Arrival day and not headed to a park - where would you eat your first dinner?

[skeettafic]

So we have a long time to go but I'm starting to plan out our "must dos" as far as dinner reservations go for our trip in November 2013. What can I say, I'm excited!

So we are going to arrive on a Sunday. We aren't sure yet if we are driving or flying (just will depend on what we can get) but the plan either way is to try and be at WDW by lunchtime to at least get our bags dropped off and start exploring. We aren't going to go to a park that day. We figured after either 2 days in a car or a very early morning at the airport, hitting a park in the afternoon is a sure way to a meltdown (DD will be 8 and DS will be 5) so we would like to maybe ride the monorail, go to DTD, go to the pool, etc and then get dinner and turn in relatively early so we can start fresh on Monday.

So....where would you recommend eating dinner that night? I was initally thinking T-Rex but let me know where your choice would be!

 

[one2admire]

I suggest somewhere at DTD. We're doing T-Rex on our first day.

 

[TeresaMc]

Chef Mickey's is always a first night tradition for us. Lots of energy and excitement, sets the stage for the trip, plus you can ride the monorail after dinner and maybe even watch the electrical parade or Wishes from the Contemporary if you are late enough.

Now if you want something relaxing and to wind down this would not be a good option.

 

[soccer_mom4]

Our first night tradition is to go to 'Ohana around 7:30. After dinner we head down to their beach and watch the electric water pageant. You can also view Wishes over the castle from this location, plus they pipe in the music from Wishes. Hope your family has a wonderful time!

 

[peaceluv&mickeymouse]

We traditionally go to Downtown Disney the first day. We never go to a park on the first day either. Its good to get unpacked and settled in your room and have time to explore your resort.

This year we are at POR so we can take the boat down. We have dinner reservations at T-REX this time. Last time we ate at Wolfgang Puck and it was very good.

 

[jdtopgun71]

I have heard good things about T Rex and with your kids being younger they would probably enjoy that.

 

[Nancyg56]

For years we always kicked off our Disney vacation with dinner at Chef Mickey's. It is a buffet and it can be chaotic but it sure screams DISNEY! Your kids will know that they have arrived with a ride on the monorail, hopping off at the Contemporary Resort and then a character meal. My family loved that initial monorail "tour" and as a PP pointed out you can head over to the Poly to enjoy Wishes from the beach. Or you can transfer and ride on the Epcot monorail.

I like DTD but not on an arrival day.

 

[CraigInPA]

You didn't say where you're staying. That, to me, would make a huge difference in where I'd recommend you eat that first day. You're going to be tired from the driving/flying with 2 children. Once you drop off your bags, you'll be excited and want to go out, if only to the pool. I'd choose some place close to your hotel for dinner because, if you're not exhausted before dinner, you certainly will be after.

 

[Ashlander]

We love starting our vacation off at Chef Mickey's. Everyone is so excited and we get to see our favorite characters first thing and we don't have to wait all week for an autograph!

 

[skeettafic]

You didn't say where you're staying. That, to me, would make a huge difference in where I'd recommend you eat that first day. You're going to be tired from the driving/flying with 2 children. Once you drop off your bags, you'll be excited and want to go out, if only to the pool. I'd choose some place close to your hotel for dinner because, if you're not exhausted before dinner, you certainly will be after.

We're staying at POR.


Thanks for all the suggestions! Chef Mickey's was definitely a thought just to do something really Disney on that first day.

 

[sabcook]

Our tradition is to eat the first night at the California Grill and in fact, we will be doing just that when we visit next month. It is a great meal and the kids love the view of the Kingdom (they will be 6 and 9 this trip).

 

[kltigger]

We're going to DTD and have a ressie at T-REX.

 

[cigar95]

I'll break the tide and suggest trying to get a lake view table at Paradiso 37. If the weather is good, it should be really nice. (If it's chilly, stay inside! The food is still good.)

 

[Fueledbycoffee]

We have gone and will be going again to Hoop De Doo Revue the 1st night. It's fun and easily accesible. There are also fun things to do in FW. DH loves BBQ so this also keeps him "involved" in the trip.

Only 101 more days to go!

BTW: I also think Chef Mickey's would be a fun choice.

 

[Narawen]

'Ohana has been our arrival night tradition, followed by walking down to the Poly beach to see Wishes and the water pageant. If you really wanted to get in the "Disney" mood, I'd suggest the character meals at Chef Mickey's or 1900 Park Fare.