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

[Lisa F]

It says that they are heated, and people that I know who go during winter months have said the same. I have no intentions of swimming, kiddo may have different thoughts. But the pool at the contemporary looks pretty boring- which was another reason I chose it- so not to tempt him with the volcano slide lol. We'll see.

I've never been to 1900 PF for any meal, but have heard great things about the mad hatter which is why I put it in the plans- but, it can only work if I can get early enough, the pirate cruise leaves from GF at 9:30

I hope to go swimming at the volcano pool when we are there, lol. if it is in the 70's and sunny and the pool is heated we should be good for an hour. we live in new england though and 68 is warm for the ocean here.... which feels nice in august but not as nice when the air temp is not warm. apparently they are heated to 82!

 

[21stamps]

I hope to go swimming at the volcano pool when we are there, lol. if it is in the 70's and sunny and the pool is heated we should be good for an hour.

If I was staying there I know that we would too. I would be the crazy lady in a wet suit , but no way my son could be there without going in. When I ask him about our trip and his favorite parts- his first response is always "The Awesome Volcano Slide!! Can we go back to the Polynesian tomorrow?" and then Stitch. It baffles me. We have theme park/water park season passes, we don't have anything like Disney World..but his favorite memory is of a slide????!!!!!lol

 

[Candycane83]

Wow, that's a lot of messages since I went out to get breakfast poutine (tater tots, hollandaise, cheese and bacon... mmmm)

@Mintycake What is your daughter's preference? I hear they have mac n cheese at Skippers? (although I dont think it's vegetarian)

 

[Mintycake]

If I was staying there I know that we would too. I would be the crazy lady in a wet suit , but no way my son could be there without going in. When I ask him about our trip and his favorite parts- his first response is always "The Awesome Volcano Slide!! Can we go back to the Polynesian tomorrow?" and then Stitch. It baffles me. We have theme park/water park season passes, we don't have anything like Disney World..but his favorite memory is of a slide????!!!!!lol

Kids are weird. My daughter just wants to go to the kids club. I think though she will get excited when she gets there though. She really doesn't have a concept of WDW since she's never been.

 

[Lisa F]

Wow, that's a lot of messages since I went out to get breakfast poutine (tater tots, hollandaise, cheese and bacon... mmmm)

@Mintycake What is your daughter's preference? I hear they have mac n cheese at Skippers? (although I dont think it's vegetarian)

reports are they are revamping the menu with the opening of Tiffin. prawns with heads on going to Tiffin, Skippers Canteen "dumbing down" (per the golden palates on the restaurant boards). The mac and cheese there is not mac and cheese, it is pasta with bechamel and not a lot of cheese I don't think and spicy ground beef. More like a pastichio is what it sounds like to me to be honest.... which is fine for what it is but it is not mac and cheese!

 

[Mintycake]

Wow, that's a lot of messages since I went out to get breakfast poutine (tater tots, hollandaise, cheese and bacon... mmmm)

@Mintycake What is your daughter's preference? I hear they have mac n cheese at Skippers? (although I dont think it's vegetarian)

My daughter eats raw fruits and vegetables (though not in a salad), bread, crackers, plain pasta, cheese pizza, muffins, croissants, pancakes and waffles (no syrup) and french fries. Oh and in a weird twist, bacon. So you can see why we try to do a lot of breakfast buffets - it's the easiest meal for us to do out. She won't eat the mac n cheese if it has sauce on it (she'll eat a white cheddar mac and cheese I make at home).

 

[Lisa F]

My daughter eats raw fruits and vegetables (though not in a salad), bread, crackers, plain pasta, cheese pizza, muffins, croissants, pancakes and waffles (no syrup) and french fries. Oh and in a weird twist, bacon. So you can see why we try to do a lot of breakfast buffets - it's the easiest meal for us to do out. She won't eat the mac n cheese if it has sauce on it (she'll eat a white cheddar mac and cheese I make at home).

well if you just made her eat what was served she would not be picky! at least that is the common wisdom on the disboards! (this is a pet peeve of mine having a picky kid myself and detesting parents who want to judge all the other parents lol).

 

[Iowamomof4]

My daughter eats raw fruits and vegetables (though not in a salad), bread, crackers, plain pasta, cheese pizza, muffins, croissants, pancakes and waffles (no syrup) and french fries. Oh and in a weird twist, bacon. So you can see why we try to do a lot of breakfast buffets - it's the easiest meal for us to do out. She won't eat the mac n cheese if it has sauce on it (she'll eat a white cheddar mac and cheese I make at home).

Sounds like my 9yo son! We're also aiming for a lot of breakfast buffets as they're the one place my entire family will come away full and happy. Dinner buffets are in second place, then ordering off a menu, and finally family-style.

 

[Winniebell10]

I swear someone else in this group was also staying at CR and has stayed before..anyone remember who?

Hey there! We are staying at CR in December and have stayed there before. We just went on a Fantasy cruise last September and stayed several days at the Poly after, to make MNSSHP. Your trip will be a blast!

Yeah, I'm with you, I'm not dying at all to do CM. But the boys want to, and I was thinking with us seeing the commotion from the restaurant constantly to just do it the first night and get it over with. We're staying in the main tower, so it'll be in our faces. It's funny, every single time we eat at a buffet or character meal at WDW, my husband and I always comment on how pleasantly surprised we are. We aren't buffet connisuers in general, but really I don't think that they're all that terrible considering they are feeding the masses, and we are being entertained by characters. I guess I go in with really low expectations every time, and end up being surprised. I have a ball at the character meals.

Anyway, the last time we ate at CM was probably 6 years ago. We remember it being just fine. Reading the reviews however, now I'm terrified. If we weren't staying at the CR, I wouldn't go. But think since we'll be there we'll want to eat there. So, for people that have been recently, is it really that bad? I'd love to do Minnie's Holiday & Dine. And Garden Grill. So I think we really we just don't need CM. I've been thinking we'd do CM on 12/3 for an early dinner. Maybe I'll rethink though and do it for departure day breakfast. Or, we've even talked about arriving 12/2, so we can check into CR early on 12/3. I could do breakfast on 12/3. Surely breakfast can't be that bad. Cuz, Mickey waffles.

 

[Candycane83]

reports are they are revamping the menu with the opening of Tiffin. prawns with heads on going to Tiffin, Skippers Canteen "dumbing down" (per the golden palates on the restaurant boards). The mac and cheese there is not mac and cheese, it is pasta with bechamel and not a lot of cheese I don't think and spicy ground beef. More like a pastichio is what it sounds like to me to be honest.... which is fine for what it is but it is not mac and cheese!

I'm surprised about that since it's not really anything exotic. (I feel at least) Although it would be nice if they put something more plain for kids Tiffins I'm finding it not as interesting anymore... Maybe we'll just do flame tree bbq instead...
Have you decided on WCC for your night at BLT? There's always the Wave at CR or Grand Floridian Cafe? WCC seems the most fun for your kid though.

 

[Candycane83]

Hey there! We are staying at CR in December and have stayed there before. We just went on a Fantasy cruise last September and stayed several days at the Poly after, to make MNSSHP. Your trip will be a blast!

Yeah, I'm with you, I'm not dying at all to do CM. But the boys want to, and I was thinking with us seeing the commotion from the restaurant constantly to just do it the first night and get it over with. We're staying in the main tower, so it'll be in our faces. It's funny, every single time we eat at a buffet or character meal at WDW, my husband and I always comment on how pleasantly surprised we are. We aren't buffet connisuers in general, but really I don't think that they're all that terrible considering they are feeding the masses, and we are being entertained by characters. I guess I go in with really low expectations every time, and end up being surprised. I have a ball at the character meals.

Anyway, the last time we ate at CM was probably 6 years ago. We remember it being just fine. Reading the reviews however, now I'm terrified. If we weren't staying at the CR, I wouldn't go. But think since we'll be there we'll want to eat there. So, for people that have been recently, is it really that bad? I'd love to do Minnie's Holiday & Dine. And Garden Grill. So I think we really we just don't need CM. I've been thinking we'd do CM on 12/3 for an early dinner. Maybe I'll rethink though and do it for departure day breakfast. Or, we've even talked about arriving 12/2, so we can check into CR early on 12/3. I could do breakfast on 12/3. Surely breakfast can't be that bad. Cuz, Mickey waffles.

We're staying at CR and I'm thinking of doing this for departure day too, early since we have to leave for the airport by around 10:30am. I'm terrified because it may leave a bad last impression though... ? (Does that even make sense?)

 

[21stamps]

Hey there! We are staying at CR in December and have stayed there before. We just went on a Fantasy cruise last September and stayed several days at the Poly after, to make MNSSHP. Your trip will be a blast!

Yeah, I'm with you, I'm not dying at all to do CM. But the boys want to, and I was thinking with us seeing the commotion from the restaurant constantly to just do it the first night and get it over with. We're staying in the main tower, so it'll be in our faces. It's funny, every single time we eat at a buffet or character meal at WDW, my husband and I always comment on how pleasantly surprised we are. We aren't buffet connisuers in general, but really I don't think that they're all that terrible considering they are feeding the masses, and we are being entertained by characters. I guess I go in with really low expectations every time, and end up being surprised. I have a ball at the character meals.

Anyway, the last time we ate at CM was probably 6 years ago. We remember it being just fine. Reading the reviews however, now I'm terrified. If we weren't staying at the CR, I wouldn't go. But think since we'll be there we'll want to eat there. So, for people that have been recently, is it really that bad? I'd love to do Minnie's Holiday & Dine. And Garden Grill. So I think we really we just don't need CM. I've been thinking we'd do CM on 12/3 for an early dinner. Maybe I'll rethink though and do it for departure day breakfast. Or, we've even talked about arriving 12/2, so we can check into CR early on 12/3. I could do breakfast on 12/3. Surely breakfast can't be that bad. Cuz, Mickey waffles.

I'm wondering the same. I think we will have those characters on our cruise, so not sure if we really need them again.

We are also staying in the tower, is the restaurant very noticeable? I feel like I remember it being so. And if he sees it then I can't imagine how I could explain why we wouldn't eat there.

 

[Candycane83]

My daughter eats raw fruits and vegetables (though not in a salad), bread, crackers, plain pasta, cheese pizza, muffins, croissants, pancakes and waffles (no syrup) and french fries. Oh and in a weird twist, bacon. So you can see why we try to do a lot of breakfast buffets - it's the easiest meal for us to do out. She won't eat the mac n cheese if it has sauce on it (she'll eat a white cheddar mac and cheese I make at home).

I can see why breakfast buffets are important. It would be nice if they had all day breakfasts at WDW, LOL! No burgers for her? or any cooked protein? That would make it much easier for lunch and dinner...
Oh boy, I'm not looking forward to my son eventually being picky... He's 2 right now and will still eat pretty much anything but he has his moods. We went to Great Wolf Lodge and he didn't like the buffet at all and barely at those 2 days... I'm a little weary about buffets so I planned mostly breakfast buffets since we can feed him ahead of time.

 

[21stamps]

We're staying at CR and I'm thinking of doing this for departure day too, early since we have to leave for the airport by around 10:30am. I'm terrified because it may leave a bad last impression though... ? (Does that even make sense?)

I can't imagine it leaving a bad impression on kids...I had originally planned to do it as our departure breakfast, but decided to do Ohana the last day instead

 

[Lisa F]

Hey there! We are staying at CR in December and have stayed there before. We just went on a Fantasy cruise last September and stayed several days at the Poly after, to make MNSSHP. Your trip will be a blast!

Yeah, I'm with you, I'm not dying at all to do CM. But the boys want to, and I was thinking with us seeing the commotion from the restaurant constantly to just do it the first night and get it over with. We're staying in the main tower, so it'll be in our faces. It's funny, every single time we eat at a buffet or character meal at WDW, my husband and I always comment on how pleasantly surprised we are. We aren't buffet connisuers in general, but really I don't think that they're all that terrible considering they are feeding the masses, and we are being entertained by characters. I guess I go in with really low expectations every time, and end up being surprised. I have a ball at the character meals.

Anyway, the last time we ate at CM was probably 6 years ago. We remember it being just fine. Reading the reviews however, now I'm terrified. If we weren't staying at the CR, I wouldn't go. But think since we'll be there we'll want to eat there. So, for people that have been recently, is it really that bad? I'd love to do Minnie's Holiday & Dine. And Garden Grill. So I think we really we just don't need CM. I've been thinking we'd do CM on 12/3 for an early dinner. Maybe I'll rethink though and do it for departure day breakfast. Or, we've even talked about arriving 12/2, so we can check into CR early on 12/3. I could do breakfast on 12/3. Surely breakfast can't be that bad. Cuz, Mickey waffles.

I was back and forth on CM and decided no. I'm not sure why but it just looks like hell on earth to me, lol. But I have a ton of other character meals planned. the reviews terrify me too and the chaos would be a lot for my son to handle as he is on the spectrum and has some sensory issues and will zone out in places that are loud and chaotic.

 

[Candycane83]

I can't imagine it leaving a bad impression on kids...I had originally planned to do it as our departure breakfast, but decided to do Ohana the last day instead

LOL, DS2 should be ok but if DH is not happy, the next trip wouldn't be happening anytime soon.

 

[21stamps]

Hey there! We are staying at CR in December and have stayed there before. We just went on a Fantasy cruise last September and stayed several days at the Poly after, to make MNSSHP. Your trip will be a blast!

Yeah, I'm with you, I'm not dying at all to do CM. But the boys want to, and I was thinking with us seeing the commotion from the restaurant constantly to just do it the first night and get it over with. We're staying in the main tower, so it'll be in our faces. It's funny, every single time we eat at a buffet or character meal at WDW, my husband and I always comment on how pleasantly surprised we are. We aren't buffet connisuers in general, but really I don't think that they're all that terrible considering they are feeding the masses, and we are being entertained by characters. I guess I go in with really low expectations every time, and end up being surprised. I have a ball at the character meals.

Anyway, the last time we ate at CM was probably 6 years ago. We remember it being just fine. Reading the reviews however, now I'm terrified. If we weren't staying at the CR, I wouldn't go. But think since we'll be there we'll want to eat there. So, for people that have been recently, is it really that bad? I'd love to do Minnie's Holiday & Dine. And Garden Grill. So I think we really we just don't need CM. I've been thinking we'd do CM on 12/3 for an early dinner. Maybe I'll rethink though and do it for departure day breakfast. Or, we've even talked about arriving 12/2, so we can check into CR early on 12/3. I could do breakfast on 12/3. Surely breakfast can't be that bad. Cuz, Mickey waffles.

How was it doing WDW AFTER a cruise? Did you take a day to rest before the parks? I feel like we (my 6 year old especially) will be pretty tired that day. I think adrenaline will get him thru, but that he will probably sleep early.

 

[Winniebell10]

well if you just made her eat what was served she would not be picky! at least that is the common wisdom on the disboards! (this is a pet peeve of mine having a picky kid myself and detesting parents who want to judge all the other parents lol).

Ha! @Lisa F ! I adore you! I've noticed that, it's wild. It just kind of confuses me. I think everyone should be treated as I would want to be treated. Even my children. So, when I hear of kids being made to eat something they don't want to eat, I think, sheesh.......i have foods that I don't like. And I'm betting everyone does. How well do you think it would go over if you told me that I have to eat something that I don't want to eat? Not to get off track here though......your plans are looking great!

 

[Lisa F]

We're staying at CR and I'm thinking of doing this for departure day too, early since we have to leave for the airport by around 10:30am. I'm terrified because it may leave a bad last impression though... ? (Does that even make sense?)

you mean CM?

if I did it at all, it would be breakfast. it is nearly impossible to outright ruin breakfast. even if the eggs are not great, mickey waffles and bacon. what is not to like?

 

[Iowamomof4]

I can see why breakfast buffets are important. It would be nice if they had all day breakfasts at WDW, LOL! No burgers for her? or any cooked protein? That would make it much easier for lunch and dinner...
Oh boy, I'm not looking forward to my son eventually being picky... He's 2 right now and will still eat pretty much anything but he has his moods. We went to Great Wolf Lodge and he didn't like the buffet at all and barely at those 2 days... I'm a little weary about buffets so I planned mostly breakfast buffets since we can feed him ahead of time.

An all-day breakfast place (think Perkins or IHOP, but a Disney version) would be fantastic!