ADRs selection & help with scheduling please!

[JJ&JSMOM]

First time making ADRs. We're going in May 2007 (5 of us 2 adults 3 kids (ages 2-7)) staying at the Poly and I've researched and have chosen the restaurants we'd like to go to. I know I have plenty of time but I love planning!!!!!

Now my question is how to time the ADR around EMH? Do most people schedule morning ADRs at parks with no morning a.m. EMH? For example, if I wanted to schedule Donald Breakfastaurus in AK I should probably do that on a day when there is no morning EMH at AK so I don't waste that extra hour eating, is that logical? Should dinner ADRs be scheduled in the park with the evening EMH? Seems like the park would be packed.

To me all this ADR planning is guess work. I guess the whole point is guess where we'll be and when and plan the best we can. I don't want to overbook ADRs so we do have some flexibility is our vacation. Any advice would be helpful.

The restaurants/character meals I've selected thus far are:

Donald's Breakfastaurus
Crystal Palace (?)
SciFi Diner
Luau at Poly
Ohana's
Kona Cafe
Le Cellier (not sure on if this is really kid friendly)
Chef Mickey's (not sure on yet)

My daughter turns 2 the day we arrive so we may do Chef Mickey's or Luau that night. Suggestions?
Thanks for all and any advice - trust me - its appreciated!!!!!

 

[HeatherC]

Hi - You will have such a wonderful time. I think your idea of making ADR's at a place that does not have EMH might work well...unless you are planning to use EMH.

One suggestion that we always liked to do when my 3 kids were smaller - and even still do....is to make one or two ADR's a lunch. May can be very hot and it is nice to have a place to take a break for an hour or so. There are a couple of benefits to doing this....one is that it is cheaper than doing a dinner. (Crystal Palace for lunch is great. Food is very good and there are characters to keep the little one happy.) The character meals are good for this because you don't feel like you are "wasting" time by not seeing something but you actually get to cool off and relax at the same time.

Another benefit to this is that because everyone usually gets hungry and cranky around lunch, it is nice to have a place in mind that you can be waited on. That way you don't have to wait in one line for a burger and possibly another for a salad.

Another suggestion is if you want to do a character breakfast, book the latest seating and call it brunch. That way you can hit the parks first thing and won't be rushed through your breakfast. This way lunch is also covered.

I noticed you also picked LeCellier. We love this place. Food is very good and even there they are kid friendly. There are no characters, but the wait staff always makes the kids feel welcome. I'd recommend it.

Hope this helps you a little or at least gives you some ideas. You can check out all the menus on WDWIG.com...if you haven't already.

Happy planning.
HeatherC

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

Those are some good tips - thank you. I like the brunch idea - have a quick bite in the room and then go to the park. Take a break couple hours later - my kids really aren't big breakfast eaters but they do want to see Donald Duck. Seems like hes only at AK.

Thanks again.

 

[heatherlynn444]

i would do chef mickey's for your daughter's b-day!

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

i would do chef mickey's for your daughter's b-day!

I think we'll probably do that and I'll have a cake ordered for her. Since it would be our first night at WDW, I think thats a great way to start off our vacation! The kids can swim after we check in to the Poly and then we'll get ready for dinner at CM and ride the monorail. Sounds like fun to me!!!

Thanks for the advice.

 

[poohguys]

I agree do Chef Mickey's. We did it for my ds birthday last year. We did not order a cake. They will bring a special cupcake to the birthday boy or girl and there are a ton of other desserts to choose from. They also give a special placemat signed by all of the Chef Mickey characters to the birthday child. Have fun planning!

 

[The Sweetness]

I'll be there w/ my fam from 5-31 through 6-8. I cant wait to make my ADRs either I am planning on ~
First night Chef M's
Le Cellier and Garden G if I can get 'em for my Epcot days
Crystal P and LibertyTT for my MK days
Prime Time and 1900 or Ohana for my MGM days
and 1900 or Ohannas on one of my AK days
(not my departure day)
Not sure if I will do a breakfast, if so it would be Ohanas (probably) I am going crazy with anticipation waiting for 12/02, my 180 days out mark

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

I know its hard to wait! I keep telling myself don't wish a year away but I am so excited to go. It always goes by fast anyway - I'll have to figure my 180 days out and mark it on the calendar.

Maybe we'll try LTT too I've heard good things - I'm trying to get a character meal for each child's interest. CM for DS7 and me, 1900 Park Fare for DD3, CP for DD1. I wish they had the Power Rangers at a character meal - my son would be so excited! Thanks again!

 

[hamlet35_2000]

I really like LTT for dinner. The meal is very good and Chip and Dale are there to entertain you and the kids. (Minnie Mouse as well)