Well, this trip was....different. UPDATE - 9/1!

[amandaw]

Love the picture of Reid (with the chain link fence)... TOO cute!

Thank you!! I really like that one as well.

Ugh, sorry about the checkin mixup. That's frustrating.

It really was frustrating. Even Reid and Ed were getting aggravated.

I'm glad breakfast was alright. Better than bad, at least! At least you can say you've been there, right?

Yep, that's pretty much it! We went, we saw, we ate. Now it can be crossed off the list.

Fun update, Amanda. We had nothing but issues when we ate at H&V twice. We didn't do breakfast...but dinner. The one time they totally messed up our ADR, and both times the food was mediocre at best and not hot (plus the restaurant was filthy and the service awful). But I'm glad you went and Reid enjoyed the characters. It looks as if he is rather "smitten" with that one character...love that picture.

Thanks!

Seems like a lot of people have bad experiences there. I was really on the fence about whether or not to even book this ADR. In the end, I'm glad I did it for Reid. But, it definitely won't be one we return to.

Thank you....I was kind of surprised by how smitten he was with June. I mean, he likes that show but I've never seen him get that way with a character before. It was cute!

 

[shan23877]

Oh no! I'm so sorry that breakfast was so mehhh. How frustrating that the check in was messed up!

It did look like Reid liked the characters though! For some reason Maddie has her heart set on going back even though she barely watches Disney Jr anymore. I guess once more won't kill us.

 

[amandaw]

Oh no! I'm so sorry that breakfast was so mehhh. How frustrating that the check in was messed up!

If our check-in hadn't been messed up, perhaps I would feel a little bit better about H&V. But, it really just started the meal off on the wrong foot. Oh well....at least the food wasn't horrible.

It did look like Reid liked the characters though! For some reason Maddie has her heart set on going back even though she barely watches Disney Jr anymore. I guess once more won't kill us.

I have to say that he did really have a lot of fun at that meal.

Maddie loves her characters so much! If Reid was like that, I would perhaps consider going back for her. And, if I remember correctly, y'all had a better experience there than we did.

I am only planning one character meal for our December trip: Chef Mickey's. Reid was so disappointed that we didn't go there this year. And since I booked us a TPV @ the CR today, it would be super easy to get to!!!

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Wow... I'm always totally neurotic about them messing up names and things at those morning breakfast check ins especially... it's a good thing you you followed up on them...

But all's well that ends well and it looks like Reid had a really good time with the characters at H&V...

When David was Reid's age... Jake & the Pirates weren't around but he did like Handy Manny and that little girl character from Little Einsteins... June...lol... he used to smile at her on tv... so I'm sure he'd have had a look on his face like Reid did if he had gotten to meet her...lol...

Some places are one time shots and others are favorite go back to places...it all works out... (plus you're in the park now...

 

[afwdwfan]

Not the best looking skies, huh?

Hmmm... more rain on the horizon???

Well, many minutes went by with many other people being seated ahead of us. In the meantime, I noticed that they kept calling for another family with our last name. Now, we do have a very common last name so it wouldn’t be odd for another family with the same last name to be there. So, every few minutes, I was hearing a waiter call for “very common family name, party of 5”. Because the party size was different, I didn’t think it was us. Also, the first name he was saying isn’t my name.

Oh no...

That's really frustrating. I'd hope they would realize there are 2 ADR's on the list for the same last name... and they'd at least catch the different party size when they'd checked you in.



I'm glad that overall, the experience was ok. A breakfast buffet is a breakfast buffet for the most part. Reid looks like he at least had a good time with the characters. I don't understand why they still have Oso there. I don't see him on Disney Jr very much anymore and if there is a Disney Jr character that I just want to punch, it is him.


I have to say that I'm not a big H&V fan myself. The last time we ate there was a dinner ADR in 2008. We checked in and had to wait outside, crammed under what little bit of protection there was from the rain with a bunch of other people and we waited forever to finally be called in. Once we got in, the hot food in the buffet was cold. I like to give the benefit of the doubt, but I get what you're saying about a bad experience with a check in or something just leaving a bad taste about a place.

 

[MEK]

Bummer - I missed an update! Be back later when I can see pics!

 

[amandaw]

Wow... I'm always totally neurotic about them messing up names and things at those morning breakfast check ins especially... it's a good thing you you followed up on them...

It was so aggravating. And the other woman's 1st name? Yeah, not even close to my name.

But all's well that ends well and it looks like Reid had a really good time with the characters at H&V...

Yes, at least the meal ended on a high note. Reid really enjoyed himself at that meal.

When David was Reid's age... Jake & the Pirates weren't around but he did like Handy Manny and that little girl character from Little Einsteins... June...lol... he used to smile at her on tv... so I'm sure he'd have had a look on his face like Reid did if he had gotten to meet her...lol...

That's too funny! Wonder what it is with June that has all the boys so smitten?

Some places are one time shots and others are favorite go back to places...it all works out... (plus you're in the park now...

Absolutely! In the end, I'm glad we did it. At least I know how I feel about it now instead of having to wonder.

Hmmm... more rain on the horizon???

Maybe....but it won't be as much as the previous day at MK.

Oh no...

That's really frustrating. I'd hope they would realize there are 2 ADR's on the list for the same last name... and they'd at least catch the different party size when they'd checked you in.

Right?!? I mean, yes, our last name is the same. But, our party size was different and my first name and that woman's first name were very different from each other.

I'm glad that overall, the experience was ok. A breakfast buffet is a breakfast buffet for the most part. Reid looks like he at least had a good time with the characters. I don't understand why they still have Oso there. I don't see him on Disney Jr very much anymore and if there is a Disney Jr character that I just want to punch, it is him.

OMG! Me, too! That "unique stuffed bear" is the most annoying character ever! He's such an idiot, he just aggravates me. I mean, he's supposed to be going to the child to help them with whatever but they always end up teaching him. He's just so stupid! Ok, Oso rant over.

I have to say that I'm not a big H&V fan myself. The last time we ate there was a dinner ADR in 2008. We checked in and had to wait outside, crammed under what little bit of protection there was from the rain with a bunch of other people and we waited forever to finally be called in. Once we got in, the hot food in the buffet was cold. I like to give the benefit of the doubt, but I get what you're saying about a bad experience with a check in or something just leaving a bad taste about a place.

I could just imagine how it would be waiting to get in there with it raining! Yeah, one bad thing can just completely turn you against a restaurant or resort. Sometimes, you're just not left with a reason to give the place another try.

Bummer - I missed an update! Be back later when I can see pics!

No worries!

 

[creativeamanda]

We had breakfast at Hollywood and Vine once. It was a similar experience and I wouldn't do it again.

 

[shan23877]

If our check-in hadn't been messed up, perhaps I would feel a little bit better about H&V. But, it really just started the meal off on the wrong foot. Oh well....at least the food wasn't horrible.



I have to say that he did really have a lot of fun at that meal.

Maddie loves her characters so much! If Reid was like that, I would perhaps consider going back for her. And, if I remember correctly, y'all had a better experience there than we did.

I am only planning one character meal for our December trip: Chef Mickey's. Reid was so disappointed that we didn't go there this year. And since I booked us a TPV @ the CR today, it would be super easy to get to!!!

AAAGGGGHHHHHH!!!! How exciting!!!!! I am soo soooo excited for you guys! That's awesome! I cannot wait to hear about that!

I have good news too! I am 95% sure we'll be back at WDW this summer. Bryan chose the dates AND the resort. Wait until you hear where we're staying.

 

[shan23877]

And, I'm totally with you guys on Oso. I can't stand that bear. The other day we were getting ready to leave and I told Maddie to turn off the TV. She said "hang on mommy-Oso is helping this kid learn how to go to the bathroom". To which I replied "Why on earth are even watching that show?" She said she has "no idea".

So yeah I hate Oso too. He's an idiot.

 

[catherines_mama]

I love DHS and look forward to the rest of your day. Never done H&V.. By the time they added the characters, my kids were past those shows. I still love Little Einsteins but that's the only one I'm familiar with.

 

[angelbear425]

Now I know not to eat at H&v next time we're at Disney. We were iffy about it last time and ended up canceling to go to CP again. The only place we had a problem checking in when we were there last year (although the girls checking us in at Chef Mickey's wasn't very friendly and actually rude to us because we arrived 20 min early) was the Plaza at MK. We checked in 5 minutes before our reservation and it took them 20 minutes to attempt to seat us. Others came after us, some with no reservations, and they were seated before us. They weren't even busy because it was right after Labor Day. Crowds were non existent. Anyway.. 15 minutes after our reservation was supposed to be they came over to seat us. For those who have never been in the Plaza, it's pretty small. The seating along the wall is a large bench with tables very close together and chairs on the other side. They were arranged in a way that they were getting the most amount of people in there, with the least comfort for their guests. Well the table we were given was one with a bench and a large table of people next to us. The person on the outside was very large and was seated in the middle of the bench so if either myself or bf were seated she would basically have joined our table as we would have been very close if not touching. We asked for another table since the restaurant was only half full and there were plenty of tables in the middle of the room. The (very rude) hostess told us that if we wanted another table that they would have to put us back on the waiting list to be seated. We ended up canceling the reservations because we weren't waiting even longer for a table when we already waited 20 minutes to be seated. The hostess put the menu up to speak with the young man she was working with and was whispering about us behind the menu. Umm hello! That is not Disney at all and that doesn't fly with me. So we went up to complain at guest services. There weren't reservations available at any other restaurants so we ended up eating at Pecos Bill that night. I imagine we lucked out because I am obsessed with their taco salad and fixins bar.

 

[petals]

Luvin the update. I know a little boy that would love to go to that character meal

 

[amandaw]

We had breakfast at Hollywood and Vine once. It was a similar experience and I wouldn't do it again.

UGH - sorry you didn't have the best time at H&V either. At least we can say we've tried it, right?

AAAGGGGHHHHHH!!!! How exciting!!!!! I am soo soooo excited for you guys! That's awesome! I cannot wait to hear about that!

Thank you!!! I'm excited but a little nervous too. I tend to get anxious booking vacations so far away. I worry about something happening and having to cancel or modify the trip. I also hope his kindergarten teacher won't be too mad at us for taking him out for a week.

I have good news too! I am 95% sure we'll be back at WDW this summer. Bryan chose the dates AND the resort. Wait until you hear where we're staying.

Woo Hoo!!!

I can't wait to hear all the details!! Will you be doing a PTR?

And, I'm totally with you guys on Oso. I can't stand that bear. The other day we were getting ready to leave and I told Maddie to turn off the TV. She said "hang on mommy-Oso is helping this kid learn how to go to the bathroom". To which I replied "Why on earth are even watching that show?" She said she has "no idea".

So yeah I hate Oso too. He's an idiot.

So glad to know there are others who share my hatred for that bear.

Reid rarely watches him anymore. Of course, he barely watches any Disney Junior anymore. He will sometimes watch Jake, Octonauts & Doc McStuffins. But, he mainly watches superhero cartoons on Disney XD. The boy is nuts about superheroes. Honestly though, I rather the superhero cartoons.

I love DHS and look forward to the rest of your day. Never done H&V.. By the time they added the characters, my kids were past those shows. I still love Little Einsteins but that's the only one I'm familiar with.

Thanks! I would definitely say you're not missing much by never having gone to H&V. The food wasn't as terrible as I thought it would be but it wasn't worth the hassle we experienced.

Now I know not to eat at H&v next time we're at Disney. We were iffy about it last time and ended up canceling to go to CP again. The only place we had a problem checking in when we were there last year (although the girls checking us in at Chef Mickey's wasn't very friendly and actually rude to us because we arrived 20 min early) was the Plaza at MK. We checked in 5 minutes before our reservation and it took them 20 minutes to attempt to seat us. Others came after us, some with no reservations, and they were seated before us. They weren't even busy because it was right after Labor Day. Crowds were non existent. Anyway.. 15 minutes after our reservation was supposed to be they came over to seat us. For those who have never been in the Plaza, it's pretty small. The seating along the wall is a large bench with tables very close together and chairs on the other side. They were arranged in a way that they were getting the most amount of people in there, with the least comfort for their guests. Well the table we were given was one with a bench and a large table of people next to us. The person on the outside was very large and was seated in the middle of the bench so if either myself or bf were seated she would basically have joined our table as we would have been very close if not touching. We asked for another table since the restaurant was only half full and there were plenty of tables in the middle of the room. The (very rude) hostess told us that if we wanted another table that they would have to put us back on the waiting list to be seated. We ended up canceling the reservations because we weren't waiting even longer for a table when we already waited 20 minutes to be seated. The hostess put the menu up to speak with the young man she was working with and was whispering about us behind the menu. Umm hello! That is not Disney at all and that doesn't fly with me. So we went up to complain at guest services. There weren't reservations available at any other restaurants so we ended up eating at Pecos Bill that night. I imagine we lucked out because I am obsessed with their taco salad and fixins bar.

OMG! How frustrating! We have eaten at the Plaza before and I can only imagine how close y'all would have been to that other family. We enjoyed our meal there but I hesitate to make another ADR there because of how small the place is inside. I remember not being seated until 45 minutes after our ADR time.

Luvin the update. I know a little boy that would love to go to that character meal

Thank you!!

 

[hstrickland]

Cute pics of Reid....and Ed, too I'm in agreement with you about returning. While we are so very glad we tried the character meal, it's not a must-do. Plus, my kids are getting a little too old for Handy Manny. Jake wasn't there when we went; he's a nice addition though. And like you said, the buffet is just a buffet. At least Reid enjoyed it...that's what it's all about, right ....we'll do anything for our kids!

 

[pas130]

Sorry for the check in mixup Amanda. As one of the peeps who recommended h&v..I'm sorry. Reid is cute as ever...we are growing out of Disney junior as well..but luckily they love movies and the other cartoons

Love your cr reservation!!!!

 

[RGirl]

Hi Amanda! Sorry for another long absence - sickness, moving, holidays. Well, you know!

Really enjoyed reading about your ‘Ohana breakfast. I am not a huge fan of breakfast, but I am more and more tempted to do this one given recent reviews. Hmmmmmmm

MK looks so fun! I love the PP photos of Reid with the sword in the stone.

Poor Pooh - Tigger always does steal the show! Those were some great shots though. That’s funny that y’all haven’t met the Pooh characters before. Have you ever tried their secluded meet-and-greet area at AK? Our experience was no line at all, and I have read similar reports from others. It isn’t a very obvious meet-and-greet spot, so I think it get overlooked.

I have been worried about that Dumbo play area since I first heard about it! It looks so fun that I am sure it must be virtually impossible to get the kids to move on. Ugh! I am going to have to learn more patience and somehow develop a more relaxed approach to my Disney days!

So glad Reid loved my favorite ride (BTMRR)!!!

They have a BBQ platter at Pecos Bill now???? Going to have to look into that.

It looks like Reid was having a lot of fun at H&V. I’m still not sold on that one though. I don’t think Willow would actually be interested in any of the characters there other than Jake; there are so many other more character meals with her favorite characters. I wish DHS had a Toy Story character meal!

 

[annmarieda]

I think your pictures of Reid during breakfast are so cute I can see that maybe the characters there may not hold appeal long term though. I have never been there..and probably never will just because the characters do not appeal to us..and the food never sounds to be something people rave about (unlike the puffed french toast at CP)

 

[MEK]

So, it only took me a couple days to come back and see pics. I hate that I can't see them at work (not that I should be on the DIS, but you know........)

I love all the pictures of Reid. So cute. I especially love him coming through the gate at HS. Such a great moment - the start of the day.

That character meal looks fun!

 

[amandaw]

Cute pics of Reid....and Ed, too I'm in agreement with you about returning. While we are so very glad we tried the character meal, it's not a must-do. Plus, my kids are getting a little too old for Handy Manny. Jake wasn't there when we went; he's a nice addition though. And like you said, the buffet is just a buffet. At least Reid enjoyed it...that's what it's all about, right ....we'll do anything for our kids!

Thanks!

Oh we'll do all sorts of things for these little people, right?!? I am glad we tried H&V. The setting was fun for Reid.

Sorry for the check in mixup Amanda. As one of the peeps who recommended h&v..I'm sorry. Reid is cute as ever...we are growing out of Disney junior as well..but luckily they love movies and the other cartoons

No need to be sorry! If the check-in would have gone a bit smoother, I probably would feel somewhat different about H&V. It's just one of those things that leave you with a bad feeling.

Love your cr reservation!!!!

Thank you!! I'm super excited about our "surprise" December trip - especially since Ed told me to book CR!!

Hi Amanda! Sorry for another long absence - sickness, moving, holidays. Well, you know!

Hi! I'm glad to see you back on here. Now don't be gone for so long again!

Really enjoyed reading about your ‘Ohana breakfast. I am not a huge fan of breakfast, but I am more and more tempted to do this one given recent reviews. Hmmmmmmm

I would give it a try. The nice thing about it is that it is served family style. No getting up and down to get food for you and your child. You can just sit, relax and eat. I thought the food was pretty good, too. And I think Willow would probably enjoy the little parade they do around the restaurant.

MK looks so fun! I love the PP photos of Reid with the sword in the stone.

We really had a lot of fun on our first full MK day! Thanks - I was excited to see a PP photographer there.

Poor Pooh - Tigger always does steal the show! Those were some great shots though. That’s funny that y’all haven’t met the Pooh characters before. Have you ever tried their secluded meet-and-greet area at AK? Our experience was no line at all, and I have read similar reports from others. It isn’t a very obvious meet-and-greet spot, so I think it get overlooked.

This was our 1st time meeting them anywhere. Reid has just never been crazy about them. But, for whatever reason he does love Tigger. Oh, actually I know why - because "he bounces high, Mommy!"

I have been worried about that Dumbo play area since I first heard about it! It looks so fun that I am sure it must be virtually impossible to get the kids to move on. Ugh! I am going to have to learn more patience and somehow develop a more relaxed approach to my Disney days!

I told Reid he could do it once and that would be it. It just made me so anxious trying to keep my eye on where he was. And then trying to get him down. Would have been better if Disney had kept all the play stuff on the ground instead of having to put it in the air.

So glad Reid loved my favorite ride (BTMRR)!!!

I was so excited that he rode it and loved it!!! Ed & I are big coaster junkies so our child needs to like them, too.

They have a BBQ platter at Pecos Bill now???? Going to have to look into that.

Yes ma'am they sure do! Ed said it was all good except for the steak.

It looks like Reid was having a lot of fun at H&V. I’m still not sold on that one though. I don’t think Willow would actually be interested in any of the characters there other than Jake; there are so many other more character meals with her favorite characters. I wish DHS had a Toy Story character meal!

If the only character she would be interested in is Jake, then skip the breakfast and just meet him in the park. I believe he meets throughout the day around Disney Junior Live. I'm glad we tried the meal but probably won't go back.

I agree - a Toy Story meal would be the bomb diggity!!!

I think your pictures of Reid during breakfast are so cute I can see that maybe the characters there may not hold appeal long term though. I have never been there..and probably never will just because the characters do not appeal to us..and the food never sounds to be something people rave about (unlike the puffed french toast at CP)

Thank you!! Yeah, the characters seem to be the only reason why people go there. I know it's why we went. And now we don't have to go back!

So, it only took me a couple days to come back and see pics. I hate that I can't see them at work (not that I should be on the DIS, but you know........)

I love all the pictures of Reid. So cute. I especially love him coming through the gate at HS. Such a great moment - the start of the day.

That character meal looks fun!

Thanks!! I love trying to get pictures of him running through the gates or getting off of a ride. I feel like those are some of the moments when you can capture genuine looks of joy or excitement.

He enjoyed his time at the character meal so it makes me glad we did it.