A nice first night dinner (non park) for the fam?

[lilandvisma]

Need to make dinner ressies for the night of our arrival. I have HDDR on the schedule for now but really not feeling this one and wanting to change it to something else. We aren't doing a park that day so either a resort or DTD area.

 

[haPevraftr]

We like to do a resort dinner that has a beach to view the Electrical Water Pageant and Wishes on the night of our arrival. What about Ohana or 1900 Park Fare (our personal fav character dinner)?

 

[stitchlover]

Our favorite night of arrival meal is California Grill. This year we are doing Wolfgang Puck at DTD.

 

[SabbyR]

I like Ohana or Flying Fish then you can enjoy the boardwalk after. HAve you ever been to HDDR? It really is worth it IMO

 

[Amy&Dan]

I agree with doing something that is on the monorail so you can get that MK feel to get your trip going.

Ohana gets my vote or 1900 Park Fare has been good for us as well.

 

[MWDisneyFan]

We like Chef Mickey our first night and then wander to Magic Kingdom for Spectro and Wishes.

 

[asdfghjkl13]

Another vote for Ohana. Not only is it one of my favorite restaurants, it's nice to start your vacation near MK.

 

[mccathy]

We really enjoyed Whispering Canyon at the Wilderness on our first night last year. It was tons of fun for the kids - and it instantly put my son in vacation mode - he was offered a milkshake as a drink choice!

 

[jstouder]

My vote would be for O'hana. After dinner you can watch Wishes on the beach. Great way to start off your vacation.

 

[quest4dl]

With younger kids - Chef Mickey is great because they meet Mickey right away and the napkin twirling is alot of fun. The food is mediocre. You can view the fireworks by going up a few flights of the Contemporary and going to an outdoor staircase exit. Great view of fireworks.

With older kids I prefer Ohana's (also good for young kids with the coconut races but wait for your table, even with ADR, can be long - plus food choices more limited than a buffet). See fireworks from Ohana or from the beach.

 

[baler31]

The Wave or CG at CR or Flying Fish, depending on what area you would like to be in to finish out the night.

 

[rdunative]

California Grill is amazing! Especially with a window view!

 

[Dizny Dad]

If at SSR - Turf Club!

We like Kona Cafe for our first night also!

 

[MickeyNicki]

We like to eat at Fultons in DTD...this past Nov we changed it up a bit and went to WP dining room and it was very good.

What about eating at the resort you are staying at? That is always easy (if there is a nice TS place)

 

[bluejasmine]

I was gonna recommend your resort as well or normally what we do we arrive the day before checking into WDW and stay in a DTD hotel and shop at DTD and have dinner at Trex.

Next day is a full park day for us but we like to come back around 3 and swim, unpack and have dinner at our resort so we can relax afterwards..

I see your staying at CBR there is a nice restaurant there..

Do you think your kids would like Trex or RFC?

 

[Hopefully]

We love HDDR and I would recommend you try it on your trip if you can. That said, I would not do it on arrival night. Travel is full of unexpected delays. I would not book an ADR where I would be charged if I didn't make it.
I think one of the monorail resorts would be fun. You can actually ride the monorail, without going into the MK if you choose.
Good Luck

 

[seadd67]

How about ESPN cafe at the Boradwalk/, then after word you can take in the activites along the boradwalk. Theres also Big horn brewery,both of these places you do not need ADR just walk up.

 

[Spikerdink]

Depending on your arrival time, HDDR may be just the thing to kick off your trip...

Two years ago I booked a trip for my friends and I and made HDDR the first night event - it got us into the mood of being carefree and really just getting into the moment and have fun.

Yea, the jokes are corny...but the performers are great... the show works and the food is usually great - (the potatos last time out were really bad!)

Give it a shot if you haven't done it before.... but if you really aren't feeling it...I agree with the poster who said Whispering at WL - another fun atmosphere (although it can be LOUD - be prepared...) with lots of jokes, fun and great food....