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Disney World bans children from swanky restaurant
The family-oriented Disney World resort became a little less family-friendly recently. Children were once welcome in Disney's posh Victoria & Albert's, the only restaurant with a AAA 5-diamond rating. No more. Evidently, the adults need a break -- and what a better place to take one than in an intimate dining room? Besides, do kids like fancy-schmancy food? I know I didn't when I was a kid. Disney claims that it is responding to guests desires, and that children dined at Victoria & Albert's only around three times a month.
Prices at the restaurant start at $125 per person -- a bit pricey for someone who just wants grilled cheese and chicken fingers.
I'm with Disney (not that I'd ever be able to eat a Victoria & Albert's, but I'm with them on principle) -- grown-ups sometimes need some grown-up time. What do you think?
Gallery: Disneyworld
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Filed under: Food and Drink, North America, United States
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 16)
Emily Pike Jan 10th 2008 4:34PM
I think it is a good idea. But they are not going strictly on 18 and over are they? I think it should be 12 and older..my children were 13 and 17 when I took them to Disneyworld and of course they were well mannered and behaved, and appreciated the places we did eat that were a more upscale, like the Brown Derby at MGM. Not sure I would ever eat at Victoria and Albert's myself tho, never have paid that much for a meal in my life..most expensive was maybe close to $50 a plate.
Oh and I HIGHLY recommend checking out the Teppanyaku place at "Japan" in Epcot..great show to watch the food being prepared, and the food was VERY good.
Truckeray Jan 14th 2008 9:46AM
As per your comments, you mentioned your children "were." My children were very well mannered when we took them out also, but the children today are about as far from that as they can get. I've had more than one great meal interrupted because of kids and I can see where Disney is coming from.
Kathy Jan 14th 2008 10:49AM
There's nothing worse than sitting down to a good meal & having to listen to whining/crying children.
We have gotten up from our table & walked out a few times when this happened.
Why doesn't Disney create a separate room for parents with children only? Keep them segregated from adults wanting to enjoy a quiet meal.
Bobby G Jan 15th 2008 1:01AM
No, no, no... Tweens and teens do not belong either. Adults only. Only adults who have the ability to pay for the fine meal from their own hard earned money should be afforded this luxurious break on their own. I shudder to imagine the commotion any two or more teens would cause while they work themselves up into high hormone gear being overly impressed or outrageously flippant. "E-e-ew! What's tha-a-t?! Are we supposed to EAT that?!" or "Dude! That's not what it says! It's some kind of fish or something!" and of course, "What's with all these dishes and forks and stuff?!" or "Did you see what Debbie was doing on Pirates?! She was all like ..." Get the idea? Just the sight of this age group would put me on edge. That age group doesn't switch gears any better than children do in a serene environment. They have no concept when they are together regardless of the parents. When it's their dime and it's their prom or formal, let them find their way. If I'm paying for a fine adult dining experience, I'm not expecting braces and giggles at the next table. I would walk out.
AlterEgo Jan 10th 2008 4:30PM
It seems this might be handled by seating arrangements and by the person taking reservations advising parents that (although the staff will do everything to make it a pleasant experience) it is usually not a situation in which the children or their parents can appreciate the full potential of the occasion.
On the other hand, can the management be sure that diners will not be annoyed by inconsiderate "adult" patrons. How do they handle disruptive adults? Maybe the problem of unruly children (and/or parents) could be dealt with in a similar way.
JD Jan 14th 2008 7:57AM
Oh stop. Disney is huge with nothing but children friendly opportunities. There are plenty of other restaurants to choose from. There are a lot of grown up Disney lovers - even newlyweds - and a few adult only places is a no brainer.
Deb Jan 14th 2008 8:29AM
I've dined at Victoria and Alberts restaurant. It's intimate (perhaps 12 tables per two evening seating blocks), and the multicourse gourmet meal is designed to be enjoyed over the space of 2 to 2 1/2 hours with a server dedicated to one table. It is an adult dining experience which cannot be appreciated by children, and paying adults deserve to enjoy this unique Disney dining experience without restless children. I doubt that people who object to Disney's new policy have been seated for a meal at Victoria and Alberts so they do not have a point of reference for their objection. There are many places on Disney property where children and parents can eat.
Edel Ritter Jan 14th 2008 10:43AM
Definitely, children do not belong in fancy and expensive restaurants. Most of them run around, scream and the parents do nothing. Go for dinner in a fancy restaurant in Europe and you will enjoy the peace while eating (exceptions are Italy and Spain).
George Jan 14th 2008 11:11AM
Please make this a trend! Everything changes when you have children, for the parents, not society in general.
Josephine Krantz Jan 14th 2008 11:26AM
My husband and I have dined at Victoria & Albert's when we went to Disney on an adults-only weekend to celebrate my birthday. It is wonderful, but is a very small restaurant that only seats about 20 people. Thus, using "seating arrangements" to get children out of the way is not feasible. This is an adult restaurant that is for special adult occasions. We received personalized menus to keep, and I will treasure the memories of that evening always. This restaurant is not for appropriate for young children.
jt Jan 14th 2008 12:47PM
the problem is parents who let their children behave any way they want and get angry if anybody looks at them in a disapproving way. I would never allow my kids to behave that way. They never did luckily or they wouldn've been taken "outside"!!
I agree with the restaurant......and more should follow suit. If your kids can't sit in their seat and eat a meal without running around, being loud and messy, they shouldn't be in a nice restaurant where others are trying to have a nice meal. I won't dine in a nice restaurant, regardless of the price, if the place is full of unruly kids!
AJ Jan 10th 2008 5:23PM
Great job Disney! I have been to Disney World many times, and no one could ever accuse them of not being family friendly. Kids are everywhere having a great time with Mickey and the gang.
It makes sense to have kid free zones because there are many people who visit the parks who do not have children or are single adults just having a great time.
Now, they need to add a kid free hotel and the circle will be complete.
AJ
GAYLE Jan 14th 2008 8:16AM
I am at Disney right now. I totally think it is a great idea. I have a 12 year old and by the end of the day kids are maxed out and it is hard to expect them to be on their best behavior. I would never take my kid to a restaurant that charged 125.00 a plate but I think Disney should do the same at some lesser priced places. Also I agree about a hotel with no kids under 18. People like to come to Disney without kids. I love my kid but sometimes I just need a break and have some adult time. Way to go Disney!
W.JONES Jan 14th 2008 9:14AM
I have been to Disney 11 times........2 times b-4 we had twins.......after a day with 2 children you do need a break..from the kidds and the husband!The only problem is when your children are young what do you do? Well my children are now 21 and we can ALL enjoy the experience
Ilene Jan 15th 2008 3:56AM
Oh please. This is Disney World, for Pete's sake. This is a theme park for KIDS, HELLO!!! If you want a vacation away from the kids, then don't bring them to Disney. Many of you don't realize it, but when your kids grow up, the memories they have won't be of Snow White, but the fact that you were all together and made them feel warm and safe and "family". They will also realize that you just couldn't wait to get away from them to be by yourself.
Diane Jan 16th 2008 2:40AM
Ilene,
I do not have children, but have gone to Disney World as an adult because I enjoyed it as a child. My husband and I searched out restaurants that would not have children running about so we could enjoy a quiet meal together. Trust me, I like kids. They are fun to watch, but as an adult, I need a little away time from them. I think Disney is right on track. By the way, I now live in Germany and am amazed at how well behaved all the children are here, expecially in restaurants... how do the parents here do that?
James Jan 10th 2008 7:27PM
It is 10 and older. I think it is a reasonable rule. Parents shouldn't take children under 10 even if the rule doesn't exist. If you are going to pay 150+ for a meal i would expect a peaceful setting. I understand that there are children under 10 who can behave, but unfortunately this is another case of bad eggs ruining it for everyone else.
james
narie Jan 10th 2008 11:35PM
WHO THE HECK WOULD WANT TO TAKE A CHILD TO SOME PLACE THAT THE MEALS START AT $125.00? I THINK THAT AN AGE LIMIT SHOULD BE SET AT LEAST 21 TO DINE THERE. AT THOSE PRICES AND THE ATMOSPHERE IS DEFINITELY ONE FOR ADULTS. DISNEY WORLD IS A FAMILY ATMOSPHERE, SO WHY NOT HAVE A PLACE JUST FOR THE PARENTS(ADULTS). i THINK IT IS A WONDERFUL IDEA ! RIGHT ON DISNEY WORLD ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
bobcatlew Jan 14th 2008 12:34PM
Parents who want to go on a date can do that while they are not on vacation with their kids. I do it for our anniversary -- I hire a sitter for the night while we go to an expensive restaurant. (Lot cheaper than hauling everyone to Disneyland and using their services.) But when you are on vacation with your family, your children have every right to expect you to be accessible to them. Remember, you are the parent, not the child.
geltfish Jan 11th 2008 1:56AM
hooray for disney!!!!it's a great idea.