1st Timers FIRST DINNER

[MHofeners]

And if we did 1900 at 6:40 would we be well positioned for the water parade and fireworks or better off heading back to the Contemporary? Does anyone know the times for campfire there? And movie there?

 

[itchin2go]

we arrive on Wed 7/29. BUT I just realized that we will not be able to make the 4pm dinner Our flight gets in at 2:30 pm and we will use ME to Contemporary and I think that is just cutting it too close for comfort! We can still book for the 6pm dinner, but we wont be able to do the wagon ride - oh well - such is life! We can still make Chip N Dale and, I hope, the Water Pageant/Wishes from the beach at FW.

That's kind of why I ask. We really like to do a low key dinner at the resort on the first night. Travel will take it out of you, and we want to be well-rested for rope drop the first *real* day.

Even figuring out transportation can add an extra layer of stress. If nothing in the Contemporary appeals to you (or is available), I would pick something on the monorail.

Everyone is different, but my advice would be to keep it simple on that first night. Just seeing the resort is going to be exciting.

 

[Hopefully]

I agree with itchin2go and other posters. You are simply trying to do too much on your travel day. You are going to be very tired. And your plans, whichever one you look at, are going to just stress everyone out. Please take the advice of seasoned visitors and plan a low key resort evening in preparation for a wonderful, busy week. I feel this strongly because I was you on our first visit and it was a disaster for my family.
You really can not do it all in one visit.
Good Luck

 

[itchin2go]

I agree with itchin2go and other posters. You are simply trying to do too much on your travel day. You are going to be very tired. And your plans, whichever one you look at, are going to just stress everyone out. Please take the advice of seasoned visitors and plan a low key resort evening in preparation for a wonderful, busy week. I feel this strongly because I was you on our first visit and it was a disaster for my family.
You really can not do it all in one visit.
Good Luck

The way to think of it is - it's a marathon, not a sprint! There is a wealth of good restaurants on the monorail too. My first choice would be Chef Mickey's or the Wave - just because of location. After that, I would look at Grand Floridian Cafe and Kona. 1900 Park Fare is a great character meal, but I feel like it's kind of girly - not in a bad way, but the primary interactions are with the stepmom/stepsisters (at least for us). It's one of our favorite character meals, though. I might even eat QS at the resort and plan on swimming or something like that at night.

 

[dpswift]

Perhaps trying to squeeze both in one evening is a bit much. Enjoy HDDR and do the campfire another night, or on another trip. Keep in mind that it is a common thing for 1st timers to attempt to do too much on their visit. No one can get everything crammed into a single WDW vacation. If you try, you may just stress yourself and your family so much that the trip will be much less enjoyable than it should be. Remember- it's a vacation.

I agree with this and have yet another suggestion. I would switch T Rex to your arrival night. Cancel your Disney ADR and call and make a reservation with T Rex directly. That way if your plane is delayed you will not get charged the $10 per person no show fee. With Hoop de doo You might be out the entire cost.

Then try to book HDDR for your T Rex night

 

[dpswift]

Park Fare is great but my son loves Chef Mickeys. However overall my family favors park fare. Also be sure to take a monorail ride no matter what you choose

 

[amym2]

I agree with the others that I wouldn't try to squeeze in too much. Since you don't arrive until 2:30, it may be 4:30 or so by the time you get to the CR. If you don't make it to HDDR in time, you're out all that money. At least with an ADR it's only $10 per person you're risking, but that's still a risk. It would make me too nervous, worrying about potential flight delays and such. I think 1900PF or WCC are good options if you decide you want an ADR. I wouldn't try to do the campfire or see the water parade or Wishes that night. Get to bed early and get to MK before it opens on your first full day.

 

[Disney44please]

What about Mickey's Back Yard BBQ? That is dancing, dinner and character interaction and still allows you to not have to pay for a park ticket.

 

[RustManFan]

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/recreation/chip-n-dale-campfire-sing-a-long/

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/cabins-at-fort-wilderness-resort/mickeys-backyard-barbeque/

 

[cruisingmom1977]

I agree with PP who suggested you switch T-Rex to your arrival night. Downtown Disney (or...Disney Springs) is a GREAT way to kick off a vacation without paying for a park ticket. You can take the bus from your hotel to DDD, walk around and soak in the whole "Disney Atmosphere" and have dinner. I also agree with calling T-Rex direct to avoid any issues with having to pay the "no show fee" if your flight is delayed or cancelled...As far as HDDR, I took my kids age 4 and 2 last year and the both LOVED it. I can't recommend it enough, I just think it would be a bit much for your arrival night. IMHO

 

[adez88]

I vote for HDDR! Perfect for your boys!

 

[MHofeners]

Thanks for all the input!

After really thinking this all over we aren't going to make an ADR! I think we will take in the Contemporary and eat on site, leisurely, and swim OR head to DTD - whichever we are feeling up to but most likely the prior! We may still try to take the boat ride and hit up the Chip N Dale campfire!

That being said and with 3 boys 7 and under in tow - would you recommend just doing CS at the Contempo Cafe? And then saving our TS meal for sometime thru out the trip (but without a reservation)? Maybe one day in the park to get out of the heat? Or will it be too hard to get in anywhere? This is in a week and a half FYI... Or should we aim for a TS like The Wave? Kona? GF Cafe? and save our CS for in park?

We plan to do TRex on our rest day! Although we could switch to arrival day if we decide to do DTD on arrival day... Cash for this one and we have a Landry's select card!

 

[dpswift]

It is not the best use of a TS credit but Trails End usually has last minute availability and I have heard great things about the food. If you decide you want a full meal before the campfire.
You should also be able to get a last minute ADR for the places you have mentioned.

 

[pumba]

because of the time you are arriving. Maybe a meal at your hotel and go swimming ..relaxing for the kids. we did mostly sit down buffets and family style meals with the grandkids . we didnt want them to wait long for their meals after sitting down at the restaurants.