Tips to Enjoy Disney’s Signature Dining with Kids

My husband and I took multiple trips to Disney World as a couple before going as a family. WDW was a special place for us as a couple long before we had our 1st child. We consider ourselves Disney foodies and always splurge on a Deluxe Dining Plan for every trip. This plan allows us several opportunities to enjoy Disney’s Signature Dining restaurants.

Many things changed when we took our son on his first trip to Disney World, but the dining didn’t! We may have changed our approach to dining at Disney, but we still picked our favorite Signature Dining spots to enjoy.

California Grill has amazing views over Bay Lake. Photo Credit: Music City Moms

Check out my tips to eating at a Signature Dining location with kids:

1) Eat on Their Clock

Kids are far more tired after a Disney park day than at home. Make dining reservations for a time that reflects their normal eating habits. Hopefully they’ll be less fussy if they eat on their usual schedule.

2) Request a View

Many of the signature dining restaurants have special views. For instance, California Grill and Narcosse’s looks over Cinderella’s Castle. If it’s possible to get a table with a view, I’d request it! They can watch boats pass by, fireworks or the sunset.

3) Ask for a kid’s menu

The Signature Dining restaurants still have kid’s menus that accompany the adult’s menus. If you don’t see something they’d like, ask if any substitutions are possible. We had an excellent experience at Artist Point even though my son wasn’t interested in the kid’s menu items. Don’t be afraid to ask!

4) Bring a Little Entertainment

Just like home, I still bring a few items to keep my toddler entertained. I brought a few small books and coloring pages along. If they are used to having something at home for entertainment, they might expect it at Disney too.

5) Be Patient

Kids can be easily overstimulated at Disney and exhausted. Just remember that you aren’t the only parents trying to enjoy a dinner with kids. It’s easy to think your kid’s behavior is the worst, but (most likely) it isn’t.

I hope you can enjoy Signature Dining at Disney with kids, just like we do. It’s a taste experience that the adults will truly love and there’s no reason to avoid it when on vacation with the kids. Don’t forget: you can make advanced dining reservations 180 days prior to your Disney vacation!