ADRs and Children (4 & 6)

[gnoles]

Help folks, I'm worried about an ADR or two and would like some assistance with making sure that we have a good time without the ever possible meltdown. Before I start, my children are well behaved but tired and cranky... who knows.

Day 1: Flight/Check-in Day - 5:20 Chef Mickey's w/ Wishes Cruise later
Day 2: MK - 6:20 Crystal Palace
Day 3: MGM - Breakfast with Stitch @ 'Ohana and Fantasmic/Mama Melrose
Day 4: Epcot - 6:10 Coral Reef (We have a saltwater aquarium, the kids love it)
Day 5: MK - 11:00 Plaza & 6:00 Concourse (this one was for me, but now I'm not so sure.)
Day 6: Animal Kingdom - We're thinking CS all day.
Day 7: ??? - 6:00 Whispering Canyon
Day 8: Shop for clothes that fit.

I read in another thread that there may be a problem with Concourse as my children will see Chef Mickey's across the way and wonder why Mickey no longer visits them at their table... (first trip for them, who knows). I'm thinking of swapping it to 'Ohana dinner or maybe Rainforest Cafe on Day 6 and going CS in the MK on Day 5.

Suggestions? Comments?

Thanks!

 

[bicker]

Definitely avoid Concourse Steakhouse. There's no way that a six year old won't wonder why everyone over there is having so much more fun...

 

[gnoles]

Bicker, how did I know you would answer first?

Now, suggestions for replacing the TS meal, without upsetting the applecart on too many other days.

Thanks

 

[bicker]

How about Liberty Tree Tavern?

 

[gnoles]

It's on the list, as is 'Ohana (in hopes to be there for fireworks), Rainforest Cafe when we're at AK instead of CS all day (and then they can have Casey's or Pizza), or something different...

I'm leaning towards getting out of MK for a bit, something at a monorail resort would be nice, if we don't just swap to the Rainforest. I've seen mixed reviews... anybody eaten there lately?

 

[Tam1067]

If you'd like something on the monorail, how about Chef Mickey's? I know some have said negative things about it, but it's on par with Disney buffets (my opinion only), and with little kids, it is kind of cool.

 

[liamandcaili]

I wouldn't switch to Rainforest Cafe. The kids will like the atmosphere, but the food is just not worth it. I know many will disagree...the place is always packed.

Food was one of the biggest problems we encountered our last Disney vacation. My children, 6 and 4, hated all CS. They disliked most of the children's menu options at some of the other restaurants. They didn't particularly love the one character meal we did because they didn't like any of the food. Their favorite restaurants, and I am not joking, were California Grill, Brown Derby and a restaurant at SeaWorld called Sharks Grill. As long as the food was good, they were happy and well-behaved. When the food was bad, so were they.

That is my kids though. You have to make your decisions based on your children. If your children like most foods but don't like sitting for meals, then it is better to choose places that have more entertainment so you can eat. That is important too!

 

[gnoles]

Tam: I have Chef Mickey's on the arrival date, otherwise it would be "the" choice.

liamandcaili: After reading more reviews I'm beginning to agree with you. RFC may not work... I guess I'm looking at 'Ohana despite the chance of dry meat.

 

[mdhkitten]

Have you tried looking at the menus at www.allearsnet.com? It should give you some good ideas. How about the Grand Floridian Cafe in place of Concourse Steakhouse, since it's just a monorail ride away from MK?

 

[disnut8]

Another suggestion - do Whispering Canyon Cafe on Day 5 and then have Day 7 totally free for whatever. By that time, you'll be in total vacation nirvana and will be able to adapt to what your kids are into.

 

[Fionasmommy]

Hmmmm... That's tough!

I'd consider doing a dinner at Ohana instead of the breakfast (unless your kids are Stitch fans, of course!). You might also consider Liberty Tree Tavern, 1900 Park Fare or the Garden Grill. All of those have character meals and seem to generally get good reviews.

 

[mikymouse]

We just got back from our first trip with our children ages 4&6. So I think that starting your vacation with Chef Mickeys is GREAT, we Loved it.

You may want to reconsider the Wishes Cruise...My kids were too tired from the traveling (first airplane ride) to do much after dinner on our arrival day. We arrived at Orlando at 2:30PM, Travel & Check in to AKL we just made our ADR for Dinner at Rainforest Cafe at AK for 5:25PM. The plan was to go to AK EMH that night but the kids could just not go on and I wanted them to get a good rest for MK Early Entry the next day.

The kids were exhausted at Epcot and we only did 11AM -6PM, with a 4:45PM dinner reservation... so you might want to consider lunch or earlier dinner at the Coral Reef. We all enjoyed Coral Reef and the kids thought the "Make your own sundae" was the BEST.

Our family really likes Rainforest Cafe so you might want to consider to for your AK day but make sure to call for a reservation(non-disney) as the place was packed for dinner for our family.

Hope you find this useful... my kids are very energetic but Disney was a lot... we always left early and took a break around Noon-1PM, the one day we tried to stay a little later... MELTDOWN on the teacups.. ugly!! Have a great time they will love it love it love it and you too!