ADRs made -- parents' first trip -- thoughts?

[jacksgirl]

So we are bringing my parents down for their first trip to the World in November. I made ADRs Tuesday based on my family's (especially my 12 year old) traditional faves and things I don't want my parents to miss. I'm open for suggestions however. We've been several times and sometimes I forget the things that bring such awe for first timers. Here they are:

Monday, Nov. 9, Ohana, 9:10 pm (our fave)
Tuesday, Nov. 10, 1900 Pk Fare, 4:10 pm (MVMCP that night)
Wednesday, Nov. 11, Sci-Fi Dine In, 5:20 pm (my son's request)
Thursday, Nov. 12, Tusker House (breakfast), 10:10 am
Thursday, Nov. 12, Chefs de France, 7:30 pm (a new one for us)
Friday, Nov. 13, Whispering Canyon, 6:45 pm (hubby's request)
Saturday, Nov. 14, Ohana (breakfast), 9:30 am
Saturday, Nov. 14, HDDR, 8:30 pm (another new one for us)
Sunday, Nov. 15, Boma, 6:25 pm
Monday, Nov. 16, Be Our Guest, 12:15 lunch (another new one for us)
Monday, Nov. 16, Rainforest Cafe (dinner)

 

[Mikie]

Look like fun and delicious choices to me! On our trip, My parents enjoyed character meals from the standpoint of theming and watching the kids, but got a bit tired of buffets. . . I see you have avoided that pitfall already. Despite it being a buffet, Boma was a big hit. We all loved resort-based meals as a break from the high stimulation of the parks and I see you have a few of those. However, not knowing your park plans, you do have quite a few resort meals, which means travel time. Are you staying at the Poly?

I haven't been to 1900 PF, so maybe it's "unmissable", but I'd consider changing that one if I were you. Your MVMCP tickets can get you in starting at 4, but your 4:10 reservation means you probably get to MK more like 6pm. I know official party activities begin at 7, but I'd probably go early and use some FPs during that 4-7 window.

BOG lunch was a real treat for all due to theming and the relative calm compared to other CS places.

I think you've done great! Enjoy! Going with my parents last October (their first visit in 20+ years) was almost a magical as seeing it through the kids' eyes!

 

[jacksgirl]

Thanks. We love 1900 Park Fare -- the stepsisters and Lady Tremaine are so much fun. I want my mom and dad to experience that one. We do a more laid back pace, so the extra travel time is ok with us. We are staying at CBR, but Ohana is our favorite restaurant. I'm a little unsure about HDDR -- we love Spirit of Aloha, but have never done HDDR. Living in the foothills of the Appalachians, there is no lack of dinner shows with slapstick humor and country music around here. I'm a little afraid it won't stand out for us, but the 12 year old wants to try it. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed BoG lunch - I'm looking forward to that. And I can't wait to watch my parents see the World for the first time

 

[kastoney]

I think you've made some good choices, only one I'm not gelling with is chefs de France. I'm not a big fan of it and would offer via Napoli as an alternative. Best pizza ever

 

[jacksgirl]

Thanks Kari. Will take a look at Via Napoli.

 

[Lucius Best]

I like your choices. HDDR is fun and a must-do at least once. We like Chefs de France, but were just at Via Napoli last month and agree the pizza is awesome. Agree with previous post that your 4:10pm 1900PF ADR cuts into your MVMCP early admission time, but it depends, not a big deal if you are at MK that day. You can't really make that ADR any earlier.

The only thing I disagree with is Rainforest Cafe, first because it isn't really a "Disney" restaurant (we have them at home), and also because you're at MK that day and will need to leave early and schlep over to AK for dinner. We also like character breakfasts at Crystal Palace, 1900PF, Chef Mickey's.

 

[jacksgirl]

We are actually doing Rainforest at DTD instead of AK. It was my 12 year old's choice. He wanted Rainforest instead of T-Rex this time.

 

[mickeygirl78]

I think they all sound great! I think you should try HDDR. My family loves it and even though we've been many times, we are still going back this year. It's a fun show and good food. We thought it was much better than the Spirit of Aloha.

As far as Chefs de France - I personally love this restaurant. We've been many times and never had a bad experience. I would keep that.

If you decide travel time is too much, a cab ride is a good option. We stayed at CBR and taxi's to the Poly were only $15 each way. It was well worth it not to spend an hour traveling via Disney transportation. I hope you have a great trip!