleep quite late on weekends/vacations when he has activities keeping him up and engaged.

So looking to hear from others with kids in the tween age, maybe who have switched from early to late over the years and tell me how it went and what you thought. I am a little worried it will crowd into the late night deck parties but I assume that the servers make sure to get you out of there in plenty of time for that stuff. If you have a medical reason or inflexible kid or whatever, I sympathize greatly but I'm hoping to not get into the nasty parent judging stuff that tends to happen in these threads (I hate that stuff, we all know our kids and do what is best for them!) I am just thinking mine might be ready to make the leap to late and love to hear from other parents who have done that and how it went. I know once I give up early there is no getting it back!

 

[Mommb]

We did early dining when our kids were younger, but started doing late dining on our first European cruise (when the kids were 10 and 14) because we didn't want to have to rush to dinner as soon as were back to the ship in ports. That has worked well for us ever since -- we get a snack in late afternoon, then see the show (if it's one we want to see) and have time to change for dinner without rushing. Sometimes when they "can't find anything to eat" on the pool deck, my husband or I pick up a snack from Cove Cafe and bring it back to the room for them.

There have been a few times a tween or teen has skipped dessert in order to get to a program in Edge or Vibe, but my kids have agreed on our last several cruises that they prefer late dining. We tend to go to Palo on Pirate Night, so I don't have firsthand experience, but I know my kids have recently been able to go to the Pirate Party after eating in our assigned restaurant that night.

We've also discovered that the lines for photos in the lobby appear to be shorter right before 2nd dining than before 1st dining, which is helpful on formal nights if you want pictures.

As you mentioned, eating later will make it easier to attend late-afternoon programs such as beverage tastings without worrying about rushing to dinner. I don't recall many adult programs being scheduled during dinner, except for some trivia, so you won't miss out on much by eating late.

So, I think getting popcorn before the show and having a late dinner is a fine choice if your son is acclimating to eating later.

 

[msmama]

I have an 11 year old not on the spectrum (but close - we've had several requested evals but he never ends up with a diagnosis of anything - he's just an odd duck). We do early seating, just tossing our reason out there in case there's anything you didn't take into consideration.

We are early risers, which also means we're fairly early to bed. Eating too close to bed time doesn't work for him. He needs time to digest or he will puke in the middle of the night. Been there, done that (thankfully not on a cruise) on many a vacation.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

 

[Mainsail Minnie]

My son is 14 and I've cruised DCL with him five times since he was 11. Late dining has worked well for us each cruise. The early dining time is a great time to ride the Aquaduck, and it's nice to see a show before dinner, so you can talk about it during dinner. We also always request a private table for 2 and have always managed to get one, either in advance or upon boarding. We've never missed a late show that we wanted to attend due to our dining time. We also enjoy lunch more, knowing that dinner is further away.

 

[platypeople]

My DS (now 17) is also ADHD (diagnosed in 2nd grade). and we have done late dining on all but our very first Disney Cruise. Late dining really works well for him and our family. The later seating is usually less crowded and quieter which appeals to our family of 4. We have also requested and have been lucky enough to receive a private table at the later seatings. The combination of a private table and the quieter atmosphere tends to get our family chatting and joking more freely. I can honestly say our shared dinners every night are one of my favorite things about cruising (high school practice and rehearsal schedules wreck havoc with family dinners when we are at home).

When DS was younger I also found that way the ship gets gradually quieter as passengers head off for the earlier dinner creates a natural less rushed transition to going back to the room and getting ready for dinner. The servers over the years have also been great about pacing the meal if we let them know that DS and DD wanted to head for the kid's clubs or something similar.

Finally I agree that what may be right for one family may not be right for another. Trust your gut, you do know your son better than anyone else. I hope you have an amazing time on your cruise.

 

[Dug720]

I will just say, do not count on late dining guaranteeing you a private table. If the ship is sold out - as one in November or December is likely to be, they will very probably not be able to accommodate a private table. Even at late dining. Happened to me in July - full ship, no private tables available.

 

[Mainsail Minnie]

I will just say, do not count on late dining guaranteeing you a private table. If the ship is sold out - as one in November or December is likely to be, they will very probably not be able to accommodate a private table. Even at late dining. Happened to me in July - full ship, no private tables available.

True, there is never a guarantee but it's possible, and more likely during the 2nd seating. I was able to get a private table for 2 on a sold-out Magic cruise. Early boarding & going straight to dining changes upon boarding to confirm your private table request helps with this.

 

[mousefan73]

we are late dining folks.. My kids are 13 and 14 now and wasnt an issue when they were 12 and 13. No way in heck we would be all cleaned up and ready for dinner at 5:45 or so... We were usually enjoying an empty pool deck at this time.
I think late seating will work out well for you as you noted you are people fatigued.. with late dining you can take advantage of those golden hours between 5 and 8pm where the pool deck empties out.. I loved being one of a handful of adults in adult area at 6pm at night. Granted i gave up the shows on those days.
Not sure what sailing you are on or how many you have done. but my older kids had no interests in the magician/comedian ( was only funny for kids under 10) and wishes and dream. we had seen those. Even if you need to make the shows, they start later than the earlier dining. so you get some time.. Also I would go to shows not showered and ready for dinner ( basically in my day clothes). I would be at the pool until 5:45 and toss clothes on and go... I used the 45 minutes between show and dinner to clean up.

I never found late dining also to get in the way of the later deck parties.. I would mention to your servers your plans if you are concerned.

A late dinner also allowed us to enjoy a lunch while on board and not rush back from exercusions.

 

[Lisa F]

We did early dining when our kids were younger, but started doing late dining on our first European cruise (when the kids were 10 and 14) because we didn't want to have to rush to dinner as soon as were back to the ship in ports. That has worked well for us ever since -- we get a snack in late afternoon, then see the show (if it's one we want to see) and have time to change for dinner without rushing. Sometimes when they "can't find anything to eat" on the pool deck, my husband or I pick up a snack from Cove Cafe and bring it back to the room for them.

There have been a few times a tween or teen has skipped dessert in order to get to a program in Edge or Vibe, but my kids have agreed on our last several cruises that they prefer late dining. We tend to go to Palo on Pirate Night, so I don't have firsthand experience, but I know my kids have recently been able to go to the Pirate Party after eating in our assigned restaurant that night.

We've also discovered that the lines for photos in the lobby appear to be shorter right before 2nd dining than before 1st dining, which is helpful on formal nights if you want pictures.

As you mentioned, eating later will make it easier to attend late-afternoon programs such as beverage tastings without worrying about rushing to dinner. I don't recall many adult programs being scheduled during dinner, except for some trivia, so you won't miss out on much by eating late.

So, I think getting popcorn before the show and having a late dinner is a fine choice if your son is acclimating to eating later.

I booked early dining because that's what I do and because we tend to eat on the earlier side... but you know how kids are - once you get something figured out, they change. This last summer he has REALLY increased in his ability to be flexible and go with the flow... and for the rest of the time, there's the granola bar I keep in my purse. A year ago when I booked I could NOT imagine doing late dining with him, esp with his meds schedule... but after this summer the things that stood in the way of that seem to be disappearing.

As long as there is ice cream available, my kid will find something to eat on deck. I'm thinking I'm going to need to set some rules for that with him, lol. My son is a pretty picky eater so if there is something that he is burning to get to at the Edge I can just request that they bring his entree and then his dessert and skip the app... he doesn't like to miss dessert, lol.

lines for photos being shorter is a big plus, he still has a tough time with lines and although he won't melt like when he was younger, he still whines so if I can avoid it for my own sanity, I will.

Also our flight in the thursday before arrives at 4:35 so we can book a later dinner that night (I like to give it 3 hours from landing) and we'll be spending a late night at the parks the day before the cruise, he might even be acclimated by Saturday.

I have an 11 year old not on the spectrum (but close - we've had several requested evals but he never ends up with a diagnosis of anything - he's just an odd duck). We do early seating, just tossing our reason out there in case there's anything you didn't take into consideration.

We are early risers, which also means we're fairly early to bed. Eating too close to bed time doesn't work for him. He needs time to digest or he will puke in the middle of the night. Been there, done that (thankfully not on a cruise) on many a vacation.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

We don't have any of that going on. I am not an early riser and he is but I can push him back a little at a time on vacation and he will eventually sleep til 7:30 or 8 (up at 6ish at home). When he has fun stuff going on now he can stay up til 11 or midnight pretty easily nowadays though. I still wish there was like a 7pm option instead of 6ish or 8ish but then everyone would want that, lol. My kid is thankfully not a puker even if he goes to bed on a full stomach and he also does not tend to overdo individual meals - when he's done he's done even if it's something he loves.

My son is 14 and I've cruised DCL with him five times since he was 11. Late dining has worked well for us each cruise. The early dining time is a great time to ride the Aquaduck, and it's nice to see a show before dinner, so you can talk about it during dinner. We also always request a private table for 2 and have always managed to get one, either in advance or upon boarding. We've never missed a late show that we wanted to attend due to our dining time. We also enjoy lunch more, knowing that dinner is further away.

That is a good point about having something to talk about. Kid is super into the theater so he will have LOTS to say after the shows I'm sure. I'm hoping he has stuff to tell me about the edge too! I have read that about the aquaduck too and it looks like it is fun at night with all of the lights (we did a 4 night dream and only got to ride it a few times, always right at opening.)

My DS (now 17) is also ADHD (diagnosed in 2nd grade). and we have done late dining on all but our very first Disney Cruise. Late dining really works well for him and our family. The later seating is usually less crowded and quieter which appeals to our family of 4. We have also requested and have been lucky enough to receive a private table at the later seatings. The combination of a private table and the quieter atmosphere tends to get our family chatting and joking more freely. I can honestly say our shared dinners every night are one of my favorite things about cruising (high school practice and rehearsal schedules wreck havoc with family dinners when we are at home).

When DS was younger I also found that way the ship gets gradually quieter as passengers head off for the earlier dinner creates a natural less rushed transition to going back to the room and getting ready for dinner. The servers over the years have also been great about pacing the meal if we let them know that DS and DD wanted to head for the kid's clubs or something similar.

Finally I agree that what may be right for one family may not be right for another. Trust your gut, you do know your son better than anyone else. I hope you have an amazing time on your cruise.

That is a good point about it being potentially quieter. I know it's not QUIET anywhere on a Disney cruise with all of those kids but fewer very little ones screaming would be appreciated. He has a tough time in AP from a sensory point of view because of all of the hard surfaces and reflection of sound. I think a private table is easier for 4 than 2 - we cruised in 2018 with my parents and had no problem getting private table for 4 with them (my dad is pretty antisocial) even at early dining. But I had concerns about just the two of us.

I will just say, do not count on late dining guaranteeing you a private table. If the ship is sold out - as one in November or December is likely to be, they will very probably not be able to accommodate a private table. Even at late dining. Happened to me in July - full ship, no private tables available.

I didn't say guaranteed, just I know I have a better chance. This is for SWDAS the week AFTER president's week (Feb 22) so who knows how crowded it will be. PIF date is about 5 weeks away and I can book my stuff starting November 9th as CC Gold and I would like to do Palo brunch, Remy brunch and a 3:45 tasting on St. Thomas day (assuming schedule is the same as for earlier SWDAS cruises people are booking onboard activities for now!) Our February 2018 Dream seemed pretty crowded but who knows. I like my chances better at Late than Early dining for a private table and flexibility based on stuff I've read.

True, there is never a guarantee but it's possible, and more likely during the 2nd seating. I was able to get a private table for 2 on a sold-out Magic cruise. Early boarding & going straight to dining changes upon boarding to confirm your private table request helps with this.

I'll probably make the time to do this as well. I am still on the fence as to when to show up at the port but with this in mind I might pick an earlier PAT. We are going to be at the resort before the cruise but I am leaning toward splurging on a towncar so I can control my destiny!

Thanks for all the good thoughts, keep them coming if anyone thinks of anything else. Now much more strongly leaning to switching to late, will talk to the kiddo later!

 

[Lisa F]

we are late dining folks.. My kids are 13 and 14 now and wasnt an issue when they were 12 and 13. No way in heck we would be all cleaned up and ready for dinner at 5:45 or so... We were usually enjoying an empty pool deck at this time.
I think late seating will work out well for you as you noted you are people fatigued.. with late dining you can take advantage of those golden hours between 5 and 8pm where the pool deck empties out.. I loved being one of a handful of adults in adult area at 6pm at night. Granted i gave up the shows on those days.
Not sure what sailing you are on or how many you have done. but my older kids had no interests in the magician/comedian ( was only funny for kids under 10) and wishes and dream. we had seen those. Even if you need to make the shows, they start later than the earlier dining. so you get some time.. Also I would go to shows not showered and ready for dinner ( basically in my day clothes). I would be at the pool until 5:45 and toss clothes on and go... I used the 45 minutes between show and dinner to clean up.

I never found late dining also to get in the way of the later deck parties.. I would mention to your servers your plans if you are concerned.

A late dinner also allowed us to enjoy a lunch while on board and not rush back from exercusions.

I took 5 cruises prior to 2005 when I had a different life and was dual income/no kids. Now I am a single mother and life has changed but have stabilized to the point where I can take my son on nice vacations every 1-2 years. So I was pretty familiar with the classic ships but took a 4-night cruise on the Disney Dream in Feb 2018 and am using my placeholder for the last possible date in Feb 2020 for a star wars day at sea cruise (kid LOVES star wars and this is a huge bucket list item for me to do with him.) So familiar with the Dream class ships but we traveled with my parents in 2018 and let's just say PopPop is NOT a super flexible thinker. My parents eat very early at home and on vacation and are done and back in the room relaxing by 8pm at the latest.... they stayed up for a few shows but it was really out of the norm. Also we only did a morning excursion in Nassau and were back long before all aboard and on CC the island really starts to shut down by 3pm I found so that was no problem either for getting ready for dinner. BUT without my parents there, it will be a bit of a different flow as I only have the kiddo to worry about and not PopPop and his stuff too.

My kid is very involved in theater now but wasn't at the time and in 2018 he missed one show (I forget which, it was not BatB - he saw that... but one of the other "headliners") for something at the kid club and was sorry he had made that choice... this year since he is so into theater I am guessing the shows will be a priority. being able to be comfy for the show is a benefit too though! We also like to show up early and get good seats so that would be a less rushed transition as well than after dinner.