Attn WDW dining pros - need advice!

[grumpyandbashful]

I am SO excited to be planning a spur of the moment trip to WDW with my sister, who is a WDW newbie!! I have been multiple times with family and solo. Usually we limit sit-down meals due to expense, but I really want my sister to have a great time, so I'd like to plan a few nice meals. We will be there 5 days.
We are staying at AKL and will have dinner at Boma. Also planning Cape May dinner buffet or character breakfast. Maybe Hoop-dee-doo for the entertainment value.

-What are the best non-character breakfasts in MK, MGM and Epcot?

-What is the best character meal with Mickey? My sister is 49, but she has to meet Mickey!!

-If you had to pick one or two World Showcase restaurants for dinner, what would they be? (I'm familiar with Teppanyaki, Rose and Crown, San Angel).

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[josierac]

I would pick Chefs de France and Le Cellier for dinner in Epcot

 

[disboo]

I have gone twice to WDW with my sister (we are 47 and 45) and it is always fun!

For dining in EPCOT, I really recommend Morocco and France.

If you have a car and can get around easily, we really enjoyed Olivia's in OKW the last time we went.

I think Hoop-De-Doo is great fun! No one mentions the Luau at the Poly any more, and I don't know if the food is good now or not, but the show there is terrific!

Have fun!

 

[Erikarate]

Best non character breakfast is at the Grand Floridian Cafe and at Spoodles. I don't know about in the parks however, but you can WALK to EPCOT from Spoodles and take the monorail to MK from Grand Floridian. I also like Tusker House in Animal Kingdom for counter service...great capuccinos and cinnamon buns!!

Hoop Dee Doo is phenomenal! We go every year!!! Great show and good food (esp. salad and the chicken).

I am usually NOT a big fan of buffets, and I had a poor experience at Boma (though I am in the minority here). If I had a choice I would go to Jiko at AKL instead. However Cape May for breakfast was pretty good...I haven't tried it for dinner.

We like Le Cellier for dinner at EPCOT.

 

[Joan S.]

Best Character meal to meet MICKEY would have to be Chef Mickeys!! Great food, fun atmosphere and if she tells Mickey that he is her FAVORITE a (shhh-do not tell Minnie kiss on the hand !! Mickey is my favorite also!! Joan

 

[SamanthaL]

Cape May has the best character buffet! The food is great. We have also had dinner there and loved it. We even got a special plate of shrimp for DD because she didn't like the cajun spice shrimp that was on the buffet.
Chef Mickey's is good if you need to see Mickey but it is loud.
The Garden Grill in Epcot has Mickey as well. We enjoyed the rotating restaurant and the food and it wasn't quite so noisey.

 

[jeleebeene]

For Epcot for dinner, I have to say try Le Cellier and Rose and Crown (though you are familiar with that one).

I haven't had breakfast in any other parks other than Cindy's. I usually just prefer a big blueberry Mickey waffle!

Chef Mickey's is the best place to meet Mickey and have a great meal!

 

[eeyore0062]

-What are the best non-character breakfasts in MK, MGM and Epcot?
In MK, you would be best off stopping and getting a sweet roll on Main Street, as there are no non character breakfasts.
Basically, the same goes for any of the parks.
You may like to eat breakfast at the Kona Cafe at the Poly on the way to the MK, though.

-What is the best character meal with Mickey? My sister is 49, but she has to meet Mickey!!
Depends on the what noise level your sister can tolerate. If noise and pandamonium don't bother her, then go with Chef Mickey's for breakfast. However, if she would like things a bit more sedate, I would recommend either 'Ohana at the Poly for breakfast, or Garden Grille for lunch or dinner in Epcot.

-If you had to pick one or two World Showcase restaurants for dinner, what would they be? (I'm familiar with Teppanyaki, Rose and Crown, San Angel).
I would choose Le Cellier in Canada and Tempura Kiku in Japan. Or, I would go out the International Gateway and eat at the Clam Bake at the Cape May Cafe... just gotta love that place!

Bon Apetit!

 

[Epcotgal8]

Boy could I use an impromptu trip to Disney World right now! You will have a blast! I definitely recommend Chef Mickey's for dinner. You and your sis will feel like kids again. Remember to save room for their ice cream and dessert bar. I agree with some other posters that the restaurants I would choose in Epcot (especially with my sister) would be Chefs de France (closest she and I will probably get to France but we could pretend lol) and Le Cellier.
Not anything you asked about but just a suggestion....go to the Boardwalk area (an easy stroll through the back exit "International Gateway" of Epcot) and try one of the decadent desserts at Beaches 'n Cream at the Beach Club (their burgers are great too if you went when planning a light meal) and rent one of the surrey bikes and ride around the area. It is so much fun!

 

[grumpyandbashful]

. . .I should have mentioned that I had a less than great experience the one time I tried Chef Mickey's (that's putting it mildly), so we probably won't go there!
I reserved Hoop-dee-Doo today (hope we don't end up in the rafters on such short notice!), and am planning to keep Boma and Cape May in the schedule (love them both).
I would also like to try Tempura Kiku this trip - have always wanted to try it, but not with the kids!
Thanks for everyone's input

 

[grumpyandbashful]

During a really slow time of year (we'll be there the first week of February), are many of the World Showcase restaurants walk-ins? Is a PS really that important?

 

[Epcotgal8]

Originally posted by grumpyandbashful
During a really slow time of year (we'll be there the first week of February), are many of the World Showcase restaurants walk-ins? Is a PS really that important?

If you are flexible with your schedule, no, I don't think having a p.s. is that important going in the time frame that you are. If you have plans after your meal that are contingent on timing like watching Illuminations etc. just allow yourself extra time so you're not rushed. Or have a second choice of restaurants in mind in case for some reason the one you want is exceptionally busy.

 

[eeyore0062]

I would also like to try Tempura Kiku this trip - have always wanted to try it, but not with the kids!

Good choice!!! DH and I went there last January when we had our trip without DD. We took our time, sampled many offerings on the menu, DH had saki, and I had the plum wine. The service was in the traditional Japanese style---impeccable! Enjoy!