99 Days and still can't decide

[Jotash]

Sorry this will be long, I was hoping for some input from you wonderfu people on where to make PS arrangements. Our DS is 5, autistic and hates EVERYTHING!! I might be able to persuade him to try some breakfast foods, but even that's a long shot. We decided to make arrangements at restaurants more for him than us. So far, we have decided on Sci-Fi one night for dinner (DH loves the place and we thought the movies would keep DS's attention) and CP for one breakfast (DS is a HUGE Pooh fan). We'd like to plan at least 2 more sit-downs (per our meal plan) and we are willing to pay out of pocket if it's worth it.
QUESTION ONE: Will it be a problem if I give DS snacks or a PB&J I bring along with me if he won't eat the food? (He has to have specific everything!!)
QUESTION TWO: We were thinking of another character meal. DS is not into princesses. We were thinking either 1900 Park Fare because I like the atmosphere or Ohana. We don't want to do Chef Mickey's since it might be a bit much with his disability. Any suggestions or something I'm missing?
THIRD AND FINAL QUESTION: Is there another restaurant without characters (other than 50's Prime Time, DH won't go there since he's easily embarrassed) that might have enough of an atmosphere to distract him from the fact he's in a restaurant? DH and I would like to try Shutters since it's at our hotel or possibly Boma.

Sorry again about the length. My DH thinks I'm nuts to worry about it, but I want our first trip in seven years to be as good as possible. Thanks in advance.

 

[disneydreamer98]

I think that it's great to put so much thought and concern into making your family trip the best it can be! I would suggest going to the Garden Grill in the Land Pavillion at Epcot. Although I have not been since they changed the menu (you can view the menu at www.allearsnet.com) I think that the atmosphere may be perfect for you guys. It is a character meal (Mickey, Pluto, Chip & Dale), but the restaurant is small in comparison to other character meals and a much quieter place. The restaurant revolves throughout your meal (slowly....very slowly. You will only notice because the scenery will change).

As far as taking snacks and extra things in for your Son, I cannot imagine that being a problem. We had Fantasmic Dinner Package reserved for our last stay and my DS5 slept through the entire meal. The child dinner price is something like $12 and although our DS8mos had some of the pasta from the meal as well as the bread, the server took it off our bill. Considering the circumstances, I am sure they will work with you.

My BF has an autistic Son, so I completely understand your Son not wanting to stray from what he knows. Best of luck. If I think of anything else, I will let you know. BTW...what about Chef Mickey's is keeping you from going? Is it the party and loud atmosphere? Just wondering so I know what to base any other suggestions for you on.

 

[Jotash]

That's exactly the issue with Chef Mickey's. We're afraid that would be a bit overwhelming for him since I've heard it's very loud and crazy. (DH doesn't like that either, even though nothing is wrong with him, just a low tolerance for screaming kids ).
We were thinking about Garden Grill. I do want him to be able to see Mickey!! He knows who his is and loves him too. How about Coral Reef? I know it's expensive and all, but maybe we could do that off the plan and just get something small for DH and I. DS also loves fish!

Thank you so much for your input.

 

[Disney_1derland]

I think maybe the Liberty Tree Tavern in Magic kingdom. The rooms we've always been seated in are small so it doesn't seem huge and everytime we've been there it has not been insanely noisy. the characters are minnie, the chipmunks, goofy and pluto(or at least that's who it was when we were there.)

My child (who has noise sensory issues) doesn't like noisy restaurants and she loved LTT, but she also liked Chef Mickeys because we had the first seating available and we explained the situation and they sat us in a corner where the only traffic was our waiter and the characters and there weren't even any other tables terribly close to us. This was not a guarantee but we took the chance and it worked out well.

1900 park fair is really packed and noisy, she hated that one and we were in a corner there too but still lots of traffic.

 

[disneydreamer98]

That's exactly the issue with Chef Mickey's. We're afraid that would be a bit overwhelming for him since I've heard it's very loud and crazy. (DH doesn't like that either, even though nothing is wrong with him, just a low tolerance for screaming kids ).
We were thinking about Garden Grill. I do want him to be able to see Mickey!! He knows who his is and loves him too. How about Coral Reef? I know it's expensive and all, but maybe we could do that off the plan and just get something small for DH and I. DS also loves fish!

Thank you so much for your input.

Coral Reef is beautiful! We ate there the first time we took our oldest Son (at the time he was 2) and he loved being able to watch all the fish! That one is a great idea if he likes marine life! The menu does tend to be on the expensive side, but you can have a nice meal for not much more than a character meal would cost, plus they do have a childrens menu. My DS loved the dessert they brought him! I think you just found your own answer to the restaurant you need. It is a very quiet and relaxing restaurant! Enjoy!