Arrival dinner, feedback appreciated

[jeepgirl30]

We arrive at the airport around 2pm. I'd like the kids to get a chance to go for a quick swim in the pool. Kids are 7 and 9, we are staying at the WL.

I really want to do dinner the first night with a view. Last time DD and I did Ohana and got to see the fireworks. However, the food and service were awful. She was also very tired and overwhelmed from the day. We had a very early arrival and could not check into the room so we did the pool and DTD then dinner.

I have an ADR for CG also. I LOVE CG. We are not on the dining plan so no need to worry about credits. Kids are normally very well behaved and enjoy nice restaurants on vacation. Kids are excellent when DH is there too! So not worried about kids there.

The only thing is the only ADR I could get for Cali is 7:30. Is that too early to get to our resort, swim (they'd be done in about 1 hr, 1.5 tops), shower and get to CG? Will our luggage be there? I will pack swim stuff seperate but we like dressing up for upscale dining. I know DH would prefer to cancel than go in clothes he flew down in. He is a bit OCD. The view from CG is stunning and I would request a table where we could see fireworks.

I'm also thinking the kids would have fun at Ohanas. I could request the fireworks table here too but the food is not all that appealing. This used to be a must do on our trips (pre kids, DD has only been once before and this is trip one for the little guy!).

Any feedback or opinions would be very appreciated! Feel free to suggest alternatives.

 

[disneystacy]

We are doing Chef Mickeys our first night. I just think it sets the "fun" mood for the rest of our trip.

 

[stepdisney]

Sounds like you and your DH will enjoy CG, food, atmosphere, etc. While your children will behave, will they enjoy the experience? The food IMHO and the atmosphere is less than "fun" for kids. Beautiful...yes, great food....yes but what is your goal for the evening? I agree with PP, for "fun" I would do CM or WCC since it is at your resort. You could do Kona for dinner and watch wishes from the beach at Poly that way you would have great food and then the children could walk around and my, oh, my the view on the beach is beautiful.

 

[Kae]

I vote for Chef Mickeys too or WCC. Those would be the fun easy choices.

Kae

 

[cheshiregoofy222]

My family loved this restaurant and when timed with the electric water pageant and/or the MK fireworks - it makes for a pretty impressive evening! Our children were 8,8, and 9 and they loved the menu and the surroundings, while being their well-behaved selves! We've done the CG too, which they also loved. It is a couple more stops on the monorail and a stroll through the GF but it might be worth a shot! Have an amazing trip!!!

 

[jeepgirl30]

My family loved this restaurant and when timed with the electric water pageant and/or the MK fireworks - it makes for a pretty impressive evening! Our children were 8,8, and 9 and they loved the menu and the surroundings, while being their well-behaved selves! We've done the CG too, which they also loved. It is a couple more stops on the monorail and a stroll through the GF but it might be worth a shot! Have an amazing trip!!!

I was thinking of this one too. I have Chef Mickey's for our 2nd night. I think this may be a great option. I really want the kids to see the fireworks.

 

[danceintherain]

The thing I would be worried about is your luggage. It may not be there in time for your ADR. I would recommend packing a hanging bag as someone's carry-on or a different larger back for some different clothes for your meal if you would rather have them.

Otherwise, I think you would have plenty of time to swim and get ready. Even if you don't get to your resort until 4 pm (you'll probably get there sooner) you could swim until 5:30 and still have an hour to get ready, and another hour to get to the Contemporary for your meal.

If you could only get the 7:30 ADR for CG, then I think it would be difficult to get a similar one for any other restaurant, (unless you already have one) so I would just stick with the one you have now.

 

[Mommytobree]

We are doing CM the 1st night as well. For one, to set the mood, and two, to get seeing Mickey out of everyone's system for a bit so I don't get stuck in the long lines in the park to see him and the other fab 5

 

[jeepgirl30]

I talked to DD last night and she said she really wants to do Ohana the first night again. She said she is excited to do the coconut races with her brother and wants a drink with the umbrella in it! I don't remember that part but she sure does.

We have Chef Mickey's for night two. It is our MK day so I thought it was a good match.

 

[ROEDISNEY]

Chef Mickey's

 

[domesticking]

I talked to DD last night and she said she really wants to do Ohana the first night again. She said she is excited to do the coconut races with her brother and wants a drink with the umbrella in it! I don't remember that part but she sure does.

We have Chef Mickey's for night two. It is our MK day so I thought it was a good match.

Sounds like you're within your ADR window. If that's the case, call and book Ohana NOW. I think it's the most popular resort restaurant and the ADRs can be hard to get.