Best Family Dinner Meal in Epcot?

[mommy2kh]

We are planning on going for the first time to Epcot for half a day next Saturday (morning we have breakfast with Cindy). I have two girls, 4 and 6, and am not sure how much they will enjoy Epcot. My mom is also going with us. Is there a dinner place not too expensive (we aren't on the dining plan) that everyone will like -- good food and good atmosphere? I was thinking Bierdergarten or Coral Reef? Or would we do just as good at a counter service in one of the countries? Thanks!

 

[Mickeys_n_me]

Epcot is not just for adults anymore. Crush. Nemo the ride. Journey to Imagination are all fun for kids. It was my sisters favorite park even before all that (back 13 or so years ago when she was 6)

Since the food and wine festival is going on you may find a lot of food your kids and yourself will like. You could even make it an eating around the world adventure. They sell appetizer sized food for $3-$5

Since you have a sit down breakfast with Cindy in the morning, I would skip the table service for that night.

 

[Rpsemont]

I agree, I would just snack around the world showcase, unless you think they really need the break. Plan to have them visit all the kidcot stations and do a mask. This was one of my daughter's favorite things. Also, look at the program schedule and plan to see Miyuki in Japan - get there about 1/2 early and, if you can, stand by her "booth" which is usually just outside the entrance to the gift shop. SHe makes animals out of a a hard candy made of Karo syrup and is AMAZING. If you get there early, maybe both girls can get one made. They're a pain to carry around, they can be fragile, but watching her is one of our favorite things in Epcot.

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

I would try the booths around the world showcase as others suggested or Rose and Crown is inexpensive and a good bang for the buck. My son loved Epcot. The kidcot stops were a nice mid-week break from the hussle and bussle of the parks he actually got to sit down and act like a kid. As adults we loved having a whole day in the countries with the little one well entertained. He loved Nemo, Imagination and the big ball ride. I wouldnt count this park out for kids by any means.

 

[shellybaxter]

I would not try the booths with children. I think the food is a little "fancy" and I'm an adult. If you truely want a "family" restaurant I'd go with the Garden Grill. It's served family style and has characters. I'd also consider the two you suggested. You could also exit out the International Gateway and eat at the Cape May Clam Bake buffet, ESPN Club, or Beaches and Cream Soda Shop

 

[momofdrewluke]

We were there in May 2007 and my boys were 5 and 3. We were on the dining plan and ate at Coral Reef. We are going back in May 2008 and this is one of only two restaurants they really want to go back and eat. We had a table right next to the aquarium wall and they loved watching the fish,etc. They also really enjoyed Epcot and doing the kidcot stations. Other than Magic Kingdom, of course, this was my 5 year old favorite activity.
HTH

 

[hildarumpole]

Coral Reef is a wonderful restaurant, but can get pretty expensive, especially at dinner. My kids love watching the fish and diver. Biergarten is a lot of fun. The show is great and my family always finds plenty of good things on the buffet. If you want to save some money, you could try for the last lunch seating. I'm not sure of the time, probably around 3 or 4:00, depending on the restaurant.

 

[hthrbells]

Def. the Beirgaten!!! We went to Coral reef had requested a table beside the tank when we made or ADR confirmed three days before our trip and had been given a table about as far away as you could get. Food was not that great.
We went to the Beirgarten and had a great time food was good, it does not matter where you sit you are still interactive. Our DS's were 10 months and 2 and a half and they had a blast.

 

[wark]

Garden Grill restaurant in The Land is a character meal.

 

[nicoleshaun]

When we went a few months ago our twins were 4 y/o. We ate at Coral Reef, and sat by the tank. I had been told, and it was true, that our wait was about 40 minutes to sit there (even with ADR), but it was worth it. I agree, that it is not the least expensive restaurant we ate at, but my husabnd and i get sick of the burgers an chicken, so it was nice -- and not as expensive as other favs of ours (CG, FFC). I htin it was worth it -- and my kids LOVED it -- esepecialy when the divers came up to the table and waved at them!

 

[monkey11375]

Definitely the Biergarten. Fun festive atmosphere plus a huge selection of food at the buffet.