Birthday ideas

[KMarston]

My DGS will turn 6 during our next trip. His mom, step dad and step brother are all tagging along! We typically take him each year and do character meals each day. I’m really afraid he’s going to be disappointed. His step father and brother have never been.

His birthday is on our Animal Kingdom day and we are staying at the Dolphin. Any idea of somewhere we can do lunch or dinner that might be special for a six year old? Any place that might sing? Thought maybe Trex but I’m afraid of not getting into Disney Springs in the evening and also worried about transportation because of the lack of Minnie Vans which is how we’ve always traveled in the past. Any ideas?

 

[MaxsDad]

We are taking our daughter to TREX for her 10th birthday (I hope, hadn't thought about not getting into DS). If you are in Animal Kingdom what about Rainforest Cafe? Same kind of vibe as TREX.

 

[KMarston]

We are taking our daughter to TREX for her 10th birthday (I hope, hadn't thought about not getting into DS). If you are in Animal Kingdom what about Rainforest Cafe? Same kind of vibe as TREX.

Thank you! We usually do that on our AK day, it looks like that might be our only option! Good luck with TRex! That would be my choice I think but with seven people and two in boosters it would be a pain to get there and not be able to get in!

 

[ucf_knight]

My DGS will turn 6 during our next trip. His mom, step dad and step brother are all tagging along! We typically take him each year and do character meals each day. I’m really afraid he’s going to be disappointed. His step father and brother have never been.

His birthday is on our Animal Kingdom day and we are staying at the Dolphin. Any idea of somewhere we can do lunch or dinner that might be special for a six year old? Any place that might sing? Thought maybe Trex but I’m afraid of not getting into Disney Springs in the evening and also worried about transportation because of the lack of Minnie Vans which is how we’ve always traveled in the past. Any ideas?

I’d change your park day to Epcot for his birthday and do garden grill with the characters. Our kids love this place for the characters and spinning restaurant. Super easy to get back to your hotel after dinner when you are staying at the dolphin.

 

[KMarston]

I’d change your park day to Epcot for his birthday and do garden grill with the characters. Our kids love this place for the characters and spinning restaurant. Super easy to get back to your hotel after dinner when you are staying at the dolphin.

That’s definitely an option! We typically do Epcot on Monday’s but it’s wide open to change. We’ve always done GG for breakfast and it’s our favorite character meal. I’m really missing my ppo character meals! Thanks!

 

[MaxsDad]

Beaches and cream could be another option. Could easily do that after your ak day and it is near your hotel. Don't know if they do anything special for birthdays but most disney restaurants do a little something like birthday confetti at least.

When is your trip? That may make a difference in what may be open.

 

[KMarston]

That’s a great idea! And probably the easiest. I’m going to try for an adr! We’re going near the beginning of June.

 

[Ross Kratter]

That’s definitely an option! We typically do Epcot on Monday’s but it’s wide open to change. We’ve always done GG for breakfast and it’s our favorite character meal. I’m really missing my ppo character meals! Thanks!

Bear in mind that with Epcot opening at 11, Garden Grill is not serving breakfast at this time.

 

[KMarston]

Bear in mind that with Epcot opening at 11, Garden Grill is not serving breakfast at this time.

Thanks! I know, wish I could convince my family to wait til things are back to normal but they’re not having it!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I'm mindful that you didn't ask about breakfast, but Topolino's (Riviera Resort - on the skyliner route) is doing a character breakfast and it's fantastic. Pricey, but fantastic. Food is absolutely delicious, service great, the characters are done really well. It's Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Daisy and they're on vacation in Italy learning different arts (painting, poetry, sculpture, dance) and their outfits reflect that. They each appear individually (distanced) and then do a parade of sorts all together. We've been at least twice now in the post COVID era and they do a really nice job with distanced character interaction and make sure to pay attention to every table, pose for selfies, interact with the kids etc. When done could take skyliner to EP or DHS.

 

[Ross Kratter]

I'm mindful that you didn't ask about breakfast, but Topolino's (Riviera Resort - on the skyliner route) is doing a character breakfast and it's fantastic. Pricey, but fantastic. Food is absolutely delicious, service great, the characters are done really well. It's Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Daisy and they're on vacation in Italy learning different arts (painting, poetry, sculpture, dance) and their outfits reflect that. They each appear individually (distanced) and then do a parade of sorts all together. We've been at least twice now in the post COVID era and they do a really nice job with distanced character interaction and make sure to pay attention to every table, pose for selfies, interact with the kids etc. When done could take skyliner to EP or DHS.

This would be a serious upgrade if you’re used to Garden Grill’s breakfast.

 

[inky dinky doo]

I second the suggestion to visit Beaches and Cream, and be sure to order the Kitchen Sink. My grandkids love the " production" that's happens when we order that. I think it would seem pretty special to a little boy turning six.

 

[KMarston]

I'm mindful that you didn't ask about breakfast, but Topolino's (Riviera Resort - on the skyliner route) is doing a character breakfast and it's fantastic. Pricey, but fantastic. Food is absolutely delicious, service great, the characters are done really well. It's Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Daisy and they're on vacation in Italy learning different arts (painting, poetry, sculpture, dance) and their outfits reflect that. They each appear individually (distanced) and then do a parade of sorts all together. We've been at least twice now in the post COVID era and they do a really nice job with distanced character interaction and make sure to pay attention to every table, pose for selfies, interact with the kids etc. When done could take skyliner to EP or DHS.

Thank you! I’ll have to figure out the logistics but this sounds great for our Epcot day! (Provided we can get an early reservation!) This grandmother has no desire to ride the skyliner! I think my sister and I will Uber! How long do you estimate that breakfast took?

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I second the suggestion to visit Beaches and Cream, and be sure to order the Kitchen Sink. My grandkids love the " production" that's happens when we order that. I think it would seem pretty special to a little boy turning six.

I love Beaches & Cream and think it's a great idea for a birthday celebration. Just be aware that they aren't doing the full presentation production currently ... they do not announce to the whole restaurant, servers don't gather around the table, no lights and sirens. I imagine still pretty cool for a kid though.

Thank you! I’ll have to figure out the logistics but this sounds great for our Epcot day! (Provided we can get an early reservation!) This grandmother has no desire to ride the skyliner! I think my sister and I will Uber! How long do you estimate that breakfast took?

I think we're usually there somewhere between 60-90 minutes but we really take our time. I think if you work with your server, he/she could get you in/out more quickly. I am estimating you see every character individually and the "parade" in a ~30-45 min period. We usually see it all at least three times. Last visit we were one of the later seatings and it made for even more character interaction as there were fewer occupied tables. As I mentioned, this is pricey and a splurge but we like it. It is very popular and a tough to get reservation given reduced availability ... you may need to use one of the reservation finder services. We last went a few weeks ago and ended up waiting 20 min to be seated ... it is very popular. As for the skyliner, I was also nervous about it but was pleasantly surprised. But uber should be easy too.

Editing to add - there is a back room at Topolino's and I've seen other reports that the character interaction isn't as good there. If you go, I'd ask to be seated in the main dining room. And take time to go out on the deck - amazing views!

 

[KMarston]

I love Beaches & Cream and think it's a great idea for a birthday celebration. Just be aware that they aren't doing the full presentation production currently ... they do not announce to the whole restaurant, servers don't gather around the table, no lights and sirens. I imagine still pretty cool for a kid though.


I think we're usually there somewhere between 60-90 minutes but we really take our time. I think if you work with your server, he/she could get you in/out more quickly. I am estimating you see every character individually and the "parade" in a ~30-45 min period. We usually see it all at least three times. Last visit we were one of the later seatings and it made for even more character interaction as there were fewer occupied tables. As I mentioned, this is pricey and a splurge but we like it. It is very popular and a tough to get reservation given reduced availability ... you may need to use one of the reservation finder services. We last went a few weeks ago and ended up waiting 20 min to be seated ... it is very popular. As for the skyliner, I was also nervous about it but was pleasantly surprised. But uber should be easy too.

Editing to add - there is a back room at Topolino's and I've seen other reports that the character interaction isn't as good there. If you go, I'd ask to be seated in the main dining room. And take time to go out on the deck - amazing views!

Thanks for your reply! I’m trying to figure out the logistics now, looks like if we can score an early reservation that we’ll have to Uber there at least. Trying to reserve for 7 is going to be a nightmare so I think I’ll have someone else on to split the reservation in half. We’re used to the prices, typically we do as many character meals as possible but it’s normally just me, DH and DGS! This logistics are absolutely the reason we don’t invite the rest of the family! I might just schedule a car service if we can get a reservation! Thanks again!