Suggestions please!

[CanuckTraveller]

We are taking our first trip to WDW in March, 4 days at the parks and 3 night DCL cruise. My boys are 7 and 4 yrs, both are excited about the trip but neither are Disney crazy. DS1 is sensitive to noise, so we will likely watch the fireworks from afar, or not at all. We will meet characters on the ship, so I'm not interested in opportunities just to interact with characters.
I'm debating booking any on site restaurants, as we aren't really interested in the princess thing, and we will get dinner shows on the ship. However, I feel like I'm missing something! Are there any restaurants you would suggest for us? I'm assuming we can feed ourselves on site without ADRs, but it will be quick service or luck of the draw.
TIA

 

[MHSweb79]

I think you can do just fine with just quick-service meals, especially since you'll probably stuff yourselves on the cruise.

If you'll have a car, then breakfast at Boma (Animal Kingdom Lodge) could be a very good choice- the resort is totally cool and there are places to go and observe some animals. Your kids might like that.

 

[carstinsmom]

Some interesting dining experiences without characters would be T-Rex or Rainforest Cafe in downtown Disney although they can be loud at times. Ohana at the Polynesian is wonderful and if you can time your reservations around the time of MK fireworks and request a table by the window they turn the lights down and pipe in the music so you get the experience without the noise. One last suggestion is Coral Reef in Epcot. It is like being in an aquarium, the kids would probably really enjoy it. Good Luck!

 

[CanuckTraveller]

Thank you both for the suggestions, here's my plan so far.
Day 1 is at HS, lunch at 50s prime time cafe
Day 2 is MK, supper at Ohana, trying to time it so we can see fireworks at 8pm (would the 6:30 or 7:15 reservation be best?)
Day 3 is MK, supper at Be our Guest then MSEP at 9pm (again need suggestions for timing...)
I have no idea where we will end up on Day 4, thinking we will probably go to Epcot or another day at MK, but going to play that one by ear.
One other question of can't seem to find an answer for is if we reserve Ohana, can we take the monorail from MK to get there? Or is there some other way? We will have our car parked on site each day.
Thanks for the help!

 

[TruBlu]

Yes, you can take the monorail to any of the resorts on the line (and to EPCOT).

You can also take any of the busses or boats.

You may want to rethink 'Ohana. It is VERY loud. There was a speaker over our table & the entertainment was nonstop. Hula, races, etc. We requested a window, but were not anywhere near one. We couldn't see anything from our table, so if seeing Wishes is important you may want to make your ADR very early then walk down to the Poly beach and watch from there. There are beach chairs & speakers for the music. Then you can walk to the Poly dock and take a boat back to MK.

Sent from Tracey's iPhone using DISBoards

 

[TDC Nala]

I agree that 'Ohana may be too loud for a child with noise issues, unless they can seat you away from the area where the entertainment is going on.

As noted, you're not guaranteed a fireworks view from your table, you should arrange to have time to see the show from the beach if the only reason you are booking 'Ohana is for the fireworks view.

T-Rex and Rainforest are likely also too loud.

 

[butsy113]

You could do Chef Mickey (or another restaurant on the monorail line) and then hop on the monorail to the Poly. You can sit on the beach and watch both the fireworks and the boat parade! Love the boat parade and so many people miss it

 

[amym2]

When we ate at Ohana last Sept we were seated in an area away from the entertainment and I don't remember noise being an issue. We were near the entrance to the restaurant, basically just behind some plants from the lobby. Downside was no fireworks, but we had other opportunities to see them.

With a car, I'd highly suggest Boma. The food is great and then you can go outside to see the animals (even in the dark).

 

[carstinsmom]

Thank you both for the suggestions, here's my plan so far.
Day 1 is at HS, lunch at 50s prime time cafe
Day 2 is MK, supper at Ohana, trying to time it so we can see fireworks at 8pm (would the 6:30 or 7:15 reservation be best?)
Day 3 is MK, supper at Be our Guest then MSEP at 9pm (again need suggestions for timing...)
I have no idea where we will end up on Day 4, thinking we will probably go to Epcot or another day at MK, but going to play that one by ear.
One other question of can't seem to find an answer for is if we reserve Ohana, can we take the monorail from MK to get there? Or is there some other way? We will have our car parked on site each day.
Thanks for the help!

I would go for the earlier reservation that way if you are willing to wait for a table at the window to open up you won't be cutting it as close. We have always gotten our request. We also haven't had issues with it being loud, there is a lot going and by no means is it a quiet place but I wouldn't call it loud but that's just my thought. As for the MSEP just leave yourself enough time to enjoy dinner without feeling rushed and give yourself enough time in case they are running late and to get a good spot for the parade.

 

[Ro Z]

When we ate at Ohana last Sept we were seated in an area away from the entertainment and I don't remember noise being an issue. We were near the entrance to the restaurant, basically just behind some plants from the lobby. Downside was no fireworks, but we had other opportunities to see them.

With a car, I'd highly suggest Boma. The food is great and then you can go outside to see the animals (even in the dark).

Didn' t notice noise at 'Ohana either. Just the annoying womans voice as she entertained the kids. She was oversoothing IMO! Too sicky sweet, I wanted to smack her. Ooohhh sorry!!T-rex and Rfc are 2 of our favs but VERY NOISY. Chef Mickeys is loud too. Concourse Steakhouse was our favorite restaurant but CMs used to ruin the atmosphere. (sadly CSh is gone.) I agree with pps Coral reef is great. Good food and the aquarium makes a nice atmosphere. Have never been to Boma for dinner but breakfast is great and I have heard from friends how good dinner is.

 

[Ro Z]

Oh BTW, 50's sometimes can be loud too. They scream your name when your table is ready. SMITH KIDS MAMA SAYS ITS DINNER TIME!!! WE ARE LOOKING FOR THE SMITH KIDS!!! You should tell them when you check in to tone it down a little.

 

[lovemy3girls]

I agree that skipping 'Ohana might be a good idea if you have a child that is sensitive to noise. My son is, too, and the entertainer there is very loud. As soon as she started, my son cried for the rest of the meal and my husband had to leave with him. As much as i love the food there, a crying child can ruin a meal. We have done 'Ohana for breakfast and that was quieter, or if you want to dine at the Poly for dinner you could try Kona. Very good food but calmer atmosphere than 'Ohana.

 

[CanuckTraveller]

Thank you all for your suggestions, I will definitely ask for the 50's staff to tone it down a bit . I went for 'Ohana, simply because it seems to be the only way we will get to enjoy the fireworks. We've been to The Rainforest Cafe in other cities and while it is loud, DS1 has tolerated it well.
Now I need to start planning the rest of the day lol!

 

[disneymagicgirl]

I was going to suggest that you go to AK one day instead of a 3rd day at MK.

How about Kona Cafe in time to finish eating and walk out to the beach for fireworks?

 

[juliebug1997]

We are taking our first trip to WDW in March, 4 days at the parks and 3 night DCL cruise. My boys are 7 and 4 yrs, both are excited about the trip but neither are Disney crazy. DS1 is sensitive to noise, so we will likely watch the fireworks from afar, or not at all. We will meet characters on the ship, so I'm not interested in opportunities just to interact with characters.
I'm debating booking any on site restaurants, as we aren't really interested in the princess thing, and we will get dinner shows on the ship. However, I feel like I'm missing something! Are there any restaurants you would suggest for us? I'm assuming we can feed ourselves on site without ADRs, but it will be quick service or luck of the draw.
TIA

If you are on the Dream, you'll only get one true dinner show where you eat while you see the show and that's when you're in Animator's Palate with Crush. All the others are Broadway styled shows.

I know you said you'll meet characters on the ship, but not every one who appears at the park is on the ship. I would ask your sons who they want to meet before completely discounting the idea of any character meet and greets at the parks.

I would suggest one character meal while you're there. They won't do that on the ship. We love: Crystal Palace, 1900 PF for breakfast and Garden Grill.

Have fun!

 

[CanuckTraveller]

I know you said you'll meet characters on the ship, but not every one who appears at the park is on the ship. I would ask your sons who they want to meet before completely discounting the idea of any character meet and greets at the parks.

Have fun!

They want to meet Lightening McQueen and the pirate we will see at Castaway Cay...whatever his name is . I've told them we won't see McQueen, which I think is right (!). I just added lunch at Le Cellier on our fourth day, the cheese soup sold me, and DS2 will want lobster by then. Plus we're Canadian and they have some great Canadian wines
I'm in way over my head with this trip, honestly it was easier planning the Western Caribbean cruise excursions last year than WDW! Thank goodness for disboards

 

[kathymu501]

Cape May at the Beach club has an awesome breakfast with charcters and crystal place is good also both breakfast and diner. Ohana is one of my favorites and we did get to see the fire works also Califorina Grill you also can see the fireworks and that is a quite meal time.

 

[juliebug1997]

They want to meet Lightening McQueen and the pirate we will see at Castaway Cay...whatever his name is :confused3. I've told them we won't see McQueen, which I think is right (!). I just added lunch at Le Cellier on our fourth day, the cheese soup sold me, and DS2 will want lobster by then. Plus we're Canadian and they have some great Canadian wines
I'm in way over my head with this trip, honestly it was easier planning the Western Caribbean cruise excursions last year than WDW! Thank goodness for disboards

You mean Captain Jack Sparrow?

 

[TDC Nala]

Anyone who says it is not loud at 'Ohana has probably never been present during the maraca parade.

You can see Lightning McQueen at Disney Hollywood Studios park (not in any restaurant).

 

[princessallegra]

Anyone who says it is not loud at 'Ohana has probably never been present during the maraca parade.

You can see Lightning McQueen at Disney Hollywood Studios park (not in any restaurant).