Can you please help me with ADR's?

[KelleyD]

I thought I could handle this, but as my 180 is nearing I realize I need help. We are going in September and from what I see there might be free dining, so I really need to get my ADR's in order so we don't miss out.

It is me, DH and DS 18 months. We are planning on doing basic dining plan. Right now my problem is trying to figure out what is best to do with my son. I have a feeling we will need to do some oop stuff. We are staying 4 nights arrive mid day on Thursday and probably leave mid-day on Moday.

Husband is not a big breakfast fan. I love breakfast. I assume I will be doing bagels in room, oatmeal maybe for son.

My husband will also not share a counter service meal or a drink. He will tell me to get my own! Which is fine...I assume he will get what he wants and I will get something to share with my son.

So I think my 4 TS credits will all be for dinner:
Ohana
Le Cellier
Chef Mickeys(?)
Liberty Tree Tavern(?)

I figured these places were better for finding food for my son to eat. I have questions on the 2 because I don't know if they would be better off being replaced?
Should I plan on an oop character breakfast?
Of course I am assuming my son will just love the characters??

We are staying at Wilderness lodge (thank you magic 40% off) should I add the Whispering Canyon?

Any help/advice would really be appreciated. I have to make my ADR's next week.

 

[Ashlander]

My kids really enjoyed eating at Liberty Tree Tavern. The last time we went my DD was 15 months. We all liked the food and I felt like they were getting a good, well-balanced meal.

 

[dairyqueenmom]

Are you just going to Magic Kingdom and Epcot?

 

[mickeybrat]

We always do breakfast at Chef Mickey's on the first day. We get all of our autographs that way. Then you don't have to wait in line for four days for autographs. I think all four of your choices are good ones. We have been pleased with all them.
Another tip... with your child so young you might want to schedule your TS's early in the day (early lunch or breakfast.) or right before fireworks or parades. That gives you some time to break in the middle of the afternoon. Good Luck! and have fun.

 

[KelleyD]

Thank you for the tips. We don't really have a plan. I assume animal kingdom will be on the list? Hollywood studios is a toss up for me.

I actually contemplated doing the deluxe plan for the more table serivce, for the break mid day and morning, but decided that was just to much for us.

uggg I can't believe this has to be planned right now!!! I assume all our dinners would be 5 and 5:30. With some nap breaks back at the lodge mid-day?

I guess the oop expenses are best for the breakfast buffets? Those being the cheapest?

So thanks for all the help and for all of you who are able to book your ADR's this far in advance I am in awe...

 

[avamadison]

I think that all of those places will be wonderful for your family to eat at. My family has eaten at all of them and we have no complaints. We really enjoyed LC. Great choices.

 

[septbaby]

Don't add WCC.

Keep in mind LeCellier and LTT serve lunch (non character meals), so if you do an early start to the day grab a great lunch then a relaxing CS dinner at the resort or in a park.

The only other meal I'd suggest you consider: Play 'n Dine at Hollywood and Vine. If your son likes the Playhouse Disney characters, that would be the one tailor made for his age group. I would trade LTT for that one.

 

[Wendybird55]

I will be going in Sept with my son who will be 23 months. I've planned mostly character and family style meals figuring it will be best for my son and offer not only a fun dining experience, but will also be easy to share with him.

The restaurants you picked are all good - we like breakfast on vacation and will be doing character breakfasts every morning (Cape May, Hollywood & Vine, Tusker House, Chef Mickey's). My dinner ADRS are at Liberty Tree, Coral Reef, Le Cellier, Cape May (clam bake buffet) and Whispering Canyon.

Since you're staying at WL (it's a gorgeous resort!) you may want to try Whispering Canyon. It's alot of fun - no characters for dinner, but the waiters and atmosphere are great for kids. You can order ala carte or they have a family style skillet with chicken & ribs and pulled pork and lots of yummmy BBQ.

Just one note - you mentioned free dining and then said you got your 40% discount. I never did free dining, but from everything I read on these boards free dining is only offered if you pay full "rack" rate for you hotel. You cannot have any other discounts with the free dining. So if free dining is available and you want it, you will have to give up the 40% discount - you can't have both. The basic DDP is $37.99 per adult per night you're there. So the cost will be $151.96 for each you and DH ($303.92 total). So you have to decide which is a better savings the 40% room discount or the free dining. Because from what I understand you can't have both.

Anyone who's done free dining - can you please verify this...

 

[septbaby]

Don't add WCC. Given that DS is only 18 months it could overwhelm him (noise) and he won't quite get the humor. Save for when he's a older; its more about atmosphere than food. If you want to hear the noice, just hang out in the WL lobby; you'll hear it.QUOTE]

 

[KelleyD]

OK, so I don't know how to quote...

The free dining comment, I know I cannot get it. Normally I wouldn't have worried about my ADR's so soon since we are going in September it shouldn't be too bad, but if they offer free dining, I am sure it will be during my 4 nights so I want to make the reservations at the 180 so we won't get blocked out by all the free dining folk who will now be going...

Hollywood and Vine, I saw that on there and I will probably be there for the playhouse disney show. I checked out their lunch menu and thought it was pretty sparse...anyone been there? Food wise I think my hisband would enjoy LTT more. I suppose we could do that as our breakfast, but it seems to be one of the more expensive ones (just by a couple of dollars) is it worth it?

Thanks for all the help from everyone. I think the hardest part of this for me is trying to figure out what my sons schedule who is now 12 1/2 months, will be when he is almost 19 months. Right now he is a morning napper with a very short one in the afternoon. So if that continues then I am thinking we will do the EMH at the park, maybe head back for his nap, do a quick counter service lunch then head back out for the rest of our day...

I assume we will be up by 6:30am everyday, he has a knack for 6-6:30 no matter what time he goes to bed...I guess I will plan according to that and if it changes then we will just roll with it.

Thanks again.

 

[Crystal_27]

Also, if you son is interested in the Pooh characters, you can consider Crystal Palace (in the MK). Happy planning! I just made my ADRs this morning and am so glad that it's over.

 

[Wendybird55]

Kelley,

I feel I'm in the same boat as you as my son is now 17 months and I'm trying to figure my Sept. trip based on his schedule. It's hard. Like your son, he's an early riser, but his nap time can vary day to day. Right now he eats breakfast around 7:30am and dinner around 5:30pm, so I planned my breakfast and dinner ADRs around those times and figure we'll take lunch as it happens (CS or snacks).

I also planned alot of character / family-style meals figuring it would offer best sharing / food choice for my son (I looked at some of the children's menus and it's mostly chicken fingers or mac & cheese - not the best choices for a 23-month old). I just hope my son doesn't freak out when he sees the characters - now that will be fun.

I know the pressure to book the 180 days out - with a little one you don't want to be waiting an hour to get into a restaurant. You're doing right and your choices are good. Plus as time goes on you can always change the ADRS you make now (if there's availability).

Good luck and have fun!

 

[Disneychix]

I too am planning a trip based around what I think my 14 month old will be like in Sept!
I chose Crystal Palace for breakfast, Lecellier the first night there so he won't be too tired and cranky yet, Mama Melrose for a 5:30 dinner, Ohana breakfast and Kona dinner @ 5:30. I tired to keep all the dinners early and we love breakfast so hopefully that will fuel our day. I want to try LTT but DH doesn't think the food there is "classy" enough for him. Food snob he is!
I almost did WCC but did think that DS wouldn't quite 'get' it yet and want to wait until he's older before I subject myself (I mean go to eat!) there.

 

[SunnyMama]

I too am planning a trip based around what I think my 14 month old will be like in Sept!
I chose Crystal Palace for breakfast, Lecellier the first night there so he won't be too tired and cranky yet, Mama Melrose for a 5:30 dinner, Ohana breakfast and Kona dinner @ 5:30. I tired to keep all the dinners early and we love breakfast so hopefully that will fuel our day. I want to try LTT but DH doesn't think the food there is "classy" enough for him. Food snob he is!
I almost did WCC but did think that DS wouldn't quite 'get' it yet and want to wait until he's older before I subject myself (I mean go to eat!) there.

My DS is 14 months now, and he takes a short (30 min) morning nap around 10 and then another afternoon nap (maybe 1.5 hr ) around 1 or 2. He likes to eat around 5 then is off to bed at 7. If we were out, I think he would stay awake until around 8, but then would crash.

 

[SunnyMama]

OK, so I don't know how to quote...

The free dining comment, I know I cannot get it. Normally I wouldn't have worried about my ADR's so soon since we are going in September it shouldn't be too bad, but if they offer free dining, I am sure it will be during my 4 nights so I want to make the reservations at the 180 so we won't get blocked out by all the free dining folk who will now be going...

Hollywood and Vine, I saw that on there and I will probably be there for the playhouse disney show. I checked out their lunch menu and thought it was pretty sparse...anyone been there? Food wise I think my hisband would enjoy LTT more. I suppose we could do that as our breakfast, but it seems to be one of the more expensive ones (just by a couple of dollars) is it worth it?

Thanks for all the help from everyone. I think the hardest part of this for me is trying to figure out what my sons schedule who is now 12 1/2 months, will be when he is almost 19 months. Right now he is a morning napper with a very short one in the afternoon. So if that continues then I am thinking we will do the EMH at the park, maybe head back for his nap, do a quick counter service lunch then head back out for the rest of our day...

I assume we will be up by 6:30am everyday, he has a knack for 6-6:30 no matter what time he goes to bed...I guess I will plan according to that and if it changes then we will just roll with it.

Thanks again.

By 19 months your DS may have dropped his morning nap for a longer afternoon nap. They can usually make it until 12-12:30. I might try for an early lunch then back to WL for nap, then out again after that. I think I will try that when we go in April. I will have DS4 (who still needs a nap!!) and DS 16 months. He is 14 months now, and still likes a morning nap, but when he is at daycare he wont take one because some of the other kids dont. He will usually just take a longer afternoon one to compensate.

 

[Wendybird55]

My son's nap time can change from day to day, so my thought is I'm bringing his own folding stroller from home. I have a combi now which is comfortable for him, but may opt for a new one as we get closer to the trip based on how much he grows! My son does sleep in his stroller so I'm hoping by having his home stroller with us he will be able to nap in his stroller if he gets tired while in the parks.

I'm staying at BW and made most of my dinner ADRs at EPCOT or hotel near BW since we can walk there. I figure we'll do the parks until about 3 - head back to hotel for a rest and then we just walk to dinner. I haven't planned a single day for EPCOT so after dinner we can stroll around EPCOT and do some things and if DS gets tired or cranky, we're a quick walk away from our hotel.

 

[KelleyD]

OK so even more to think about...I think we will schedule some character breakfasts just because I know my son will be up early...with the sun...and I just looked, the weekend we are going we will only have the extra morning hours at Hollywood Studios.

I suppose we could see if son wants to go swimming at 7am...

The morning nap thing is kind of a problem because he just started going to a sitter and for some reason she has the kids start their nap around 10:30-11am. Which I think is strange, but I like her and I will deal with it. So I am assuming he will maintain that schedule and be ready to go when the parks are packed and hot!

So we will need some stuff to do early am and then he will be ready for a break with a TS dinner...So taking all that into consideration, I am going to price out the plans again. I assumed deluxe would be way to much...but now I am wondering if maybe not?

Thanks again everyone...also if anybody here has been to the hollywood and vine please let me know - OH WAIT...also - will an almost 19 month old enjoy the muppet 3-d???

 

[Wendybird55]

Yes, I think the deluxe plan is too much food - though with the regular DDP you will most likely be paying for food here and there.
Another thought is you can do a late Character breakfast one day. Make your breakfast reservations for around 10:30-11am. This way your son can get up early - you can give him a morning snack and maybe hit a park when it opens. Then go to "breakfast" around 10:30-11am. After the late breakfast your son can take a nap or relax in his stroller. Plus the late breakfast can keep you going until an early dinner.

My son is an early riser and use to always take a nap in the morning around 10-10:30am. He's now 17months and we're lucky if he takes his morning nap. He'll take little respits and sit on your lap for awhile and relax and 10 minutes later - he's ready to go! So by the time you go to Disney he may not want the morning nap, but more of an afternoon nap. Only time will tell...

As far as Muppet 3-D - I love this attraction, but I don't think my son will be able to enjoy it. First I can't see him keeping on the 3-D glasses - he'll pull them off and play with them. Without the glasses the movie can be blurry and I don't think he can enjoy it that way. I think this trip I'll stay away from the 3D movies. But I know there will be plenty of other tings for us to do!

 

[septbaby]

Thanks again everyone...also if anybody here has been to the hollywood and vine please let me know - OH WAIT...also - will an almost 19 month old enjoy the muppet 3-d???

Our 5yo was scared of the 3D shows. He clung to Grandma the entire time we were in Philharmagic. He lasted through Fantamic, but sat on my lap and gave me very intense and specific instructions "to hold me" from time to time! He is "all boy" and usually pretty good about things, but he was VERY firm on not liking that stuff. He'll probably have to ask before I take him to another 3D show. He did enjoy Fantasmic and retained a lot from the show. He was able to identify "Fantasmic Mickey's" for the rest of our stay. He is also squemish about fireworks, but lasted through all of Wishes when he asked to go for a second time during the week.

I would skip the 3D shows unless you otherwise know he'll love it. Shows that should be fine:

AK - Nemo
Epcot - Nemo and Crush attractions
MK - Country Bears (fantastic grown up nap venue too, awesome AC)
MK - Woody's cow boy camp (Frontierland, near Country Bears)
MGM - Any Playhouse Disney show
All - All of the parades EXCEPT Pirate and Princess, we had issues with some of the scary looking pirates (so distract them as that part passes)
Not an exhaustive list, but things I can recall

 

[PrincessDisney96]

If your son is interested in playhouse disney characters then I would do the Hollywood and Vine breakfast. If not definetely Crystal Palace.