where to dine for candlelight processional for disney first-timer?

[collegejunkie]

i'm already doing the processional package at chefs de france, which is one of my favorite restaurants. i have a WDW first-timer coming with me and i want to pick something that would be best for him. all but 3 restaurants (le cellier, via napoli, and marrakesh) are available for the night i'm looking at for the latest showing. i was thinking of garden grill, coral reef, or chefs again. garden grill would be for the characters and i've never been, coral reef for the aquarium views but i know sitting next to one of the tanks is not guaranteed, and chefs because i love it and i think my first time guest wouldn't mind trying chefs. what do you think?

 

[parkhopping]

Tough call, but I would say Chefs if you don't mind eating there twice. How often do you get to eat at a French restaurant? To me, part of the appeal of WS is the opportunity to eat foods from different regions that aren't available to me all the time. It would provide a good experience for your newbie. Just my 2 cents. The other choices sound great too!

 

[Aulika]

It is not in your list but I went yo Biergarten and I enjoyed it very much. It was a great place to get ino the Christmas spirit.
Candlelight Processional is amazing.

 

[Faline]

I have enjoyed all of your choices.Love the food at Chefs de France, but probably wouldn't do it twice in one trip.Have also really enjoyed the Garden Grill. The salad, rolls and fish were all delicious, other food good. It is a nice setting with the Land, and the characters. If paying OOP, this would be my choice. If on the dining plan, I think I'd go with Coral Reef. When we went a few years ago, the food was delicious, setting is lovely, and cost better justifies the use of 2 credits than GG.

 

[DisneyHolidayFan]

LeCellier would be our first choice; Garden Grill our last. We used to love GG but the last two experiences have been awful!

 

[Roxychica7]

Coral Reef even without the aquarium table is awesome. I think sitting up higher and taking in the entire tank as a panoramic view is more appealing!

It also depends on your food choices! As mentioned above, if you don't mind eating twice at Chef's, you could do that. Le Cellier is 2 credits if you are on the dining plan, but I have heard very good things about this! We have never had an opening to get a reservation to try it. But many people love it!

We have gone to Garden Grill before and have it planned in December again. Our family really enjoys it, especially for the fresh food and Farmer Mickey!

 

[Forever Fairy]

In my opinion, I would suggest something by the theater. That way, in case dinner runs over, you are still close enough to get into the line to be seated. DH and I ate at Teppan Edo last time and had a wonderful meal. By the time we were done, there was already a line past Japan.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

As one mentioned above, I would pick Biergarten.
. . . buffet - you can find things you/he like
. . . music - who doesn't like a om-pa band
. . . audience participation - always nice to see guests join in
. . . group tables - you meet strangers for the holidays

 

[lynn46356]

I was also going to suggest Biergarten like others have. We ate there in June and it was our favorite! There were lots of children dancing along with parents (I can't tell you how much fun it was watching them have so much fun). The food was good also!!!!