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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 16 of 16)
reba Jan 16th 2008 3:56AM
Ti I live in the nyc area, and my son has been going to 200.00 a person dinners in nyc restaurants like tavern on the green since he was 4 years old. children , like adults are either well-mannered or not. it is not age-based. i find this policy discriminatory and i might add that my son was also always welcome at my law school or at court when he was home sick from school and i needed to be at those places.
Hprinze Jan 16th 2008 5:56AM
Anyone who doesn't like Disney's policies in their restaurants or anywhere else can buy Disney World and make the rules any way they like
Linda Bruce Jan 16th 2008 11:50AM
Disney has many places for family fun and food. It is a great idea to have at least one place for grown ups who are ready to spend quite a lot of money for a special evening. I have eaten at Victoria and Alberts and enjoyed it very much. It is not a menu or atmosphere that would appeal to kids. If a family wishes to dine at an upscale restaurant in Disney the California Cafe in the Comtemporary Hotel is wonderful and would be a better dining "experience" for children.
There are places for kids and places that are better for adults. We should be able to choose without some groups feeling abused.
travelingmom.com Jan 16th 2008 8:47PM
Do you think airlines should implement the same strategy? Child-free flights? I already know George's response.
Kelly Jan 16th 2008 11:14PM
Donna said: "First of all, why on earth would there be a restaurant like that AT Disney - I know, I know, Disney isn't just for kids......and most folks go to Disney with their kids, to spend "quality time" with them....kind of defeating the purpose of taking that FAMILY trip don't you think??"
And this is what it all boils down to. The definition of "FAMILY" must always include children. There are no child-free families. There are no seniors couples. There are no newlyweds who have not had children yet.
Think of all the seniors who vacation at WDW. Honeymooners, etc. Your view, Donna, is extremely short-sided and actually somewhat insulting to those families who don't or can't have children. Or, at the most, are older and empty nesters.
lin Jan 17th 2008 1:33AM
#136 youre assuming everyone has kids. Shame on you. There are infertile people in this world who have the right to a decent meal without kids wailing and screaming their heads off. And I'm sorry, taking a night out alone isnt' going to KILL your kids. What if you booked the hotel and dinner for your anniversary?? Hello, there is a WEDDING PAVILION THERE?!?!!?
Once again. you're assuming everyone has kids or that the rich can't be bothered with theirs.
lin Jan 17th 2008 1:37AM
121,122,123
Get a grip. Not everything in this world revolves around kids. I'm going to disagree with you on the "RIGHT" to eat at this restaurant. WIth the florida clean indoor air act, smokers do NOT have a right to smoke in this restaurant. Pleasure Island has an age limit and your child does NOT have a right to be there. I have a right to bear arms but that doesn't give me the RIGHT to carry it in public and wave it in front of people. Use some common sense here. If the $$$$$ restaurant required you to wear a suit and tie, do you think for a minute you'd get in wearing a tank top or polo shirt? So if you think for a minute taking precious Johnny to Victoria & Alberts because you have a RIGHT to let him eat there, you're wrong.
George Jan 17th 2008 5:28AM
I say leave the kids at home. The lines will be shorter..lmfao
Julie Jan 17th 2008 11:38AM
I think Disney has taken an appropriate step, but let's face it: the only reason they had to make a rule is there are parents out there who have more money than sense. There is no child on the planet that would endure 2-1/2 hours at the dinner table. They would be miserable and so would everyone around them. My nephews can barely handle 45 minutes at the table. So a parent who wants his/her child to have the most fun at Disneyworld wouldn't take the child there anyway. Having an adults-only dining experience allows Disney to offer ALL of its patrons the opportunity to have a memorable time - however they may define it.
Sandy Burr Jan 17th 2008 1:23PM
Disneyland in Anaheim needs a restaurant like
this.
MV Jan 17th 2008 4:33PM
If kids only dined there 3 times a month anyways ? what is the problem ?
Mary Jan 17th 2008 6:17PM
Well thank goodness. For them to offer at least one space for adults only is wonderful. Children aren't the only people that go to Disneyland - honeymooners and all kinds of couples go.
As far as your kids having "every right" to expect you to be accessible to them on vacation - BULL! Vacations ARE NOT just for kids. They can learn to respect that mom and dad need time alone instead of being selfish "it's all about me" whiners. Parents who cow-tail to their kids and don't show them how to be adults with actual lives don't help them learn to BE adults with actual lives.
Bob W Jan 19th 2008 7:40AM
How long is AOL going to run this about Disney? It has been on AOL for 2 weeks. It is very old news.
No wonder people are leaving AOL in hordes.
Rosemarie Jan 19th 2008 10:52AM
I took my children everywhere. They were perfect. Got a lot of comments on how great they were in public. My duaghter (now 20) ate with a fork and knife (child size) at 1. She's a gift. My son is now 18. Perfect kid. I now have a second marriage with a 6 yr old. I take him to McDonald's, and the diner, and a restaurant (where he enjoys adult food) with my husband that can handle him sitting quietly with Transformers. Our meal is usually ended by the time he is crying over not being able to transform his toy. Parents need to know their individual child's limitations (and theirs as well) at any public place, including even Wal-Mart. I would never put myself or my children in an environment where they were uncomfortable for my pleasure. Price tag or not, an intimate setting of 20 people is no longer intimate if you've left your children home to listen to someone else's. If I'm paying that price for the ultimate dining experience, then I want the experience without children,; well behaved or not!
PAM Jan 19th 2008 7:32PM
Ive already made a comment, but had to add alittle more. This is great for the ones whom can afford to dine at such of an expensive restaurant. Disney also needs to have other restaurants that couples can go, after a long day with their children, and dine alone, in a less expensive but intimate atmosphere.
PAM Jan 19th 2008 7:28PM
Rosemarie, you are very right. My children too, were very well mannered. There is a time and place for everyone. When i want to go out and enjoy a nice evening, at least I knew i had the option. I think Disney did a good thing. The ones who are so uptight about this entire ordeal are the ones who have the money and who can afford to take their children out for $125.00 dinners. Unfortunately, those are the ones whose children are not very well disciplined. Its not any different then going out at night to one of the Disney Clubs......Would these people want to take their children there???