UPGRADED to Deluxe...HELP!!!

[Benbuck6]

OK, we are going to WDW on Christmas Day and Staying till 01/02/10. I upgraded because I wanted to do some 2 credit things and believed it was going to leave me with too few credits. Also, this is the ONLY time my mom will ever got to go to WDW...so, I wanted to go all out for her. So Thursday when I went to travel agent I realized I was almost completely done paying for the trip and I have till 11/11/09 to pay...so, I but the bullet and upgraded. Here will be my cast...

My Mom - 76 yrs old
Me - 37
Wife - a little younger than me but old enough for me not to tell
Son - 8
Son - 5
Daughter - 19 months at time of trip

I have realized now that 3 times the meals is equaling 3 times the planning, and I have a ton of questions.

1) Candlelight Processional - which restuarant is the best in the package...I want to do Coral Reef, but should I do that one on another night...or Le Cellier I hear is good too
2) OK, folks - I have never had the credits to waste on breakfast but now I do...talk to me about breakfast - where to go
3) Do I tip off what the DDP cost me or the bill?
4) What are some definites you would do?
5) What are your stay away from at all costs?
6) Character Dining is important to us as we don't have to wait in lines at the park to see and get pics with characters because we already had gotten alot of em while dining...where all to go?
7) Any other advice...I know some don't think the DDP is worth it, but I am one who DOES NOT like to count money during vacation...I pay for EVERYTHING up front and only spend money on souvineers while on vacation...I budget before I leave so I dont have to while I am there...So, deluxe is done...now I have to plan.

Thanks in advance.

[GoofySon'sMom]

We will be there the same days! :cool1:

I haven't done the CP package but have eaten at most of the EPCOT restaurants. I would definitely say to take Le Cellier if you can get in. We also loved Tutto Italia last trip. I like Coral Reef but do think it may be better to stay in the World Showcase.

There is only one avoid at all costs restaurant for us -- San Angel in Mexico. Ate there twice about 5 years apart, had bad food and worse service both times. We are also not fans of Tony's in the Magic Kingdom but many love it so it could be that it's just not for us. A must in the MK for us is The Plaza. Great place for lunch!

With your DSs I would say to go to Donald's breakfast at Tusker House and 'Ohana for breakfast character meals. Stitch is a riot at 'Ohana! That is our favorite breakfast place. Not sure where you are staying but Boma has a great breakfast as well (no characters though).

[Colleen27]

1) Candlelight Processional - which restuarant is the best in the package...I want to do Coral Reef, but should I do that one on another night...or Le Cellier I hear is good too

Not sure about the package specifics, but both of those are good picks. I'd plan on going with whichever you can get for the package, since they tend to book quickly, and then try to get the other on another night.

2) OK, folks - I have never had the credits to waste on breakfast but now I do...talk to me about breakfast - where to go

Given your kids' ages, I don't think I'd bother with a princess breakfast. Your daughter is probably too young to know who they are and your boys are old enough to roll their eyes at the very idea of eating with Princesses. The exception to that would be if you can get a breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Table before the park opens for the day; the empty Main Street pictures are priceless, and dining in the castle really is a wonderful, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Our favorite character breakfast was Ohana. Stitch is really fun and Stitch-like, and even my too-cool-for-characters 10yo got into it.

I can't really help on non-character breakfasts, because we aren't breakfast people and haven't ever done any!

3) Do I tip off what the DDP cost me or the bill?

Always tip off the pre-tax bill. As a party of 6, you'll receive a bill for an 18% gratuity (based on the total menu price of your order), though of course you can leave more if you feel the service warrants it.

4) What are some definites you would do?

California Grill. The view is just fabulous, and on the deluxe plan there's no reason to skimp on the signature dinners. Great sushi and flatbreads, and the most fun kids' dessert - rice crispy and gummy fish 'sushi'.

Teppan Edo. Maybe not a must-do if you have a Benihana or something similar that you frequent at home, but it is a fun experience and good food.

Narcoosees. If anyone in your family enjoys lobster, this is the only place to get it on the dining plan. The almond crusted cheesecake might just be the best dessert Disney has to offer, and that's saying something given the ample selection of sweets they have!

And not really a specific recommendation, but a suggestion nonetheless - I'd book one of the restaurants at the Wilderness Lodge, simply because that is one of the most beautiful resorts at the holidays. Artist Point has excellent food and a nice, quiet (by Disney standards, anyway) atmosphere. We've never tried Whispering Canyon because it is too rambunctious for me, but the food smelled really good and it would probably be a lot of fun for 5 & 8yo boys.

5) What are your stay away from at all costs?

I don't really have any. Just one word of warning- Sci-Fi Dine-In is a lot of fun and a good meal, if you stick to burgers, onion rings, and other diner fare. They have a reputation for really screwing up some of their more complex entrees, though. We still go there often for a burger, onion rings, and a shake in an incomparable atmosphere, but we do stick to the tried-and-true.

6) Character Dining is important to us as we don't have to wait in lines at the park to see and get pics with characters because we already had gotten alot of em while dining...where all to go?

I think the best thing to do is decide which characters you want to see, and then take a look at AllEars' "Where the characters dine" page (http://allears.net/din/cb.htm) and decide which of the restaurants they appear at best fit into your plans. Keep in mind that most are buffets, but not all, so if you think your mother might prefer the time off her feet or if you're like me and hate buffets with little kids, you can look for the family-style choices like Ohana, Cinderella's Royal Table, and Garden Grill.

7) Any other advice...I know some don't think the DDP is worth it, but I am one who DOES NOT like to count money during vacation...I pay for EVERYTHING up front and only spend money on souvineers while on vacation...I budget before I leave so I dont have to while I am there...So, deluxe is done...now I have to plan.


We love the deluxe plan almost as much as a budgeting tool as for the food, so I know where you're coming from there.

You don't mention where you're staying, but if it is a deluxe resort, don't overlook the luxury of room service. Sure, it takes two credits, but it is SO worth it when you just don't want to haul out to get something late at night or on a morning when you don't have plans, and on the deluxe plan, you'll likely have the credits to burn.

Also, be sure to spend some time checking out the snack credit sticky on the top of the board. There are so many good choices! Don't miss the legendary Dole Whip, Schoolbread, and my personal favorite - a visit to the Main Street Confectionery with plenty of snack credits to spend!

And don't hesitate to use those snack credits for the more mundane either; you'll have plenty to use for goodies and for bottled water. Don't even think about paying OOP for anything that a snack credit will cover!

Keep a close eye on how your park plans and dining plans line up. You don't want to find yourself spending a ton of time traveling to and from meals. And think beyond buses! Monorail resorts, the boat to the Wilderness Lodge, the boat from HS to the Epcot area resorts... Travel time doesn't feel so wasted on a boat or monorail as it does on a bus.

[Cindy's Mom]

Not sure about the package specifics, but both of those are good picks. I'd plan on going with whichever you can get for the package, since they tend to book quickly, and then try to get the other on another night.



Given your kids' ages, I don't think I'd bother with a princess breakfast. Your daughter is probably too young to know who they are and your boys are old enough to roll their eyes at the very idea of eating with Princesses. The exception to that would be if you can get a breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Table before the park opens for the day; the empty Main Street pictures are priceless, and dining in the castle really is a wonderful, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Our favorite character breakfast was Ohana. Stitch is really fun and Stitch-like, and even my too-cool-for-characters 10yo got into it.

I can't really help on non-character breakfasts, because we aren't breakfast people and haven't ever done any!



Always tip off the pre-tax bill. As a party of 6, you'll receive a bill for an 18% gratuity (based on the total menu price of your order), though of course you can leave more if you feel the service warrants it.



California Grill. The view is just fabulous, and on the deluxe plan there's no reason to skimp on the signature dinners. Great sushi and flatbreads, and the most fun kids' dessert - rice crispy and gummy fish 'sushi'.

Teppan Edo. Maybe not a must-do if you have a Benihana or something similar that you frequent at home, but it is a fun experience and good food.

Narcoosees. If anyone in your family enjoys lobster, this is the only place to get it on the dining plan. The almond crusted cheesecake might just be the best dessert Disney has to offer, and that's saying something given the ample selection of sweets they have!

And not really a specific recommendation, but a suggestion nonetheless - I'd book one of the restaurants at the Wilderness Lodge, simply because that is one of the most beautiful resorts at the holidays. Artist Point has excellent food and a nice, quiet (by Disney standards, anyway) atmosphere. We've never tried Whispering Canyon because it is too rambunctious for me, but the food smelled really good and it would probably be a lot of fun for 5 & 8yo boys.



I don't really have any. Just one word of warning- Sci-Fi Dine-In is a lot of fun and a good meal, if you stick to burgers, onion rings, and other diner fare. They have a reputation for really screwing up some of their more complex entrees, though. We still go there often for a burger, onion rings, and a shake in an incomparable atmosphere, but we do stick to the tried-and-true.



I think the best thing to do is decide which characters you want to see, and then take a look at AllEars' "Where the characters dine" page (http://allears.net/din/cb.htm) and decide which of the restaurants they appear at best fit into your plans. Keep in mind that most are buffets, but not all, so if you think your mother might prefer the time off her feet or if you're like me and hate buffets with little kids, you can look for the family-style choices like Ohana, Cinderella's Royal Table, and Garden Grill.



We love the deluxe plan almost as much as a budgeting tool as for the food, so I know where you're coming from there.

You don't mention where you're staying, but if it is a deluxe resort, don't overlook the luxury of room service. Sure, it takes two credits, but it is SO worth it when you just don't want to haul out to get something late at night or on a morning when you don't have plans, and on the deluxe plan, you'll likely have the credits to burn.

Also, be sure to spend some time checking out the snack credit sticky on the top of the board. There are so many good choices! Don't miss the legendary Dole Whip, Schoolbread, and my personal favorite - a visit to the Main Street Confectionery with plenty of snack credits to spend!

And don't hesitate to use those snack credits for the more mundane either; you'll have plenty to use for goodies and for bottled water. Don't even think about paying OOP for anything that a snack credit will cover!

Keep a close eye on how your park plans and dining plans line up. You don't want to find yourself spending a ton of time traveling to and from meals. And think beyond buses! Monorail resorts, the boat to the Wilderness Lodge, the boat from HS to the Epcot area resorts... Travel time doesn't feel so wasted on a boat or monorail as it does on a bus.

I'll do ya one better than room service.....room service delivered to a quiet pool. Pure Heaven!!! We just order for 2 people, between the appetizer, the entree and the dessert, there is plenty of food for us and the kids. We also order An appetizer or 2 OOP as well.

[WDmommyof4]

1) Candlelight Processional - which restuarant is the best in the package...I want to do Coral Reef, but should I do that one on another night...or Le Cellier I hear is good too
2) OK, folks - I have never had the credits to waste on breakfast but now I do...talk to me about breakfast - where to go
3) Do I tip off what the DDP cost me or the bill?
4) What are some definites you would do?
5) What are your stay away from at all costs?
6) Character Dining is important to us as we don't have to wait in lines at the park to see and get pics with characters because we already had gotten alot of em while dining...where all to go?
7) Any other advice...I know some don't think the DDP is worth it, but I am one who DOES NOT like to count money during vacation...I pay for EVERYTHING up front and only spend money on souvineers while on vacation...I budget before I leave so I dont have to while I am there...So, deluxe is done...now I have to plan.

Thanks in advance.

We are going deluxe in December as well it will be me 27, my DM 71, and my boys 9,8,6, and 3. Dining is a big part of our vacations, so we know what you mean about liking everything to be paid off before leaving.

1. As for CP I have never done the package, I would say do Le Cellier that night if you are able to and then Coral Reef later in the vacation.

2. We love Donald's breakfast in the Animal Kingdom and it is our favorite character dining location as well. 1900 Park Fare for breakfast really wowed my oldest boys this past trip as well. They loved the Mad Hatter!!! You could always try for CRT breakfast and Chef Mickeys as well.

3. As mentioned by a PP you will have the 18% tip automatically listed on your bill as a party of six and it will be on the menu price of your meals before tax, not on the amount you paid for the dining plan that day.

4. Our definites center more around where my children beg to go and not necessarily where I feel the best food is. Our must dos each trip include Coral Reef, CRT for lunch or dinner, and Ohana. I personally love the counter service in Japan and Yak and Yeti for the skirt steak is a must do for me.

5. We swore off Crystal Palace years ago because we had been three times, saw a max of 2 characters each time and other times saw none at all until I begged a manager to bring one or two over. Other than that, I have never had a problem with the food or service anywhere at Disney.

6. If you go to Akershus, Chef Mickeys or Donald's Breakfast, 1900 Park Fare, and Ohana for breakfast, you will get the Fab Five, Alice, Mary Poppins, Mad Hatter, the princesses, and Lilo and Stitch out of the way. You can also do CP for the Pooh characters, but like I said we swore them off.

7. If you have extras meals left and are driving home, you can get a few pizzas for dinner or lunch in the next day or so. Also, if you are flying home, you can turn your meal credits into snack credits in some cases to bring home small edible treats such as wrapped mickey rice krispy heads.

Use your snacks for drinks if you need drinks throughout the day. You may think that you need to save the snacks for something better than a drink, but you will usually find a bunch of snack credits left at the end of the vacation. Eating a breakfast and early two credit dinner can help spend some of the credit without requiring three sit down meals a day. The same can be accomplished with an early lunch and late two credit dinner or show. Have a great vacation!!

[Cindy's Mom]

Regarding #5 from previous post: We too kinda are not the biggest fan of CP, BUT since we are on the DDDP, and we have to eat breakfast anyway, we choose a 8:05 ADR for CP, we get into MK early, take fantastic photos, eat rather quickly and we are on Splash Mountain at 9a sharp. Then we high tail on over to Pirates.

Being toward the back end of the park when it opens really maximizes your day. If we weren't on DDDP - we would never waste a credit or money on CP bfast, so this too is a perk for us on the DDDP. :goodvibes