ADR Changers - We still don't know what we want for dinner!

[amandaw]

Of COURSE I will be changing ADRs before I leave.. still have some I have to figure out and tweak - means what do I ditch... and have been putting it off!

Yes, have done Crystal Pal late... 10:20 is their last breakfast seating - wish it was later. Is always the earliest breakfast of our trip - usually go for closet to 11 when some character meals have that. Nope, never felt rushed at all!

total night owl... if we were up for rope drop then we'd have NO fun.... am terribley cranky when tired and we'd rather be rested a bit for the parks!

Here's what we got so far:
Arrival dinner -26th Park Fare - or TRex. not sure. Both we aren't thrilled with food-wise ... park fare we said okay, maybe one more time since is our last trip doing DXDP... or Trex, which we are due for and I LOVEEEEE the drink there the Caveman!
27th: Park Fare.....50's .... Planet H for late dinner.
28th: Ohana ... Sci Fi lunch.... late 50's Prime Time
29th: Crystal.... Via Napoli.... late Garden Grill
30th: Tusker...... Cape May
1st: H&V breakfast (if didn't do lunch earlier in trip.. and if end up can't fit into next trip) OR skip breakfast and early lunch do - ESPN - have never been, want to try.... OR Trx if didn't do earlier (though want my Caveman drink, and won't want to be drinking at noon!)........ and Whisp Canyon for dinner.
2nd: Kona ( a first we want to try!).... 50's lunch.... Planet late dinner.
3rd: Crystal.... Plaza.... Tonys
4th: Captain's Grill.... Beaches & Cream (have never tried before).... Via Napoli.
This all depends on IF can get decent AP rate for YC on the 4th..... if not, see, my issue is will try for the 1st at YC... which means then need B&Cream on the 1st, Capt Grill breakfast on 2nd.... and Kona on 4th for breakfast.... and then have nowhere to fit in a lunch at ESPN or TRex.
So really does mess me up not knowing WHICH day we are staying where just yet.
We'll have dining plan for 7 nights and 2 room only... and out of pocket/TIW for any meals not covered under dining plan.

Still want to figure out how to fit in Akershus breakfast.... Whisp Canyon lunch... ESPN lunch, TRex dinner.... H&V (kids want the characters)... Mama Melrose, Park Fare dinner, and make sure get in Kona and Capt Grille for breakfast (both new to us) and B&Cream. phew!
Me thinks I need to add on an extra day perhaps! Would be easier if didn't have some meals booked double.
ALso want to give Tutto Italia another try... but no time to since already doing Via twice.

That's really good to know that you haven't felt rushed doing a later breakfast ADR at CP.

Seems like you have a great list so far. I'd have trouble finalizing it, too, with the YC days still up in the air. Beaches & Cream is another one I'd really like to try. We were thinking of driving to DTD one afternoon, doing a little bit of shopping & then driving over to try B&C. But, I don't know.

I was just thinking about Hollywood & Vine. We've never done that character meal before. I know my son would love the characters, especially now that Jake from the Neverland Pirates is there. But, I really don't want to do breakfast because that could mess up the TSM strategy. Wonder if lunch is any good.......

Are there any of your double restaurants that you would consider just doing once to make room for something new that you're really wanting to try?

 

[pixarmom]

Hi! I'm so glad to have you here!

I am much worse about changing ADRs. Even when I think I'm happy with all of my ADRs, I still "stalk" the online system just to see if there's anything better.

Another positive review of Chefs! It is seriously making its' way further & further up my list of possibilities for December.

Thanks!!! So a few thoughts about ADRs you're considering:

1) Sci Fi has always been fine for our boys (now ages 5, 11 and 12.) No problems with the movies, and so fun in the car. It dropped from our rotation because we had a not-so-great dinner there (but I do really like lunch!) and because with all five of us, the seating in the car isn't the best. But I have an ADR there with just our 5yo in April and I think I might just keep it!

2) Breakfast! You're like me - I hardly ever eat breakfast at home. It's coffee and maybe some bacon. But everyone else has to eat breakfast, so we've been doing CL breakfast lately, but Ohana is really one of my favorites - which means a lot from a non-breakfast person! I do like the idea of a late breakfast ADR at CP or CRT a few hours after rope drop. We did that last January and it worked out really well. I cannot decide on breakfast for April when it's just our 5yo and me. I have a Captain's Grille ADR for a quick breakfast during our YC stay, but I'm thinking of changing to Cape May. Problem is, a breakfast at Cape May is half the cost of upgrading to CL, so then I think I should do that instead. It's a combined RC/ADR dilemma!

3) This has nothing to do with ADRs, but it's about your trip report. How funny that Reid was so upset about Test Track. Our 5yo has been watching his brothers go on "tall rides" at Disney for years. We always have something else for him to do during the whole rider swap deal, so he's fine. But the one exception is Test Track - lots of tears shed outside of Test Track. It's to the point where we can't even take him near Test Track because he will cry. I just think that's so funny because, as much as I like Test Track, it doesn't seem like the flashiest ride out there! Good news is that he just hit 40 inches, so if it stays open until April 14, he will just make it on for his first ride during our April visit!

4) We love Beaches and Cream, and it's perfect if you plan to be around the resort when it opens at 11am. No wait and great burgers. That timing is tough, though. We made it work right before DCL picked us up for the cruise last August.

5) Hollywood and Vine - we've never done this. But I'm in the same boat. Our youngest LOVES Jake and would be thrilled, but the reviews are so terrible and I can't give up TSM strategy for this. I thought about lunch, too, but those reviews are discouraging and we know Sci Fi is fun. But then again, there's Jake . . .

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

Do I belong on this thread? YES! I'm here right now and still making and changing adrs!

 

[amandaw]

Thanks!!! So a few thoughts about ADRs you're considering:

1) Sci Fi has always been fine for our boys (now ages 5, 11 and 12.) No problems with the movies, and so fun in the car. It dropped from our rotation because we had a not-so-great dinner there (but I do really like lunch!) and because with all five of us, the seating in the car isn't the best. But I have an ADR there with just our 5yo in April and I think I might just keep it!

I think the hang-up for me with Sci-Fi has always been the mixed reviews it gets. If you keep your ADR for April, please let me know how it was! And I love that you're taking a trip with just your 5 year old.

2) Breakfast! You're like me - I hardly ever eat breakfast at home. It's coffee and maybe some bacon. But everyone else has to eat breakfast, so we've been doing CL breakfast lately, but Ohana is really one of my favorites - which means a lot from a non-breakfast person! I do like the idea of a late breakfast ADR at CP or CRT a few hours after rope drop. We did that last January and it worked out really well. I cannot decide on breakfast for April when it's just our 5yo and me. I have a Captain's Grille ADR for a quick breakfast during our YC stay, but I'm thinking of changing to Cape May. Problem is, a breakfast at Cape May is half the cost of upgrading to CL, so then I think I should do that instead. It's a combined RC/ADR dilemma!

Breakfast was the only time we really utilized CL back in May. Well, that & we'd get a BIG bottle of water every night to take into the park the next day with us. I really am leaning towards doing at least 1 late breakfast ADR. That way, we could hit some rides then do the meal & it would be like a brunch. We could just get a hearty snack between that & dinner. If Cape May is half the cost to upgrade to CL, I would maybe just upgrade to CL to do breakfast there & then do ADRs for later in the day. Will CL be enough of a breakfast for you little one?

3) This has nothing to do with ADRs, but it's about your trip report. How funny that Reid was so upset about Test Track. Our 5yo has been watching his brothers go on "tall rides" at Disney for years. We always have something else for him to do during the whole rider swap deal, so he's fine. But the one exception is Test Track - lots of tears shed outside of Test Track. It's to the point where we can't even take him near Test Track because he will cry. I just think that's so funny because, as much as I like Test Track, it doesn't seem like the flashiest ride out there! Good news is that he just hit 40 inches, so if it stays open until April 14, he will just make it on for his first ride during our April visit!

He was soooo upset! I was so thankful that he fell asleep & didn't cry until Ed got off of Test Track. Especially since it seemed to take Ed forever to get back! Reid is just now hitting 40" so he is VERY excited about the new rides he'll get to try in December. Funny thing is I told him he could ride Test Track & he's happy about it but not overly excited. He's most excited about Star Tours & Spiderman at Islands of Adventure. Oh - and I've talked him into trying Haunted Mansion! I just hope he'll go through with it.

4) We love Beaches and Cream, and it's perfect if you plan to be around the resort when it opens at 11am. No wait and great burgers. That timing is tough, though. We made it work right before DCL picked us up for the cruise last August.

That's a good idea because the wait has been my only concern about trying Beaches & Cream. Our plan for departure day was to wake up early & hit the road. However, tonight I talked Ed into having a nice breakfast that day & then going to Epcot for like half a day. Then, we'll hit the road & drive half way home instead of driving the whole way home. I was thinking of doing Via Napoli for lunch. But, perhaps, B&C would work better that day.

5) Hollywood and Vine - we've never done this. But I'm in the same boat. Our youngest LOVES Jake and would be thrilled, but the reviews are so terrible and I can't give up TSM strategy for this. I thought about lunch, too, but those reviews are discouraging and we know Sci Fi is fun. But then again, there's Jake . . .

Between the TSM strategy & the horrible reviews for all meals, I just find it hard to seriously consider this place. I need to re-check this but I think Jake may now be doing meet & greets in Animation Courtyard by the Disney Junior Live show. If so, I say that solves our problem! Have you taken your youngest to see that show yet? Reid loved it so much! It really was cute.

Do I belong on this thread? YES! I'm here right now and still making and changing adrs!

You are most definitely at home here! At Disney & still changing ADRs?!? Hope y'all are having a fantastic trip!

 

[princessbride6205]

I already love this thread. It's great to see others who keep changing - makes me feel better!

I wonder if we should add H&V for breakfast. I kind of forgot about that one. DD loves Einsteins and Manny. I'll think about it!

I get ADR anxiety, too. Especially concerning park hours! It's very easy for one to go to the brink of insanity with all of this ADR madness.

Sounds like you have some really good ADRs picked out for y'alls upcoming trip. I think your DD will enjoy Chef Mickey's....decent food & you get to see your classic characters.

Not that I'm trying to add to your anxiety or anything....but since you don't have anything for the last night yet.....what if you did CRT there? Or is she not into princesses?

On your last day, maybe you could do a TS non-character breakfast like Kona Cafe or Kouzzina. I've heard so many great things about both. Seems like the Wave at CR also gets good reviews for breakfast.

Just trying to throw out some ideas for you....hope I haven't added to your ADR anxiety!

Not at all! Thanks for your input.
DD loves princesses, but I couldn't decide about the expense of CRT the past few months, and now there is no availability.
If I do magically find an ADR, does anyone know how to do the prepay with a TIW discount?

 

[amandaw]

I already love this thread. It's great to see others who keep changing - makes me feel better!

Awww, I'm so glad you're loving it! Makes me so happy I created this thread. I had been thinking about it for a while. Just wait 'til it gets closer to my ADR-making time: I will be all over the place with what I want to book!

I wonder if we should add H&V for breakfast. I kind of forgot about that one. DD loves Einsteins and Manny. I'll think about it!

I forget about it, too. I love the idea of the characters they have there. But, the reviews are usually so bad I just don't know if I can get past them.

Not at all! Thanks for your input.
DD loves princesses, but I couldn't decide about the expense of CRT the past few months, and now there is no availability.
If I do magically find an ADR, does anyone know how to do the prepay with a TIW discount?

You're welcome! Hmmm...what about that princess meal in Epcot...Akerhaus (or however you spell it). We don't do princess meals since we only have 1 boy. But, I have a close friend who has done this one & CRT & she said the food & interaction is better at Akerhaus. Would that maybe work?

I don't know anything about TIW....sorry I can't help you with that!

 

[stitch34]

H&V for breakfast... could always go early for Toy Story.... get your fastpasses and ride the ride.... and then do a later breakfast. 10:15 is their latest. While we don't care for H&V for dinner.... really, you cant' mess up breakfast food too bad... eggs and bacon, are eggs and bacon pretty much, and they have a nice variety of stuff... and also have pancakes - my kids love that, and not all character meals have them. And if you have kids that love Jake.... ohhhh, he is such a CUTIE to see in person!


BUT am soooo happy this thread was started. Glad i'm not the only one out there!

I know when I put my schedules together, no one at home "gets" how tough it is. It's one thing to figure out which day for which park.... but add in all the dining sure makes it tough! I'll have everythign perfect, or so I think, and then am like noooo, we're missing such and such place.. gotta fit that in.....

I have relatives in jacksonville that join us for 2-3 days each trip.... problem is, I don't know 100% WHICH days the 2 of them will join us. So then gotta figure in okay, make sure to hit AK that day because they love it.... and DHS because they are junkies for AI for some reason and want to see the show multiple times when they are down... and try to book cheaper meals for when they are down. Now with the credit card guarantee.... really can't book much for them. Gotta risk it and walk up as party of 6 booked as party of 4 and hope they'll seat them with us. So am making sure those days to have dinners RIGHT when the restaurant opens as seems most likely to get lucky and they'll seat them along with us. I am not bookign for 6 and getting charged if they don't make it that day. So I get everything to flow right and then nope, that doesn't work IF they come down that day. Nope, can't do Planet Hollywood at 8:30 at night.... then they'll miss their beloved AI finale.

 

[sjs314]

I already love this thread. It's great to see others who keep changing - makes me feel better!

I wonder if we should add H&V for breakfast. I kind of forgot about that one. DD loves Einsteins and Manny. I'll think about it!


Not at all! Thanks for your input.
DD loves princesses, but I couldn't decide about the expense of CRT the past few months, and now there is no availability.
If I do magically find an ADR, does anyone know how to do the prepay with a TIW discount?

I made an ADR for breakfast at Hollywood & Vine on our DHS day not for the characters but just the convience of getting into the park early and having our breakfast, now I am second guessing it since if they continue with the early openings @ 8:30 am when the park is scheduled to open at 9am it will put us behind getting to TSM which I missed our last trip so I really want to check it out this time

 

[sjs314]

That's really good to know that you haven't felt rushed doing a later breakfast ADR at CP.

Seems like you have a great list so far. I'd have trouble finalizing it, too, with the YC days still up in the air. Beaches & Cream is another one I'd really like to try. We were thinking of driving to DTD one afternoon, doing a little bit of shopping & then driving over to try B&C. But, I don't know.

I was just thinking about Hollywood & Vine. We've never done that character meal before. I know my son would love the characters, especially now that Jake from the Neverland Pirates is there. But, I really don't want to do breakfast because that could mess up the TSM strategy. Wonder if lunch is any good.......

Are there any of your double restaurants that you would consider just doing once to make room for something new that you're really wanting to try?

amanda - I have read many good reviews about Hollywood and Vine for breakfast(Lunch and Dinner seems to get the bad reviews) that this is why I decided to just book breakfast there instead of someplace else before heading to DHS plus getting into the park early sounded like a plan but now with them doing the early 8:30am openings when the park is scheduled to open at 9am , this will mess up getting to TSM early ........I do not know what to do, I am not going for the characters, in fact I have no clue who they are since I have no lil ones anymore
I could just as easily make that our Kouzzina day

I just printed out all my Dining reservations, jinxed myself cause now I am gonna change something for sure.

 

[pinkxray]

The only reason why I want to do CRT is so that I can have a meal one time in the castle. But, I do feel a bit bad bringing my son to a princess meal. I really, really want to eat at Be Our Guest.....I am praying that it will be open when we go in December. *fingers crossed*

I'm with you......I can't wait to see what I end up with!

Another positive review of Chefs! It is seriously making its' way further & further up my list of possibilities for December.

I can't wait to see some reviews of Be our Guest. Is it still supposed to be CS during the day and TS at night?

I really want to try Chefs next trip too. The lunch menu looks pretty good and the reviews have been good lately. I hate trying to pick somewhere to eat in Epcot, there are so many choices.

yup, need that french toast at CP! I agree with you... tusker is another great one. Chef Mickey's... we feel the same. GOtta do it at least once.... but find nothing really special to offer for breakfast food that sets them apart.

Have never done CRT for breakfast - there are too many great buffets with much much more to offer, we don't want the pre-plated meal at CRT. we have done dinner, and lunch - did lunch many times... till they took Major Domo's Fav Pie off the menu (BOOO! we actually left once we were sat and saw it no longer on menu - have done the caslte, seen the princesses many times... we were there for the DOMO's! - and my autistic son was chanting for a hot dog - that was no longer on menu either.

Park Fare breakfast - one of our favs - need to try! We love that lately they've also been having that awesome juice that they serve at Ohana and Tusker - yum! But they have a nice variety and the food is good!


Hollywood & Vine.... my kids love the food at breakfast there - I really enjoy the potato casserole they have. Is nice for a DHS day to do... but the characters drive me nutty, though my kids like them (even at 9, I have one Oso lover and one Handy Manny lover still for some reason!?) BUT... we all agree it is such an annoying breakfast.... come on, everyone, let's dance ... oh, no. Keep playing that annoying music and dance with the characters. We are not morning people, so it grates on our nerves, lol!

I have had Park Fare on our schedule for breakfast and dinner the last few trips but always end up cancelling. DD is a bit shy and didn't want to see the Mad Hatter after seeing some youtube videos and she was terrified of the stepsisters so the dinner was out. Hopefully she'll be ready next trip.

Hollywood and Vine sounds annoying. I didn't even know they had everybody dance That would not be fun before coffee. We have just avoided it b/c the characters didn't interest us.

I can't believe CRT couldn't get your DS a hot dog. That must have been so aggrivating

I already love this thread. It's great to see others who keep changing - makes me feel better!

I wonder if we should add H&V for breakfast. I kind of forgot about that one. DD loves Einsteins and Manny. I'll think about it!


Not at all! Thanks for your input.
DD loves princesses, but I couldn't decide about the expense of CRT the past few months, and now there is no availability.
If I do magically find an ADR, does anyone know how to do the prepay with a TIW discount?

I haven't had the TIW card yet, but I did just read a TR with someone who had it. When they went to CRT they had prepaid the full amount, when they dined with the card they were credited the amount of the discount. Not sure if that is how it would work everywhere but I am going to guess that's how it works most places.

 

[pas130]

What a great way to start the day....all you can eat Mickey waffle & a view of the castle! Hmmm.....OHana is becoming a serious breakfast contender folks!



We were going to wake up early on our last day & just get going to drive all the way home. But, now I'm thinking that maybe we could sleep in, do a late breakfast at Kona & then hit the road. If we did that, I'd probably have us just drive half-way home, since it's like a 13 hour trek. I'm liking this idea.....

I think sleeping in with a later BF is a better idea. You'll be in the car all day, enjoy the last morning

I just printed out all my Dining reservations, jinxed myself cause now I am gonna change something for sure.

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Our waitress told my DS it was fine to run over to TSM for FP while we waited for him....our ADR was 830am as well.....then we finished our meal...so maybe that is an idea for you while DH stuffs his face

Hello to all my RC friends here BTW!!!

 

[amandaw]

H&V for breakfast... could always go early for Toy Story.... get your fastpasses and ride the ride.... and then do a later breakfast. 10:15 is their latest. While we don't care for H&V for dinner.... really, you cant' mess up breakfast food too bad... eggs and bacon, are eggs and bacon pretty much, and they have a nice variety of stuff... and also have pancakes - my kids love that, and not all character meals have them. And if you have kids that love Jake.... ohhhh, he is such a CUTIE to see in person!

You're right....it is hard to mess up breakfast! The later breakfast could work....maybe do the last breakfast ADR of the day so that it's like brunch. Now, you have me wanting to see Jake! Am I wrong in thinking that Jake is also doing meet & greets in Animation Courtyard?

BUT am soooo happy this thread was started. Glad i'm not the only one out there!

I'm so glad that everyone is enjoying the thread! I really thought about doing it last spring....I was in the middle of changing ADRs almost every day for our May trip. Glad I finally got it started!

I know when I put my schedules together, no one at home "gets" how tough it is. It's one thing to figure out which day for which park.... but add in all the dining sure makes it tough! I'll have everythign perfect, or so I think, and then am like noooo, we're missing such and such place.. gotta fit that in.....

I know exactly what you mean! My DH thinks I'm crazy that I'm looking at menus & making a list of possible restaurants for our December trip. But, once we get there, he'll thank me! He always does.....

I have relatives in jacksonville that join us for 2-3 days each trip.... problem is, I don't know 100% WHICH days the 2 of them will join us. So then gotta figure in okay, make sure to hit AK that day because they love it.... and DHS because they are junkies for AI for some reason and want to see the show multiple times when they are down... and try to book cheaper meals for when they are down. Now with the credit card guarantee.... really can't book much for them. Gotta risk it and walk up as party of 6 booked as party of 4 and hope they'll seat them with us. So am making sure those days to have dinners RIGHT when the restaurant opens as seems most likely to get lucky and they'll seat them along with us. I am not bookign for 6 and getting charged if they don't make it that day. So I get everything to flow right and then nope, that doesn't work IF they come down that day. Nope, can't do Planet Hollywood at 8:30 at night.... then they'll miss their beloved AI finale.

Now see....that would drive me C-R-A-Z-Y not knowing when they would be joining us. You are dealing with that much better than I would! I can't believe they love AI that much. I've never even done that.

I made an ADR for breakfast at Hollywood & Vine on our DHS day not for the characters but just the convience of getting into the park early and having our breakfast, now I am second guessing it since if they continue with the early openings @ 8:30 am when the park is scheduled to open at 9am it will put us behind getting to TSM which I missed our last trip so I really want to check it out this time

Hmmmm.....could you maybe do like I'm considering & do a late breakfast ADR so that it's like brunch & then you don't have to change your TSM strategy? I have to get my family on TSM 1st thing & get us FP's....we have so much fun on that ride!

amanda - I have read many good reviews about Hollywood and Vine for breakfast(Lunch and Dinner seems to get the bad reviews) that this is why I decided to just book breakfast there instead of someplace else before heading to DHS plus getting into the park early sounded like a plan but now with them doing the early 8:30am openings when the park is scheduled to open at 9am , this will mess up getting to TSM early ........I do not know what to do, I am not going for the characters, in fact I have no clue who they are since I have no lil ones anymore
I could just as easily make that our Kouzzina day

I just printed out all my Dining reservations, jinxed myself cause now I am gonna change something for sure.

Oooh....Kouzzina! You could try to get the 1st ADR of the day (730) & then take the boat to DHS. Or do you think that would be cutting it too close?

I can't wait to see some reviews of Be our Guest. Is it still supposed to be CS during the day and TS at night?

Me too! I am sooo excited to eat here just because Belle is my favorite princess & it's one of my favorite Disney movies. If they ever release more info, I'll post it here. As far as I know, it's going to be CS in the day & TS at night.

I really want to try Chefs next trip too. The lunch menu looks pretty good and the reviews have been good lately. I hate trying to pick somewhere to eat in Epcot, there are so many choices.

I agree!

I think sleeping in with a later BF is a better idea. You'll be in the car all day, enjoy the last morning

I got Ed to agree last night to sleeping in a little that day & then hitting up Epcot for a while. We just wouldn't drive the whole way home. We'll see how do-able I think this is once I work on our schedule some more.

Hello to all my RC friends here BTW!!!

I have to say how happy I am to have so many RCers over here! Thank y'all for joining in!

 

[chinarider]

Ok, I'm in. I have my list at home and will update and look for insight. I'm a single Mom and my DD will be 17 at time of trip in June. She thinks I'm nuts about all the time I'm spending researching, questioning, comparing... she's almost to the point of annoyed and tuning me out ( what else is new )

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

5) Hollywood and Vine - we've never done this. But I'm in the same boat. Our youngest LOVES Jake and would be thrilled, but the reviews are so terrible and I can't give up TSM strategy for this. I thought about lunch, too, but those reviews are discouraging and we know Sci Fi is fun. But then again, there's Jake . . .

H&V breakfast is realllllly good--and not over crowded!! The lunch/dinner gives it a bad name.... but DH and I go to breakfast there every trip!!

Do I belong on this thread? YES! I'm here right now and still making and changing adrs!

Hope you're having a great time!!!

 

[stitch34]

Ok, I'm in. I have my list at home and will update and look for insight. I'm a single Mom and my DD will be 17 at time of trip in June. She thinks I'm nuts about all the time I'm spending researching, questioning, comparing... she's almost to the point of annoyed and tuning me out ( what else is new )

My girls are the same... All I have to say is "I have a question for you...." and they say nooo, not another disney question. But always am like okay, should we do X or Y.... or would you rather do this or that..... Or I'll give them a list of the ones I'm trying to narrow down (I do this for which resorts we'll be staying at split-stay, too)... and say okay, write down #1, #2, etc, for which ones you want the most.

 

[princessbride6205]

H&V breakfast is realllllly good--and not over crowded!! The lunch/dinner gives it a bad name.... but DH and I go to breakfast there every trip!!

I wrote a whole response last night and my browser crashed. Then I rewrote it and it didn't post somehow. Oh well. I was going to chime in to support H&V breakfast. We went in 2008 and 2010. The character interaction was the best anywhere we've been. DD was 1 and then 2-and-a-half. Since she was free, it was actually a great value. Lots of time with each character, one even sat down at our table, some even visited twice. Food was okay to good. We weren't rushed and it wasn't crowded. Bonus, you can usually get a last minute reservation.

I made two more reservations since I last posted. So glad that Fantasmic! packages are now available online. I booked that for Mama Melrose. It's DH's fave night show and we've never taken DD to see it yet. I also booked our last night's dinner at Akershus. I couldn't get a CRT dinner any night of our trip and I don't really want to pay those prices for breakfast.

 

[amandaw]

Ok, I'm in. I have my list at home and will update and look for insight. I'm a single Mom and my DD will be 17 at time of trip in June. She thinks I'm nuts about all the time I'm spending researching, questioning, comparing... she's almost to the point of annoyed and tuning me out ( what else is new )

We're glad to have you here with us!

H&V breakfast is realllllly good--and not over crowded!! The lunch/dinner gives it a bad name.... but DH and I go to breakfast there every trip!!

That's really good to know about breakfast! Or is it? That's just one more place to contemplate!

My girls are the same... All I have to say is "I have a question for you...." and they say nooo, not another disney question. But always am like okay, should we do X or Y.... or would you rather do this or that..... Or I'll give them a list of the ones I'm trying to narrow down (I do this for which resorts we'll be staying at split-stay, too)... and say okay, write down #1, #2, etc, for which ones you want the most.

I try to get my DH to order resorts he'd like to stay at. But, then I usually don't like his order.

I wrote a whole response last night and my browser crashed. Then I rewrote it and it didn't post somehow. Oh well. I was going to chime in to support H&V breakfast. We went in 2008 and 2010. The character interaction was the best anywhere we've been. DD was 1 and then 2-and-a-half. Since she was free, it was actually a great value. Lots of time with each character, one even sat down at our table, some even visited twice. Food was okay to good. We weren't rushed and it wasn't crowded. Bonus, you can usually get a last minute reservation.

I made two more reservations since I last posted. So glad that Fantasmic! packages are now available online. I booked that for Mama Melrose. It's DH's fave night show and we've never taken DD to see it yet. I also booked our last night's dinner at Akershus. I couldn't get a CRT dinner any night of our trip and I don't really want to pay those prices for breakfast.

I hate when I lose a typed up response, especially if it's a long one! That's great that you got Mama Melrose for the F! package. I'm still trying to decide if we should do Fantasmic! on our next trip. I love it but I've been unsure as to whether or not our son would enjoy it. And that's really great about getting the Akershus! What a great way to end the trip for your DD - dinner with princesses!

 

[chinarider]

I'm back now and I want to give you a little background on my daughter and myself. We have not been to DW for 6 years now so, last time she went she was 11. I believe it was when the DP was new so, there were fewer restaurants available to choose from. I remember running / rushing etc through parks, parade routes and such to get to the destination that our ADR was at. Really dont want that to happen again. We are staying at POP (she loved it in 2005 so, we are going back , unless my tax return looks enormous). We are going on the 8 day Western Caribbean DCL following our stay at POP so, we will have plenty of character interaction and good food. My DD17 is a plainish eater. Not big on steak, no seafood. This is what I have (today):
Day 1- plane arrives 4 pm- Dinner POP food court
Day 2- CP-8:15 , Ohana 5:20, preferred AAA Fireworks viewing MK EMH till 1 am but, no electrical parade that night
Day 3- AK EMH- 8am , Yak and Yeti Counter Service Lunch,
HS EMH till 12 am, Dinner Mama Melrose 6 pm Fantasmic Pkg
Day 4-DTD, WFE-lunch, Epcot snacks, Epcot EMH till 12 am
Rose and Crown Dinner 7:40- hope to sit outside for Illuminations
Day 5 HS EMH 8 am- starring rolls snacks, Boardwalk Beaches and Cream, 11ish- sundaes OOP for lunch- not sure for dinner......... thinking maybe DTD or is it worth going back to Epcot just to eat???
Day 6-MK EMH 8 am- monorail to Contempo for early lunch or CHH not too sure, dinner Boma 6:15
DAY 7- Epcot EMH 8 am Lunch Le Cellier 12:15, not sure of rest of day, Dinner ???

I think these are all places that we haven't been to. I know we did SciFi, 50's PT, LTT and Spirit of Aloha before and some breakfast I think 1900 PF .
We're not much big early breakfast eaters and I would prefer to get to the parks at RD. I love breakfast but need to be up for awhile before I will eat big. Unless free dining is offered, I am paying for the DDP and I want to try and maximize it's benefits. If my daughter orders a $15 chicken sandwich for dinner, it hardly seems worth it. Looking at possibly Chefs or Tutto for Day 5 dinner but, it just seems like it would be a lot of running around. want to check and B &C early before too crowded and want to see the Boardwalk etc.
Rose and Crown got good reviews ( I think it will have to be the one night that my daughter eats steak ) and hopefully can see Illuminations. Mama Melrose is best option available for the Fantasmic pkg ( and since it's going to be summer and hot, I would defintely want to avoid the wait of non preferred seating). She's somewhat interested in Coral Reef but, it's gotten mixed reviews and the menu doesnt overwhelm me, I'm also afraid that it might be too fish smelling for her. Thoughts, insight, suggestions???? Is anyone familiar with the Boardwalk. How much time do you think we would spend walking around there? Is it a place that is much better to visit at night? My daughter is soooo tired on me talking to her about this so, I need to look to others to give me direction. Thank you

 

[amandaw]

I'm back now and I want to give you a little background on my daughter and myself. We have not been to DW for 6 years now so, last time she went she was 11. I believe it was when the DP was new so, there were fewer restaurants available to choose from. I remember running / rushing etc through parks, parade routes and such to get to the destination that our ADR was at. Really dont want that to happen again. We are staying at POP (she loved it in 2005 so, we are going back , unless my tax return looks enormous). We are going on the 8 day Western Caribbean DCL following our stay at POP so, we will have plenty of character interaction and good food. My DD17 is a plainish eater. Not big on steak, no seafood. This is what I have (today):
Day 1- plane arrives 4 pm- Dinner POP food court
Day 2- CP-8:15 , Ohana 5:20, preferred AAA Fireworks viewing MK EMH till 1 am but, no electrical parade that night
Day 3- AK EMH- 8am , Yak and Yeti Counter Service Lunch,
HS EMH till 12 am, Dinner Mama Melrose 6 pm Fantasmic Pkg
Day 4-DTD, WFE-lunch, Epcot snacks, Epcot EMH till 12 am
Rose and Crown Dinner 7:40- hope to sit outside for Illuminations
Day 5 HS EMH 8 am- starring rolls snacks, Boardwalk Beaches and Cream, 11ish- sundaes OOP for lunch- not sure for dinner......... thinking maybe DTD or is it worth going back to Epcot just to eat???
Day 6-MK EMH 8 am- monorail to Contempo for early lunch or CHH not too sure, dinner Boma 6:15
DAY 7- Epcot EMH 8 am Lunch Le Cellier 12:15, not sure of rest of day, Dinner ???

I think these are all places that we haven't been to. I know we did SciFi, 50's PT, LTT and Spirit of Aloha before and some breakfast I think 1900 PF .
We're not much big early breakfast eaters and I would prefer to get to the parks at RD. I love breakfast but need to be up for awhile before I will eat big. Unless free dining is offered, I am paying for the DDP and I want to try and maximize it's benefits. If my daughter orders a $15 chicken sandwich for dinner, it hardly seems worth it. Looking at possibly Chefs or Tutto for Day 5 dinner but, it just seems like it would be a lot of running around. want to check and B &C early before too crowded and want to see the Boardwalk etc.
Rose and Crown got good reviews ( I think it will have to be the one night that my daughter eats steak ) and hopefully can see Illuminations. Mama Melrose is best option available for the Fantasmic pkg ( and since it's going to be summer and hot, I would defintely want to avoid the wait of non preferred seating). She's somewhat interested in Coral Reef but, it's gotten mixed reviews and the menu doesnt overwhelm me, I'm also afraid that it might be too fish smelling for her. Thoughts, insight, suggestions???? Is anyone familiar with the Boardwalk. How much time do you think we would spend walking around there? Is it a place that is much better to visit at night? My daughter is soooo tired on me talking to her about this so, I need to look to others to give me direction. Thank you

It sounds like you have a pretty good plan there! We tried Rose & Crown for the 1st time on our last trip & we really enjoyed it. I think that's a good idea to go to Beaches & Cream when they open so (hopefully) you won't have too much of a wait. I'd really like to try it out one day. I would definitely consider going back into Epcot on Day 5 for dinner at Les Chefs. Seems like that place is getting all sorts of good words here on this thread. Is there any special meal you think you might like to book as y'alls last night dinner?

We haven't been out to the Boardwalk yet, so I'm not any help in that category. I have heard many good things about Kouzzina. Could that be a possibility for the last night?

 

[chinarider]

I only have 1 TS left so, I can use it for dinner on our last night or for dinner on Day 5. I spoke with a CM and she said to allow a couple of hours to walk around the boardwalk and stuff. That being said, it leaves us approx mid afternoon. Not sure if I want to leave the are to come back to Epcot just for dinner . HS closes early that night (7) so more people will be jammed into the two parks. Also, we will have been at Epcot the night before and are going back on Day 7 morning so, I'm not sure my daughter will want to spend more time there (especially since Test Track will be closed). Not too sure what our plans will be the rest of that afternoon. That's why I'm so stuck regarding making additonal ressies...... Right now I have a HOB in DTD for 4:30 but, I dont think that is the most bang for my buck. We can go to PH and use the DDP as well as my AAA $15 voucher (for appetizers ) but, once again, not sure it maximizes the benefits. However, its convenient and food my daughter would enjoy. Want some flexibility but, making ADR's really limits that