***1st Week of December Thread ADR Plans, Park Hours, and dealing with Pop Warner***

[Talby]

May was actually my first time!! I had been researching for so long and I read NUMEROUS disboards threads to find out the best strategy/plan for my trip. A few of my friends also own DVC so I asked them plenty as well!

I would NOT have guessed that. I was sure you were going to say something in the double digits! Well, you definitely seem hooked--that's the important thing! lol

 

[Talby]

Please ask as much as you want. I love coming here and talking to other Disney fans. I enjoy giving advice when I can and I have learned a lot as well. Unfortunately I have never been to Ohana. We are not very enthused about Kona Cafe as a lot of others are so would rate it a 7 or 8 but a lot of people love it. I would say go if it interests you as we find we like some restaurants that others don't and vice versa.

That is sound advice @CynBeth. I'm finding there are really mixed reviews on so many places, so I think we just need to do as you suggest--go with what our interests are. We'll simply hope for the best and will plan on having a great time regardless.

 

[Lisa F]

Thank you! That makes complete sense! And I know I have a ton of buffets! I don't want everyone to be buffeted out! Yak and Yeti it is. Or if we're tired...I made some extra Kona reservations, just in case the kids are too exhausted to leave the resort again!

I have a lot of buffets too. I think one a day (or at least one a day AYCTE). I just try to remember it's not so much about QUANTITY as VARIETY and I hope if i can basically not be a beagle and eat myself sick that it won't be too much. I figure, we need to eat anyway. The cost of the vacation (including dining) is what it is at this point for the experiences and atmospheres that we've chosen. I don't need to eat myself sick to get my money's worth.

 

[Lisa F]

That is sound advice @CynBeth. I'm finding there are really mixed reviews on so many places, so I think we just need to do as you suggest--go with what our interests are. We'll simply hope for the best and will plan on having a great time regardless.

There are definitely mixed reviews everywhere but I think that is more a function of "every place has an off night or two" than any of the places having a culture of bad food or service. If you go to tripadvisor (disney links to those reviews on their website) pretty much every disney restaurant with a few exceptions are around 4 - 4.5 stars. Which means most of the time they get it right. So go with cuisine and theming you like. I had to get over this with H&V Holiday Dine. I finally saw a review with photos of the food and it looked good to me. I think sometimes they have off nights where they don't turn over food fast enough or a big tray of something gets overcooked or they dont' clean as quickly and it leaves a bad impression. We go just trying to be flexible and easy going and hopefully will have a good time because of it.

 

[Lisa F]

I tried the AP route with tables in wonderland discount. Tables in wonderland is a discount card which you buy as an AP or Florida resident you could use in almost all restaurants... Not sure how much the discount is now, can't remember. It was not worth it for us (numbers wise) because we went that one trip and that was it. We did a lot of food and wine snacking as well so it didn't really do much in terms of money. But we did get to get in the soft opening for BOG with APs so that was great

yes, it is more geared at the AP holders who do multiple trips in a year. For me it would not start paying for itself til pretty much the end of the trip. If I had a second trip planned before it expired I'd see some savings but I don't.

 

[rasadkowski]

I have a lot of buffets too. I think one a day (or at least one a day AYCTE). I just try to remember it's not so much about QUANTITY as VARIETY and I hope if i can basically not be a beagle and eat myself sick that it won't be too much. I figure, we need to eat anyway. The cost of the vacation (including dining) is what it is at this point for the experiences and atmospheres that we've chosen. I don't need to eat myself sick to get my money's worth.

That's very true!! Our family's meal choices vary so much. I was thinking a buffet would be a good idea. Need some self control though, that's for sure I also haven't spent enough time looking at menus though. I should probably do that.

 

[rasadkowski]

Have any of you been to 1900 park fare? Was it one of your "favorites"? I originally intended to take the girls there, but I'm not sure how much they'll enjoy the step sisters.

 

[Talby]

There are definitely mixed reviews everywhere but I think that is more a function of "every place has an off night or two" than any of the places having a culture of bad food or service. If you go to tripadvisor (disney links to those reviews on their website) pretty much every disney restaurant with a few exceptions are around 4 - 4.5 stars. Which means most of the time they get it right. So go with cuisine and theming you like. I had to get over this with H&V Holiday Dine. I finally saw a review with photos of the food and it looked good to me. I think sometimes they have off nights where they don't turn over food fast enough or a big tray of something gets overcooked or they dont' clean as quickly and it leaves a bad impression. We go just trying to be flexible and easy going and hopefully will have a good time because of it.

Great perspective from which to look at those mixed reviews! It would stand to reason that an occasional off night would happen, even at the very best of places, considering the number of guests served on a daily basis. I'm very excited about trying many new places and am hopeful each will be having one of the best days ever, no off nights in the bunch! However, my feathers aren't going to be ruffled if we happen to encounter an off night anywhere. I'll know that right around the corner there will be more good things to come.

 

[Talby]

That's very true!! Our family's meal choices vary so much. I was thinking a buffet would be a good idea. Need some self control though, that's for sure I also haven't spent enough time looking at menus though. I should probably do that.

I need to go back over the menus for the places we've (mostly) decided on. I spent SO much time looking at menus, some if it has become a blur! lol It's fun looking them over.

 

[Candycane83]

Great perspective from which to look at those mixed reviews! It would stand to reason that an occasional off night would happen, even at the very best of places, considering the number of guests served on a daily basis. I'm very excited about trying many new places and am hopeful each will be having one of the best days ever, no off nights in the bunch! However, my feathers aren't going to be ruffled if we happen to encounter an off night anywhere. I'll know that right around the corner there will be more good things to come.

That's a great way to look at things hopefully I could be as positive! I'm getting excited talking about it though! are there any repeats on your list of ADRs? I think the only one I have is crystal palace breakfast and BoG dinner. Some are the same restaurant but different meal.

 

[Lisa F]

Great perspective from which to look at those mixed reviews! It would stand to reason that an occasional off night would happen, even at the very best of places, considering the number of guests served on a daily basis. I'm very excited about trying many new places and am hopeful each will be having one of the best days ever, no off nights in the bunch! However, my feathers aren't going to be ruffled if we happen to encounter an off night anywhere. I'll know that right around the corner there will be more good things to come.

I also posted this on the restaurant board this morning. it is long but I think it is a good perspective when dealing with mixed reviews on places, or the notion that everything is going downhill at disney. I will just c&p it here. But I was thinking about it and I really do think this is the reason.

Honestly I think that if you are going to WDW frequently, it kind of loses it's luster a bit. Places like this site tend to attract people who are frequent disney visitors. Any treat, had over and over and over again, begins to feel like less of a treat. Also the more you go, the more chances you have for places to have an off night.

I noticed this when I was going 3-4 times a year year after year and then due to personal circumstances took a break for 5 years - my next trip was probably the most fantastic ever and the dining was great - not at all "downhill" from years past imo... but then it was a real treat and it had been so long since I'd been to any of my old favorites... everything was fun and nostalgic and I just had a great time.

People have been saying that Disney is going downhill for as long as I have been going. "This" is worse than it used to be. "That" was SOO much better in 19xx. If you have never been or haven't been in a while chances are good you will have a great time and the restaurants will be great if your expectations are set properly. The buffets are not vegas quality buffets where they have incredibly rich and expensive foods and they are so huge that turnover is so quick that everything is virtually cooked to order. But I have always found most of the food on the buffets to be hot, fresh, tasty and filling with the occasional end of a tray being out too long and would avoid it until replenished. Most of the buffets I go to are for the character experiences, which have always been at least good, with my kiddo glad to get hugs and signatures without having to wait in line... some much better than others but all head and shoulders above having a whiny hot child standing in a slow moving line for a character.

I mean no it is not 5 star dining in some major metro area with a famous chef (Except for maybe V&A) but as an overall experience, the food is really good. If you are used to inexpensive restaurants and live in a low cost of living area, the prices may be shocking... but realize you are paying for location and and immersive experience as much as food quality. In many places a $40 meal would entail something like lobster or filet or maybe both but that is a bit below the average price of a standard character buffet dinner and you won't find either of those things on the buffet - any meal featuring those things will be significantly higher. People from major metro areas will have less sticker shock.

The theming and entertainment in many restaurants is amazing and immersive, and service is usually really good too. There has, over time, been a bit of homogenization of menus across the property (which you will see if you read all of the menus) but again unless you are a frequent visitor or staying for 3 weeks and eating everywhere, that probably won't effect you. There is plenty of variety to keep someone in at least 2 weeks of daily restaurants without feeling like you are repeating yourself in menu or theme. I have two a day planned for a week and there are still things I am not getting to.

The other caveat is that if you live in a place with amazing local cuisine and Disney does their version of it, I would avoid it. It will invariably be a disappointment. I live in New England and compared to the lobster rolls I get here, the thing at columbia harbor house looks like cat food on a hot dog bun... but some people love it and find it quite tasty. If you're from a place that has stellar bbq you may not find the bbq at WDW to be anything special. I am breaking my own rule and trying Sanaa on my next trip even though I have had excellent indian food and even make it myself so YMMV on that as well. We'll see Chances are if you live in an area with an amazing Ethiopian restaurant you will find the african themed places at WDW to be kind of meh. you get the idea. People call this "dumbing down" and are highly critical of it but honestly I don't have a problem with Disney making the food appealing to more tastes - as long as it is still tasty, I'm good even if it's not 100% authentic.

Everyone has a truly off night and sometimes you get to a restaurant when it is having one, but after being a DVC member since 1999 and a member of these boards since 2000 I will say that the grumbling has been going on for well over a decade and if the quality has been dropping as much as people have said over the years, they'd be serving dog food by now. Believe me, it was never THAT much higher than it is was on my last trip. Maybe a bit more variety and a bit more innovation but not so much that it is not worth dining there now.

 

[Candycane83]

Has anyone been to Captain's Grille for lunch? I'm debating now between having a breakfast at Cape May, early lunch (11am) for 50s Prime time or early lunch at Captain's Grille (around 11:30). I'm also wondering if it's worth it coming out of the park for a lunch break..

I'm now seriously thinking about subscribing to touring plans...

 

[Lisa F]

That's a great way to look at things hopefully I could be as positive! I'm getting excited talking about it though! are there any repeats on your list of ADRs? I think the only one I have is crystal palace breakfast and BoG dinner. Some are the same restaurant but different meal.

Also an off day at a disney restaurant is better than any day I have to work all day and come home and cook.

I am doing Ohana both breakfast and dinner. I think those meals are pretty much COMPLETELY different experiences. I almost planned them both in one day, lol.

 

[BDFmom]

That's a great way to look at things hopefully I could be as positive! I'm getting excited talking about it though! are there any repeats on your list of ADRs? I think the only one I have is crystal palace breakfast and BoG dinner. Some are the same restaurant but different meal.

My family is avoiding buffets for the most part.... Currently I have and ADR at TH and Akershus both of which I may cancel.
I scored a F! Pakage on 11/28.... so now I can comfortably release the one on 12/4 and go to BOG.

Anyone here in need of an F! pakage for three on 12/4 @ 12:20 Mama's?

My unknown days are finally coming together .

 

[Lisa F]

That's very true!! Our family's meal choices vary so much. I was thinking a buffet would be a good idea. Need some self control though, that's for sure I also haven't spent enough time looking at menus though. I should probably do that.

I rarely look at menus on a buffet because I assume there is something I will enjoy. I look more at characters and atmosphere. I do check out the kid's buffet to make sure there is stuff my kid will eat though but there is pretty much universally some kind of pasta (or mac and cheese or both) and carved meats on the adult side so he will find something. Not sure about 1900PF as I've never been.

 

[Candycane83]

My family is avoiding buffets for the most part.... Currently I have and ADR at TH and Akershus both of which I may cancel.
I scored a F! Pakage on 11/28.... so now I can comfortably release the one on 12/4 and go to BOG.

Anyone here in need of an F! pakage for three on 12/4 @ 12:20 Mama's?

My unknown days are finally coming together .

That's great you found an F! package! I think it's nice when plans start coming together!

 

[Candycane83]

Also an off day at a disney restaurant is better than any day I have to work all day and come home and cook.

I am doing Ohana both breakfast and dinner. I think those meals are pretty much COMPLETELY different experiences. I almost planned them both in one day, lol.

Lol I should have clarified... I meant repeats from last trip

 

[Lisa F]

That's great you found an F! package! I think it's nice when plans start coming together!

I need two more days to do everything I want to, lol. Really just waiting for star wars and hope it is showing with dessert package saturday night.

 

[Lisa F]

Lol I should have clarified... I meant repeats from last trip

oh haha.

My repeats from last trip are:
Tusker House (doing breakfast instead of lunch though we went at "brunch" time and had both)
CA Grill
Sci Fi Dine in
Ohana breakfast
Crystal Palace (did dinner last time, breakfast this time)
Kona Cafe (breakfast instead of dinner)

I think we are repeating everything. My kid is very attached to his favorites. that's why I had to triple the number I'm going to

 

[Candycane83]

I also posted this on the restaurant board this morning. it is long but I think it is a good perspective when dealing with mixed reviews on places, or the notion that everything is going downhill at disney. I will just c&p it here. But I was thinking about it and I really do think this is the reason.

Honestly I think that if you are going to WDW frequently, it kind of loses it's luster a bit. Places like this site tend to attract people who are frequent disney visitors. Any treat, had over and over and over again, begins to feel like less of a treat. Also the more you go, the more chances you have for places to have an off night.

I noticed this when I was going 3-4 times a year year after year and then due to personal circumstances took a break for 5 years - my next trip was probably the most fantastic ever and the dining was great - not at all "downhill" from years past imo... but then it was a real treat and it had been so long since I'd been to any of my old favorites... everything was fun and nostalgic and I just had a great time.

People have been saying that Disney is going downhill for as long as I have been going. "This" is worse than it used to be. "That" was SOO much better in 19xx. If you have never been or haven't been in a while chances are good you will have a great time and the restaurants will be great if your expectations are set properly. The buffets are not vegas quality buffets where they have incredibly rich and expensive foods and they are so huge that turnover is so quick that everything is virtually cooked to order. But I have always found most of the food on the buffets to be hot, fresh, tasty and filling with the occasional end of a tray being out too long and would avoid it until replenished. Most of the buffets I go to are for the character experiences, which have always been at least good, with my kiddo glad to get hugs and signatures without having to wait in line... some much better than others but all head and shoulders above having a whiny hot child standing in a slow moving line for a character.

I mean no it is not 5 star dining in some major metro area with a famous chef (Except for maybe V&A) but as an overall experience, the food is really good. If you are used to inexpensive restaurants and live in a low cost of living area, the prices may be shocking... but realize you are paying for location and and immersive experience as much as food quality. In many places a $40 meal would entail something like lobster or filet or maybe both but that is a bit below the average price of a standard character buffet dinner and you won't find either of those things on the buffet - any meal featuring those things will be significantly higher. People from major metro areas will have less sticker shock.

The theming and entertainment in many restaurants is amazing and immersive, and service is usually really good too. There has, over time, been a bit of homogenization of menus across the property (which you will see if you read all of the menus) but again unless you are a frequent visitor or staying for 3 weeks and eating everywhere, that probably won't effect you. There is plenty of variety to keep someone in at least 2 weeks of daily restaurants without feeling like you are repeating yourself in menu or theme. I have two a day planned for a week and there are still things I am not getting to.

The other caveat is that if you live in a place with amazing local cuisine and Disney does their version of it, I would avoid it. It will invariably be a disappointment. I live in New England and compared to the lobster rolls I get here, the thing at columbia harbor house looks like cat food on a hot dog bun... but some people love it and find it quite tasty. If you're from a place that has stellar bbq you may not find the bbq at WDW to be anything special. I am breaking my own rule and trying Sanaa on my next trip even though I have had excellent indian food and even make it myself so YMMV on that as well. We'll see Chances are if you live in an area with an amazing Ethiopian restaurant you will find the african themed places at WDW to be kind of meh. you get the idea. People call this "dumbing down" and are highly critical of it but honestly I don't have a problem with Disney making the food appealing to more tastes - as long as it is still tasty, I'm good even if it's not 100% authentic.

Everyone has a truly off night and sometimes you get to a restaurant when it is having one, but after being a DVC member since 1999 and a member of these boards since 2000 I will say that the grumbling has been going on for well over a decade and if the quality has been dropping as much as people have said over the years, they'd be serving dog food by now. Believe me, it was never THAT much higher than it is was on my last trip. Maybe a bit more variety and a bit more innovation but not so much that it is not worth dining there now.

Completely agree with this... I keep thinking that it mostly is for theming and the atmosphere you're eating in. Food may be great but may also not be the best you've ever had.