Last trip to Disney...any restaurants not to be missed?

[lmhall2000]

I'm 37 years old...married with three presh kiddies...Disney has been a big part of our lives...due to many relocations (promotions, new jobs etc.) we have always used Disney as our panacea. To soften the blow of a relo, we told our children the great thing about moving is we get to go to Disney and celebrate. Well, we're moving around Christmas to what we hope is our final move and January will be our final trip to Disney...love it loads but feel we need to expand our travel vistas for future family vacations.....

That said...here is where we have eaten
Liberty Tavern
Hoop-de-doo
Sci-Fi
King Stephans? Castle for lunch only
Tony's
Crystal Palace
Donald's Restaurantasaurus
Chef Mickey's at Contemporary character meal
Princess Breakfast at Norway
Great Britain pub
'Ohanas
Primetime Cafe
Brown Derby
Girls did Alice Tea Party
Le Cellier

Our children are 9, 6 & 5 and not that picky of eaters...they'll try most anything. We'd like to get atleast one character meal in and we'll be staying at the GF. My husband is a carnivore (huge steak lover) and liked Le Cellier but would like to try something new. So, for all you connoisseurs and experts at Disney...if this were your last trip for atleast 15 years...where would you eat? Thanks a bunch!
Tara

[Stiff]

marrakesh

[SamanthaL]

:eek: 15 YEARS!!! I can't even imagine!! I would work in a trip here and there for sure. That's not what you asked though, is it?;)

I would do Cape May for breakfast and I have always wanted to try France and Mexico. I would eat a Chef Mickey's because it has been forever since we have done that and I love the fish and chips in England. I guess if I didn't have picky eaters I would try to do more in the different countries . Oh we really enjoyed Coral Reef for lunch. The haddock was the best as were the twice baked potatoes and I would die for a Chocolate wave!

[tink2]

Wow- last trip to Disney? Your story almost brought tears to my eyes! Our Dec. trip will be our 4th in 5 years. We are thinking we may not return for a couple of years after this trip- if we can stand it (which I don't think we can). But I can't imagine thinking it would be our last trip in 15 years. Oh the pressure of making the trip great!
Anyway, back to your question. My #1 character meal would have to be CRT breakfast in the castle- just can't be beat, the atmosphere of the castle plus the princesses- priceless. Especially if you have daughters. Then I would say Crystal Palace- we love that place!!! Then maybe Chef Mickey's- even though we are eating there for the first time in Dec.- it has a lot of the main characters. I love character meals and think I would have to do several.
Good luck making your plans! I'm sure your family will have a magical trip!!!princess:

[Simba's Mom]

If you think your kids might like a character meal (Hey, who doesn't?), try 1900 Park Faire.

[lmhall2000]

Yes, the pressure is on (I'm sure it's all on me and noone will complain whatever I choose) but we always plan a "big" family vacation every other year and a stay at a friend's beach house the other years....now that the kids are old enough to travel and more independent (meaning no diapers, strollers, binkies) we really want to travel to abroad...in order to afford those trips prior to college (all three will be in at the same time...so I'm sure vacations at that time will be pitching a tent at a state park! :)) we've got to save now...first trip is Great Britain Spring 2006! :) YEAH! My husband is a huge Disney fan so I did tell him we could do Euro Disney...but I'm sure it won't be the same...so this is our last Disneyworld trip! :)

Cape May and Coral Reef sound fun...where are they? We've never done seafood restaurants...are these the two to target? I'm trying to budget 2 character meals (breakfast or dinner) and 2 really nice dinners (no more than $150 for the family) and 3-4 lunches/dinners that are a little less....

Something I'm considering is taking my 9 year old son to Victoria & Albert's while my husband takes the girls to a night out....is there anyone who can tell me $$$ for V&A's without wines? We've been working on manners and he's got a big interest in how things are cooked...does he have to wear a jacket? Thanks!

Tara

[SamanthaL]

Originally posted by lmhall2000

Cape May and Coral Reef sound fun...where are they? We've never done seafood restaurants...are these the two to target? I'm trying to budget 2 character meals (breakfast or dinner) and 2 really nice dinners (no more than $150 for the family) and 3-4 lunches/dinners that are a little less....


Tara

Cape May is in the Beach Club hotel. If you were to the character breakfast it would be a great day to tour Epcot since Epcot is a 4 minute walk. You enter through the International Gateway over in World Showcase! Pretty walk along the water too. Cape May has an all you can eat clam bake too but no characters. We love it! There are plenty of non-seafood items too.

Coral Reef is near the Living Seas in Epcot and has a great atmosphere. We tried it hesitantly because of mixed reviews on this board. We loved it! Pricey but lunch is more resonable!

Good luck and let us know what you decide! But decide quick!! I am about to head to the World myself and I want to know!!:teeth: :teeth:

[bugbugmom]

Boma...breakfast and/or dinner. Restaurant Marrekesh was a pleasant surprise for lunch. Kona Cafe was also good for dinner.

[kathy carleton]

1900 Park Faire is our favorite character meal (and we have done them all at least one time ) do not miss the strawberry soup and omlet bar... characters are great! ANother never miss is Boma and Le Chefs de France. We like many others, but those are never misses.. I enjoyed Spoodles too........

[tarheelmjfan]

Our favorites:

Artist Point- We think this restaurant is by far the best we've eaten at while at WDW. (We haven't been to V&A though, we're waiting for DS(12) to get older. Hopefully others can help you on this.)

Les Chefs de France - This is our must do in Epcot, then we usually try a different one there each trip. (We would love to try Bistro de Paris, but last I heard you had to be 18 to enter. If they've changed their policy, you may want to consider taking your DS there. If the policy has changed let me know, because I want to take my DS too. :teeth: )

Flying Fish - This is on the Boardwalk, and the restaurant we recommend for seafood.

For Character buffets, I would recommend CRT for the girls. If you can't get that then, PSB. Our DS enjoys the breakfast at 1900 PF best. The Mad Hatter is hilarious!

Good luck planning the perfect trip! :)

[Ron from Michigan]

Jiko in the Animal Kingdom Lodge

Mama Melrose MGM

Kona Cafe Poly resort ( Tonga Toast for b'fast )

[doodle]

Hi Tara! I've sent you a PM.

[wdwobsessed]

Prime Time Cafe ... just for the whole experience of it. I think it's truly "Disney." I love that place!! We also think the Alfredo's at L' Original is the best ever ... not to be missed!

There are so many places. But I think if I knew I was never going back .. I'd have to have that Alfredo's one last time ... and eat in the Castle since I never have.

And have a Mickey bar ... and dole whip ... lol

WDWO

[3DAN]

Hopefully you aren't serious about that length of time. I bought into the vacation club and plan on going for the next 40 years. However, if you are, then what images do you want the kids at that young age to remember. As they get older they will eventually not want to go there even when you do. I would repeat Chef Mickeys near the end as it is the most extreme Disney eatery with the characters and the monorail at the same time.

[wmarsich]

Another vote for Artists Point - wonderful meal!
Also, how about Whispering Canyon? It's fun for the whole family.

[danny1649]

At MGM is one of our favorites.::yes:: :wave2:

[F1Julie]

Another vote for 1900 Park Fare for your character meal. Breakfast and dinner are both great there. I would also try Boma. DD4 and I both love it. It's a must-do for us every trip. I also want to say good for you for expanding your vacation horizons. Right now, WDW is my primary vacation destination with DD4. We go frequently now, but I know in a couple years we'll move onto something else. There are so many other places I'd like to take her when she's older. I think it's great you'll be taking your kids to Europe and other great places.

[sugermouse]

You definately want to try the Cape May Cafe. Great food for adults and children. Wait until you try the oreo bon bons for dessert!! ::MickeyMo

[MamaQuack]

Tara,

I've sent you a pm.

MamaQuack

[sanilacjack]

My vote is for

Beaches and Cream at BC. A great lunch or early dinner. Great burgers and great atmosphere. My kids love the desserts.

and if you husband loves steak - try Concourse Steakhouse at CR.

We like both of them.


I just have to say it - I think you will be back to WDW sooner than 15 years. (We can all hope)


Sending Pixie dust your way,
Kim

[AKASnowWhite]

Originally posted by lmhall2000
if this were your last trip for atleast 15 years...where would you eat? :faint:

DH a-l-w-a-y-s says "this is our last trip for a LOOOONG time":sad1: yet, we seem to be going again, and again...so I'll hold out some hope for you! Anyway....my kids picked the following for you (well, for your KIDS actually....)

Teppanyaki (Japan)
Whispering Canyon Cafe (Wilderness Lodge)
Chefs de France
Jiko's (AKL)
Beirgarten (Germany)
Sci-Fi diner

there's not much my kids don't like, but places that they consider "once was enough" (or in some cases TOO much!) are.....
Cape May Cafe (GREAT if you are a clambake lover though)
Coral Reef (again, perhaps it's a seafood thing!)
50's Prime Time
Tony's Town Square
Cinderella's Castle :eek: :eek:
Poly Luau

[lmhall2000]

You guys are GREAT!!!!

Here's what I'm thinking based on y'alls suggestions....

Whispering Canyon (sounds like fun!)
Park Fair (sp?) for the character breakfast...the strawberry soup sounds too interesting to pass up.
Concourse Steakhouse...is this better or worse than Yachtman's Steakhouse and is either more kid friendly?
Going to try for Cinderella's Royal Table...it reopens the day we start so it may be tough to get.
Chefs de France...never have been there...think this will be a fun dining for the kids with all the french accents.
Mama Melrose....love italian! But really did not like Tony's so I'm hoping this one fares better.
Beaches & Cream....those cheeseburgers sound hard to pass up and we've never been to that area...would love to see it.

I think this will be a fun trip to plan and yes, it just must be our last trip because I am planting my feet and hoping we never have to move again.....Disney has done a fine job at keeping our spirits up during those hectic moves....we need to find other ventures to seek fun and growth....but when the kids are all graduated from college I'll plan a BIG BLOWOUT return to Disney! And I'm sure my husband and I will retire once we have grandchildren and turn into CM's sweeping floors on Main Street! :) Disney hasn't seen the last of us yet...just a little siesta for the next decade +....
Thanks everyone for your great ideas!!!!

Tara

[Kimmielee]

Originally posted by lmhall2000

Mama Melrose....love italian! But really did not like Tony's so I'm hoping this one fares better.

Tara

Tara, what did you not like about Tony's? I just made a PS for us there our first night at MK!!!:confused:

[MrBelding]

One of our favs is the Kona Cafe in the Poly. No big on theme but food was out standing. Highly recommend Dinner, never seems to be crowded and seafood entrees are wonderful! Can't go wrong w/Breakfast either....Tonga Toast!

[lmhall2000]

I'm sure there are folks that have had great service food there....but ya know when you have an experience that you just walk away from going "UGH...we had to waste some of our time in that place?" Well, that was Tony's for us...I normally give a place a second chance but it was so bad the first time I don't want to risk it....Medium steak was charred beyond chewing...they didn't even offer to re-cook it just looked at me as if they were sorry...kids spaghetti was cold...our food took over 45 minutes to get to us while others around us had come and gone...ya know the kind of experience...oh and the forks had stuck on food on them...it just was all around bad...

I'm sure you'll have a great meal and that's probably the better bet...I just can't go there again.
Tara