Calling All Foodies... Xmas advice please

[StuandNic]

We are going to DLRP over Christmas and am starting to try and sort out dinner reservations...

Our aim for this trip is to make it as special for DD as possible and as it will bonus time for DH he is feeling particularly generous and I feel it would be rude of me to not take advantage of this rare display of generosity!!

It also helps that he is a bit of a foodie and is happy to splash out if the food will be good.

Soooo... Having read some other posts, I think this is our plan of campaign...

I think for all of our mornings we are going to go in to the park for EMH and then go back for breakfast at 9.30ish. So hopefully we can have a snack/light bite for lunch and then dinner at 6.00pm - 6.30pm. Any comments for people who have taken 4/5yo kids and done this?

Christmas Eve
We'll arrive about 1.30pm would have had a good lunch on Eurostar so have made reservations for 6.30pm in Auberge de Cendrillon.

I thought this would be a good idea to do this as early as possible as I imagine the park will be v. busy over the next few days and she might not get much chance to meet many in the park. (She is painful shy and timid so won't be pushing her way through). What do you think? Also in the brochure it says you can't use meal vouchers for xmas eve meals and there seem to be a lot of 'special meals' = 'special prices' - but the reservations line lady said we could. I am assuming the brochure is more likely to be right? But I'm also a bit worried we'll be turned away because it's 'special meals only' on 24th?

Christmas Day
I have made reservations for Walts at 6.30pm (like for Christmas Eve I didn't want to run the risk of not getting a reservation in somewhere nice but could change if I've made a dodgy choice!!!). I haven't made any special requests for a particular 'room' (if you can?). Would a parade be on then to make it worthwhile asking?

Boxing Day
Haven't booked anything yet... possibly Cafe Mickey??? especially as she might not have met any more characters that day and Walts on Christmas Day wouldn't have had any characters??? Is 6.30pm a good time again?

Sat 27th Dec

Again no reservations. Any ideas/recommendations???


Sun 28th Dec
Thinking of the Steakhouse Sunday buffet?? Is there a good time for this one? I'm guessing this may have to be a 'lunch' reservation rather than dinner?

Mon 29th Dec
Our Eurostar leaves at about 7.30pm. We have organised Disney Express and we will get dinner on the train so will probably have our main meal at lunchtime just in case DD is too tired/doesn't like what they offer.

Sorry, seem to have gone on a bit... desperate to get it right... what on earth will I be like as I get nearer to the dep. date!
Any advice/comments gratefully received

 

[britchic4]

Definitely do the Steakhouse buffet at Sunday lunchtime, it's wonderful. Your daughter will get to see characters here so you don't need to go to Cafe Mickey if you don't want to, it isn't a foodie place but it is fun.
I can't go to DLRP without going to Annette's so I would do that for lunch on your last day.
You haven't mentioned Inventions or California Grill. For a real foodie you can't beat California Grill but it is very expensive. The food is wonderful though. I personally didn't like the atmosphere in Inventions but it is a fantastic buffet.

 

[Bolanette87]

Hello There!

I am a major foodie, and I think your plans sound really good! I have never been to the Auberge or Walts, but they look fabulous and I'm sure you'll have a fantastic time. I think Cafe Mickey would also be wonderful- I really love it there.

I am another big fan of the California Grill in the Disneyland Hotel. It does cost more, but in my opinion the standards of the food and service very much justify the cost!

I haven't tried the Steakhouse Sunday Brunch, but it is very highly rated amongst various people on this board. I have only been to the restaurant in the evening, and it was fab then so I can only assume the brunch would be more of the same!

Other places I would recommend for meals from my own experience would be The Rainforest Cafe (Although meal vouchers cannot be used here), Annettes Diner, and the Blue Lagoon (However, quite a few people have reported negative experiences here. I cannot complain as we had wonderful food and service when we dined here.). You cannot reserve Annettes or The Rainforest Cafe in advance, and that is something to bear in mind.

Why not take a look at the Restaurant Reviews Sticky near the top of the board? I find this an invaluable resource when picking my meals at DLRP!

Do let us know what you pick!

Bob xoxoxox

 

[StuandNic]

Thanks for the reply, Annettes is definitely on the cards and last day could be good. Hmmm California Grill - I not really looked at that one. I'll go off and do some digging around on the restaurant threads right now! . I'm not a fan of buffets although I hear Inventions one is supposed to be good so would probably only do a buffet if it was something exciting for DD.

 

[StuandNic]

Other places I would recommend for meals from my own experience would be The Rainforest Cafe (Although meal vouchers cannot be used here), Annettes Diner, and the Blue Lagoon (However, quite a few people have reported negative experiences here. I cannot complain as we had wonderful food and service when we dined here.). You cannot reserve Annettes or The Rainforest Cafe in advance, and that is something to bear in mind.

Bob xoxoxox

Thanks Bob

I suspect it could be busy so good point about not being able to reserve annettes or rainforest cafe. Blue Lagoon is a good option as even if the food wasn't up to scratch the themeing looks good so DD should enjoy and she does seem to like pirates! Plus I can book. Are you guessing yet that I like to overplan!!!

I'll definitely let you know my choices and post reviews. Although I don't know whether I'll be brave enough to photograph all my food

 

[Bolanette87]

I'll definitely let you know my choices and post reviews. Although I don't know whether I'll be brave enough to photograph all my food

You've obviously seen my reviews then!

Bob xoxoxox

 

[StuandNic]

You've obviously seen my reviews then!

Bob xoxoxox

I have to say your reviews have been very useful - the photos do make them really great. I'll just have to be brave, get my camera out and tell my husband (when he gives me the look I know he will give me) that if it wasn't for other peoples reviews we wouldn't have ended up eating such nice food!

Also just come back from looking at California Grill and I think I'm sold! The food looks to die for So thanks Cathy and Bob for the recommendation.

Looks like:

27th for California Grill for dinner and Annettes (probably) for lunch before we leave but may be swayed as I read more if I can't reserve this one ahead!

 

[Cyrano]

Hi StuandNic . Elaine, Jackie, Elaine and Reid welcome to DLP DIS board

We are a friendly bunch here so please join in on any other thread or if you have a number of questions then just start a new thread for each

If you have not had a look yet, DLP posting rules are here, DIS posting guidelines can be found here.

 

[Bolanette87]

I have to say your reviews have been very useful - the photos do make them really great. I'll just have to be brave, get my camera out and tell my husband (when he gives me the look I know he will give me) that if it wasn't for other peoples reviews we wouldn't have ended up eating such nice food!

Also just come back from looking at California Grill and I think I'm sold! The food looks to die for So thanks Cathy and Bob for the recommendation.

Looks like:

27th for California Grill for dinner and Annettes (probably) for lunch before we leave but may be swayed as I read more if I can't reserve this one ahead!

Lol- My fiancee is used to the camera coming out as soon as the food gets placed down! Poor soul.....

It is amazing food at the California Grill..... I love it there.....

We personally love both Annettes and The Rainforest Cafe. Although I do feel milkshakes at Annettes are obligatory on a DLRP visit! If nothing else, you have to get one from the takeaway window! They are the most amazing milkshakes in the world!

Bob xoxoxox

 

[britchic4]

You should be OK with Annettes at lunchtime. You may have a short wait but it shouldn't be too bad.
I still have to do my review of California Grill and I have some pics to put up which I'll try to get round to very soon....so much to do!

 

[Bolanette87]

I still have to do my review of California Grill and I have some pics to put up which I'll try to get round to very soon....so much to do!

I was wondering when I'd get to see your review!! Not that I've been thinking about it or anything....

Bob xoxoxox

 

[MinnieMouse73]

Hi, we'll be there at the same time as you! We actually arrive on 22nd and haven't yet organised anything for the first couple of days (although we MUST go to Annette's as somehow we've never made it there!). We have booked:

Christmas Day - lunch at Auberge de Cendrillon 12pm

Sat 27th - lunch at Cafe Mickey with birthday cake for my DD, who will actually be 7 two days later but we'll be home by then so we're celebrating early.

I'm still tempted to fit Walt's in somewhere, but then I think about the money and put the idea out of my head. But then I look at the prices of those special Christmas meals and think about how much we're actually SAVING by not going to any ... ! Oh and Innventions too, that's another on my list!

 

[StuandNic]

I'm still tempted to fit Walt's in somewhere, but then I think about the money and put the idea out of my head. But then I look at the prices of those special Christmas meals and think about how much we're actually SAVING by not going to any ... ! Oh and Innventions too, that's another on my list!

I know!!! The special Christams meals seem very expensive especially as there is no explanation of what you actually get for the money in the brochure. I decided not to do any as, like you, booking in a nice restaurant seems cheaper! I'll probably kick myself when I find out that they were 'not to be missed' events

 

[StuandNic]

You should be OK with Annettes at lunchtime. You may have a short wait but it shouldn't be too bad.
I still have to do my review of California Grill and I have some pics to put up which I'll try to get round to very soon....so much to do!

Oh the California Grill review will be good to see. I was hoping Annettes would be quiet especially as its lunchtime. Be great if we get the impromptu 'shows' from the waiters/waitress'. And as Bob says there's always the takeaway if it's really bad to get a milkshake and burger.

 

[TootieBear765]

Hiya

Thought I would reply. We too are going to DLP over Christmas... and have paid the exorbitant prices to have the 'special Christmas meals', though like you felt the brochure wasn't really explaining what was involved in being worth the money.... We're staying at the Sequoia Lodge and have booked the hotel restaurant on Christmas Eve for dinner... we like having some quiet family time and an early to bed on Christmas Eve for Santa coming (our DD is 3 1/2). We've also booked the Hotel New York Christmas Lunch (at truly prices) so I hope its worth it. The rest of the time, like you I haven't made too many plans (though probably should!), we have a meal reserved for the Lucky Nugget Saloon as we did Cafe Mickey in June and thought we'd try somewhere else for a change, probably for a lunch. I also fancy doing Auberge (if I can get a slot) and after the recommendations from others on the Board, I also might book Inventions...

I, like you was in two minds as to which would be best, but as we're going for Christmas, we wanted to mark that occasion which is why we booked the Christmas specific events... But either way I'm sure both yours and mine will have a wicked time, after all, where better to be for Christmas than right at the heart of the magic... HAVE AN EXCELLENT TRIP and if you see us, give us a wave! We'll be the ones floating along on

TootieBear

 

[Tinkjon]

For your spare day on Sat 27th... <Tink chants> AGRABAH CAFE, AGRABAH CAFE, AGRABAH CAFE, AGRABAH CAFE, AGRABAH CAFE !!!!

 

[Joanne34uk]

hello, have been reading this post with interest as we are going to be at DLP from 22nd to 26th Dec with our girls and have not reserved anywhere to eat!! What numbers do I ring for all the restaurants mentioned and do you think I have left it to late for Xmas bookings??

 

[britchic4]

hello, have been reading this post with interest as we are going to be at DLP from 22nd to 26th Dec with our girls and have not reserved anywhere to eat!! What numbers do I ring for all the restaurants mentioned and do you think I have left it to late for Xmas bookings??

I'm sure it's not too late but to be on the safe side I would choose and ring soon. I see Elaine gave you the no. on another thread so I won't repeat it. If you have girls do check out the princess lunch at Auberge de Cendrillon!

 

[Joanne34uk]

Hi, yes, i have the reservation number now thankyou. My girls are 6 and 7, so will definately book the one you recommend. Have you any other recommendations,I was also thinking of a character meal/breakfast at some point aswell. I was getting worried that on Christmas Day we wouldnt be able to eat anywhere If I leave it any longer!!
Thanks again

 

[britchic4]

Cafe Mickey is great fun as a character meal. My favourite character meal is the Steakhouse Brunch but that is only on a Sunday which I don't think covers your dates. Annettes is also a favourite, and your girls will like Rainforest Cafe although you can't make reservations for either of those.