2-year old B-day dinner suggestions?

[buttercup10]

(1st post!)
We are going in Jan 09 staying at FW (DVC) - my DD will be turning 2 that week - any suggestions for any TS restaurants that do anything special for birthdays? (Also have a 5yr-old DS, and will be traveling w/in-laws too - so at least 6 ppl, possibly 8 - if that makes a difference).

Possibly a character meal, but if we do that, would keep fingers crossed that DD is not petrified of them (we last went when DS was 1.5 yrs and he was terrified of all characters).

Would love to combine with some viewing of fireworks in or near restaurant, but I think that's a pipe dream, unless they move the time the fireworks start earlier in the winter months? (Dinner past 7:15pm severely messes up dispositions of children....)

Thanks in advance!

 

[corky441]

You said that you were staying DVC - so I assume you meant at the Wildnerness Lodge Villas not Fort Wilderness, but either way, for the enjoyment factor for the children, I would suggest the Whispering Canyon at the Wilderness Lodge. It is definately kid friendly and there are no characters. They serve ala carte or family style skillets.

I will be there also in January, and if you plan an early dinner at 5 - 5:30 you'll have plenty of time to get over to MK for the fireworks.

 

[disneystacy]

We did 1900 Park Fare for DD b-day one year. It was really fun. They even brought her a princess crown to wear, a special dessert and a placemat. The characters are people(Cinderella, Prince, Stepmom, stepsisters) so its not like a big Winnie the Pooh is coming at you.

 

[buttercup10]

You said that you were staying DVC - so I assume you meant at the Wildnerness Lodge Villas not Fort Wilderness, but either way, for the enjoyment factor for the children, I would suggest the Whispering Canyon at the Wilderness Lodge. QUOTE]

Yes, sorry, Wilderness Lodge Villas - but we are doing Whispering Canyon the first night we are there, so don't want to go twice.

I hadn't thought of 1900 park fare - haven't actually ever been inside the Grand Floridian either, so that might be good!

 

[bellazachmom]

I agree that 1900 Park Fare would be a good choice, for a couple of reasons:

1. It's a charcter meal and lots of fun, however since they are "face" charcters they shouldn't be too frightening.

2. It is at the GF, a quick monorail trip back to MK or to the Poly for friework viewing.

3. Not sure where you are coming from before the meal, but GF is very easy to get to from WL & VWL ... just hop on the bus going to DTD. It will stop at the Poly and then GF before heading to one of the water parks and on to DTD!

You didn't say what day you are going, but check the park schedule to see what time if/when Wishes is being performed that night. If the show is not too late, plan dinner about 2 hours before hand to allow plenty of time for your meal, interaction with the characters and then travel time to get to view the show.

 

[Disney Princess]

If you think she may be okay with full-costume characters, Chef Mickey's is fun. During the meal, the characters have a "napkin-twirling dancing time" which is fun for kids (and adults) to participate in. You don't even leave the table - the kids can dance and play right there with Mom and Dad. If she is nervous, this keeps her comfortable with you - and your DS 5 would have a blast as well.

Additionally, CM is at the CR which is a quick monorail ride to MK for fireworks/parade (depending on the time). Also, I believe CR is an easy boat ride from VWL.

I'll keep thinking about non-character meals that are fun in case she isn't fond of characters at that time.

ETA - to the DIS!

 

[Disney Princess]

I thought of a non-character dinner - Ohana at the Poly is fun for families. No characters at dinner. It is all you can eat, but they bring the food to the table which is easier with kids. If you are by a window you can see the castle - no music for fireworks though. However, if you finish in time, you can either monorail it to MK or go down to the beach at Poly to watch Wishes. The last time I was there the kids had a coconut race (pushing coconuts with little brooms) and maybe another little game. The 2-year-old might be too little to "race" by herself, but maybe she could go with a parent or with big brother. Fun stuff for the video camera!

 

[squirrel]

1900 Park Fare-Cinderella's step-sisters and Lady Tremaine. It's a buffet, so everyone should be able to find food to eat. Also try the strawberry soup-it's suppose to be great.

I'll be going in September.