ADR Plan B Advice...

[Lori72]

My booking window is fast approaching - My ideal choices are as follows:

CRT dinner
BOG lunch or dinner
O'Hana's Dinner
Saana's (AKL) Dinner

If I can not get any of these ADR's for the duration of my 4 day stay - what are alternate suggestions for dining (will be on the Disney dining plan)???

 

[itchin2go]

I don't think you'll have trouble with Sanaa, but Boma would be an alternative ... or Tusker House if you don't mind being in AK on that day. (I was assuming the draw was the exotic food. If the draw for Sanaa was viewing the animals, I don't believe there's another restaurant that has an animal view. FWIW, we didn't see many animals when we ate there.)

As far as CRT, it depends. Do you need to be in MK for that meal? Or are the princesses the guiding factor? The closest thing to CRT would be Akershus in Epcot, but that puts you in a different park. There's also a Cinderella, Prince Charming, Stepsister dinner at 1900 Park Fare in the Grand Floridian. If you need to be in the MK, another character option would be Crystal Palace (Pooh and Friends).

Same for BOG - does this need to be a meal inside the MK?

An alternative to Ohana would by Kona Cafe, also in the Polynesian. Other MK resort area restaurants are Whispering Canyon Cafe in the Wilderness Lodge, Trail's End Buffet at Fort Wilderness, or the 1900 Park Fare Cinderella (and Family) dinner.

 

[Quin]

Also, if you are staying for 4 nights you have 4 TS credits but your 'ideal choice' list uses 5 if you get BOG dinner.

We could give better advice with more info. Kids or adults-only? Will you have park hoppers? Is the main draw the characters, or the food, or just general great theming?

 

[maryandtyson]

CRT is the one the uses 2 credits, not BOG.

 

[Tonberry]

We could give better advice with more info.

Exactly.
How many people are going? Have Kids? Girls or Boys? How many, if any?
What resort are you staying at?
What transportation is available to you? Are you renting a car or plan to use Disney transportation?
What park will you be at or near during dinner times? Which restaurant on what days?

We just need a little more info to help you out.

 

[Lori72]

Here is some clarification. 2 adults and 2 kids (boy 8 and girl 5).... we are there actually for 5 days --- but don't arrive until later on day 1 so wanted to save the TS credits for CRT for one of the meals... We are staying at Port Orleans Riverside and using Disney Transportation. We are not doing park hopper - plan is to do 2 days at MK and 1 day at AK..... Princesses is a driving factor for CRT (and of course the castle dining experience!!).... are dinners don't necessarily HAVE to be in the park we are visiting - however, a resort close by would be great. Main reason for Sanaa was to see the animals.... is it worth it????? I believe someone above posted that they didn't get a chance to see any. we are there the last week of January. Please feel free to ask any more specific questions that would help provide better suggestions.... and THANK YOU ALL

 

[itchin2go]

Here is some clarification. 2 adults and 2 kids (boy 8 and girl 5).... we are there actually for 5 days --- but don't arrive until later on day 1 so wanted to save the TS credits for CRT for one of the meals... We are staying at Port Orleans Riverside and using Disney Transportation. We are not doing park hopper - plan is to do 2 days at MK and 1 day at AK..... Princesses is a driving factor for CRT (and of course the castle dining experience!!).... are dinners don't necessarily HAVE to be in the park we are visiting - however, a resort close by would be great. Main reason for Sanaa was to see the animals.... is it worth it????? I believe someone above posted that they didn't get a chance to see any. we are there the last week of January. Please feel free to ask any more specific questions that would help provide better suggestions.... and THANK YOU ALL

This was my impression of Sanaa, but I've seen reviews from others that were very different. We were not seated next to a window. There are actually not a lot of tables next to the windows, and the diners at those tables partially block the view of the animals. I feel like we saw some birds? There was some sort of other animal - can't remember what that was, ahem, trying to keep the circle of life going with his companion ... not the death part. It was funny. Nothing impressive, nothing to write home about. The food, however, was really good and really different. We loved the bread service and dips. We plan to return next trip. Now, there are other viewing areas at Kidani and also at the main AKL (Jambo House), so even if you don't see animals at your meal, there would presumably be other opportunities for you to see animals on your visit. Also, for any chance to see animals at dinner, it will need to be an early one. The savannas aren't lit. Maybe I'm spoiled too, in that we've stayed at AKL and had animals right outside our window. The view at Sanaa just didn't impress. Here's a link to a pic that shows you what the dining room looks like: http://www.indigofrost.com/images/sanaa1-lrg.jpg

FWIW - we had 2 or 3 trips in late January and it's my favorite time to visit WDW.

Regarding princesses, the princess dining experiences are CRT, Akershus in Epcot, and the 1900 Park Fare dinner I described above (at the Grand Floridian, which is an MK area resort). We have done all 3 of these and they're all worthwhile.

The only other TS places I've ever dined at in MK are Crystal Palace and Liberty Tree Tavern. Crystal Palace is a buffet with Pooh and Friends. Liberty Tree Tavern is a colonial themed restaurant and we thought the food was very good.

 

[Lori72]

Exactly.
How many people are going? Have Kids? Girls or Boys? How many, if any?
What resort are you staying at?
What transportation is available to you? Are you renting a car or plan to use Disney transportation?
What park will you be at or near during dinner times? Which restaurant on what days?

We just need a little more info to help you out.

Hi - I answered the questions on the post below yours - and just saw the "reply" option --- duh!!! I'm obviously new to the board - and new to planning a WDW vacay

 

[itchin2go]

Hi - I answered the questions on the post below yours - and just saw the "reply" option --- duh!!! I'm obviously new to the board - and new to planning a WDW vacay

 

[lovndisney12]

Just to clarify- how many nights are you staying on site? Your meal credits correspond to the number of nights and not the number of days.

 

[Quin]

Thanks, Lori72; that does help. You are correct that 5 nights stay = 5 TS credits. Arriving late the first day so no park is a good idea. If the weather is warm enough the kids would enjoy swimming at the resort and that means a QS dinner at the resort is your best option. If the weather is chilly but you don't want to stay the night in the room you could take the boat to DTD and have a QS dinner at Wolfgang Puck Express (WPE) or Earl of Sandwich (EOS), and just enjoy the area. You'll be there 4 full days before your departure day and you said 2 MK days and 1 AK day. Not sure if you are going to a park at all on the 4th day. CRT is a lovely 2 TS experience, especially for the 5 yr old girl. BOG dinner - the menu itself doesn't appeal to me but if it does to your family then it's certainly a beautiful venue. That would take care of your 2 MK days. For animals I'd suggest Boma rather than Sanaa unless your entire family really likes Indian food. As a prior poster noted, it is very possible that you would have a limited view of the animals at Sanaa due to the seating arrangements and due to early darkness in mid-winter. Boma is a non-character buffet so everyone gets more food choices. There are outdoor animal viewing areas there at AKL that you can visit before or after your meal - there are often CMs in the area and after dark they even have some night vision goggles your family can use. 'Ohana dinner is also a fun experience with good food.

If you can't get BOG dinner and instead opt for BOG lunch one MK day that's a QS credit not a TS. For TS dinner that night you could consider taking the boat from MK across to the Wilderness Lodge and having dinner at Whispering Canyon. If the menu appeals to you the kids would both have fun and if the timing is right you could take the boat back to MK to watch the fireworks again (because once is never enough!).

You don't say whether you are going to a park on your 4th full day or not. If you are and the park is Epcot, you might consider 'Ohana and BOG (or Whispering Canyon) for your MK night dinners, Boma for the AK night, and Akershus on the Epcot day. Akershus is also wall-to-wall princesses for your daughter in a lovely setting and is only 1 TS. That leaves you a 5th TS; if there is time you could use it for a final character breakfast on your departure morning; maybe Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary (take the bus from POR to MK and then it's an easy walk to the Contemporary; much quicker than trying to take the monorail). (if you are concerned about time getting back to POR, a taxi from the Contemporary to POR is quick and I believe only around $10). The kids are a great age for Chef Mickey's and would get the Fab5 as their final Disney experience of the trip.

 

[ammag]

If you're at AK I'd suggest switching to tusker house. We had a great experience there, it's a great way to see the characters and we loved the food. Not as interesting as Sanaa but not typical american either. For me it's not worth travelling to AKL just for the food, especially with young kids.

 

[Lori72]

Thanks, Lori72; that does help. You are correct that 5 nights stay = 5 TS credits. Arriving late the first day so no park is a good idea. If the weather is warm enough the kids would enjoy swimming at the resort and that means a QS dinner at the resort is your best option. If the weather is chilly but you don't want to stay the night in the room you could take the boat to DTD and have a QS dinner at Wolfgang Puck Express (WPE) or Earl of Sandwich (EOS), and just enjoy the area. You'll be there 4 full days before your departure day and you said 2 MK days and 1 AK day. Not sure if you are going to a park at all on the 4th day. CRT is a lovely 2 TS experience, especially for the 5 yr old girl. BOG dinner - the menu itself doesn't appeal to me but if it does to your family then it's certainly a beautiful venue. That would take care of your 2 MK days. For animals I'd suggest Boma rather than Sanaa unless your entire family really likes Indian food. As a prior poster noted, it is very possible that you would have a limited view of the animals at Sanaa due to the seating arrangements and due to early darkness in mid-winter. Boma is a non-character buffet so everyone gets more food choices. There are outdoor animal viewing areas there at AKL that you can visit before or after your meal - there are often CMs in the area and after dark they even have some night vision goggles your family can use. 'Ohana dinner is also a fun experience with good food.

If you can't get BOG dinner and instead opt for BOG lunch one MK day that's a QS credit not a TS. For TS dinner that night you could consider taking the boat from MK across to the Wilderness Lodge and having dinner at Whispering Canyon. If the menu appeals to you the kids would both have fun and if the timing is right you could take the boat back to MK to watch the fireworks again (because once is never enough!).

You don't say whether you are going to a park on your 4th full day or not. If you are and the park is Epcot, you might consider 'Ohana and BOG (or Whispering Canyon) for your MK night dinners, Boma for the AK night, and Akershus on the Epcot day. Akershus is also wall-to-wall princesses for your daughter in a lovely setting and is only 1 TS. That leaves you a 5th TS; if there is time you could use it for a final character breakfast on your departure morning; maybe Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary (take the bus from POR to MK and then it's an easy walk to the Contemporary; much quicker than trying to take the monorail). (if you are concerned about time getting back to POR, a taxi from the Contemporary to POR is quick and I believe only around $10). The kids are a great age for Chef Mickey's and would get the Fab5 as their final Disney experience of the trip.

Thanks so much - your suggestions are so very helpful. We were only planning on doing 3 park days --- had planned to have a chill day to explore the resorts and DTD. I didn't realize that Boma had outdoor viewing areas. That is an excellent suggestion. Was going to Sanaa for the dining/viewing animal experience - but given we are seeing animals at AK - I guess it doesn't really matter in the end.

 

[sndral]

It sounds like you are staying 4 nights and 5 days, thus will have 4 TS and 4 CS meals with your dinning.
I agree with the PP that if you arrive early enough on day 1 the boat trip to DTD and eating at Wolfgang Puck Express (not the expensive Wolfgang Puck Restaurant also at DTD) is a great value for a CS dinner. Lots of people also like Earl of Sandwich. The stores are fun (does your son like Legos?) the boat ride to/from DTD and POR is a special benefit of staying @ POR.
I assume your first full park day will be MK. Would this be your Ohana dinner night? If you can't get Ohana, 1900 Park Fair is a character buffet in the GF and only 1 TS and just a monorail hop from the MK. Or, as mentioned Whispering Canyon is 1 TS and a boat ride away from the front of MK at the Wilderness Lodge. I don't think I'd chose Kona at the Poly as it doesn't have much to offer entertainment wise for the kids, IMO. I'd try for BOG lunch - it's 1 CS.
Your middle full park day I assume would be AK. AK has lots of great CS options. After spending the day at AK just grab the AKL bus. I like both Sanaa in Kidani and Boma in Jambo. I tend to eat at Sanaa for lunch when it's daylight. Boma in the main AK Lodge building - Jambo, is one of the best buffets on property, IMO. AKL is beautiful and you can wander out the back to the Arusha savanna overlook and over beyond the pool for the Uzima savanna overlook where the night vision goggles are.
On your middle non park day you plan to visit other resorts. The Epcot/DHS resorts BC and BWI have great Christmas displays. The WL, AKL and GF have huge gorgeous trees. I assume you'll eat CS.
Your last park day will be MK? CRT will be 2 TS - so that uses up your TS. If you didn't get BOG lunch on your first MK day, try for lunch on this MK day, it's a great use of a CS credit, IMO.

 

[Nancyg56]

I will agree with those posters who suggest BOG lunch on a MK day. It is only one CS credit, and you still get to eat in the castle. It is also pretty darn good food, and a nice break. I don't see Epcot on your plan, so Akershus is out. If you cannot get CRT, and I bet you can, I would look at 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian. The Stepsisters are hysterical, and it is only one TS credit. Your son will have fun there as well, and Cindy and her Prince pop in to dance. IMO, this is one of the best family Character meals because it does not center on girls.

I think Tusker House in AK is a really good choice on Animal kingdom day. The food is good, and you could plan it late so you do not lose time in the park. There are good CS options in that park, so you would be all set for the day.

I love the idea of resort hopping on your down day. If you can book 'Ohana that night, check out the time Wishes id scheduled. You can have dinner, and then watch it from teh Poly Beach. There is also a cute little Electric Parade on the Lake every night. I love that parade, it was the only night time entertainment when I first went to Disney. My husband actually booked our room at the Contemporary so that the kids could watch it when they were little.

If you manage all your ADR's and are not opposed to one OOP meal, think about a breakfast. 'Ohana at teh Poly has Lilo and Stitch, and is a reasonable price for a nice character breakfast. You could take the bus to the MK, hop on the monorail and explore the monorail resorts, schedule a late breakfast at the Poly, and then skip over to the Epcot resorts. The whole Boadwalk area is a nice place to visit. You can check out all of the resorts in that area, and then head back to your resort to relax and swim. From there you can have a later dinner anywhere you like.

 

[myrtleturtle]

I agree that for your crew, Boma is probably a better choice than Sanaa. If you are there for dinner, the resort has a place you can use night vision goggles to check out the animals after dark. Your son would probably get a kick out of that.

 

[jimmytammy]

CRT dinner
BOG lunch or dinner
O'Hana's Dinner
Saana's (AKL) Dinner

My thoughts are this...be on computer promptly 6am EST, if someone else can be there with you on a 2nd computer or cell, even better. Decide which is more important between CRT and BOG and go for that one 1st. Right now, BOG is still the hotter ticket to get, CRT hot on its heels. Ohana next, then Saana. That would be the order I would try to book.

We have tried forever to get BOG for any meal. Finally got one for Oct at 180 day mark, but we did so at 6am, before, I was trying at 7am.

Here are other thoughts for CRT and BOG if one or both dont work out...Liberty Tree Tavern has very good lunch and dinner and since you will be at MK, this will keep you there. Tonys Town Sq., same deal. Kona dinner good alternative to Ohana, and Boma good alternative to Saana.

 

[Lori72]

It sounds like you are staying 4 nights and 5 days, thus will have 4 TS and 4 CS meals with your dinning.
I agree with the PP that if you arrive early enough on day 1 the boat trip to DTD and eating at Wolfgang Puck Express (not the expensive Wolfgang Puck Restaurant also at DTD) is a great value for a CS dinner. Lots of people also like Earl of Sandwich. The stores are fun (does your son like Legos?) the boat ride to/from DTD and POR is a special benefit of staying @ POR.
I assume your first full park day will be MK. Would this be your Ohana dinner night? If you can't get Ohana, 1900 Park Fair is a character buffet in the GF and only 1 TS and just a monorail hop from the MK. Or, as mentioned Whispering Canyon is 1 TS and a boat ride away from the front of MK at the Wilderness Lodge. I don't think I'd chose Kona at the Poly as it doesn't have much to offer entertainment wise for the kids, IMO. I'd try for BOG lunch - it's 1 CS.
Your middle full park day I assume would be AK. AK has lots of great CS options. After spending the day at AK just grab the AKL bus. I like both Sanaa in Kidani and Boma in Jambo. I tend to eat at Sanaa for lunch when it's daylight. Boma in the main AK Lodge building - Jambo, is one of the best buffets on property, IMO. AKL is beautiful and you can wander out the back to the Arusha savanna overlook and over beyond the pool for the Uzima savanna overlook where the night vision goggles are.
On your middle non park day you plan to visit other resorts. The Epcot/DHS resorts BC and BWI have great Christmas displays. The WL, AKL and GF have huge gorgeous trees. I assume you'll eat CS.
Your last park day will be MK? CRT will be 2 TS - so that uses up your TS. If you didn't get BOG lunch on your first MK day, try for lunch on this MK day, it's a great use of a CS credit, IMO.

Thanks! do you have to book ADR for Wolfgang Puck Express for a CS meal?

 

[Lori72]

I will agree with those posters who suggest BOG lunch on a MK day. It is only one CS credit, and you still get to eat in the castle. It is also pretty darn good food, and a nice break. I don't see Epcot on your plan, so Akershus is out. If you cannot get CRT, and I bet you can, I would look at 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian. The Stepsisters are hysterical, and it is only one TS credit. Your son will have fun there as well, and Cindy and her Prince pop in to dance. IMO, this is one of the best family Character meals because it does not center on girls.

I think Tusker House in AK is a really good choice on Animal kingdom day. The food is good, and you could plan it late so you do not lose time in the park. There are good CS options in that park, so you would be all set for the day.

I love the idea of resort hopping on your down day. If you can book 'Ohana that night, check out the time Wishes id scheduled. You can have dinner, and then watch it from teh Poly Beach. There is also a cute little Electric Parade on the Lake every night. I love that parade, it was the only night time entertainment when I first went to Disney. My husband actually booked our room at the Contemporary so that the kids could watch it when they were little.

If you manage all your ADR's and are not opposed to one OOP meal, think about a breakfast. 'Ohana at teh Poly has Lilo and Stitch, and is a reasonable price for a nice character breakfast. You could take the bus to the MK, hop on the monorail and explore the monorail resorts, schedule a late breakfast at the Poly, and then skip over to the Epcot resorts. The whole Boadwalk area is a nice place to visit. You can check out all of the resorts in that area, and then head back to your resort to relax and swim. From there you can have a later dinner anywhere you like.

Great Idea of watching Wishes from the beach..... is the view good? Have not heard of the Electric Parade -- very cool.... Thanks so much!!

 

[sndral]

Thanks! do you have to book ADR for Wolfgang Puck Express for a CS meal?

No, just show up. The only CS lunch that you need to schedule @ 180+ is BOG lunch.