Chef Mickey's for a 3 year old?

[A W Reezy]

We are going to the parks for two days in January and I'm wanting to reserve a restaurant that we've never been to before. Going back in forth between Chef Mickey's and Be Our Guest, I've read that CM would probably be the best choice for us because we have a 3 year old due to the characters being there. If I'm able to book CM, what time would you all recommend? Start off early around 7am, or wait for brunch around 11:30am? We're not terrible picky when it comes to what time we eat breakfast or lunch, and I'm leaning more towards 7am so we can go ahead and start our day at MK right afterwards.

Are all the characters already out at 7am where we could meet them or do they appear a little later in the morning? That would save quite a bit of time if we're able to get character meet and greets out of the way before we even hit MK. Thank you all!

 

[7KLucky]

If you are early risers I would do early, but keep in mind you need a plan to get from your hotel to the contemporary and the buses don't always run right there. We have taken a bus to MK before and walked over.....
Anyway, the characters are awesome and so engaging! Our littlest kids and oldest love it equally. We do CM every time we go!

 

[Iam.Goofy]

We like to do late morning character breakfasts so that we cover two meals in one (breakfast and lunch). A late breakfast gives us a day to sleep in or enjoy the resort. Additionally, if you finish eating at noon, you'll still have ten hours at the parks - which can be a long day for young children. Remember, your ADR reservation time is an approximation. I don't think I have ever appeared to an ADR and didn't have to wait 15-30 minutes before being seated. In my experience, Chef Mickey tends to be better at the wait times than some of the others (example: Ohana). 7KLucky is right about the walk from MK to contemporary - it isn't far and is a nice walk.

 

[Disney Mom 7272]

I think CM is a great choice for a 3 year old because of the characters there. I would do early breakfast and then head over to the parks. I always find that it is less crowded early in the mornings. I guess some people sleep in but we always get there at rope drop and some of the shortest lines are early in the morning.

 

[Iam.Goofy]

I forgot one of the main points of your question - 3 year olds! I think I have taken just about every age of child to CM with no problems. I get a little upset when I see parents let their children go to the buffet, fill a plate, eat two bites, push it away, and go for another full plate, but, I've been there and done that and I understand that parents are on vacation too. It can get very loud in CM. I heard a rumor that the wait staff need to get regular hearing tests. Not sure if that rumor is true, but, I believe it! Overall, CM is one of our favorites.

 

[TTAallday7]

When I went a few years ago at 7am all of the characters were already out and they walk around to each table so you don't have to get up to see them. Also, when you arrive there is a photo op with a Chef Mickey statue! It's super fun and a great way to start off your day before heading to Magic Kingdom.

 

[joannamet]

Definitely CM. Its so much fun for kids and we really like the food. My strategy with kids has always been to keep them as close to regular schedule as possible. If you get them up really early they're gonna get grouchy later and for a 7 AM ADR you're going to be up at least by 6. If DS an early riser?

 

[A W Reezy]

Thank you all! I am going to try my best to call and get reservations the 180 days before our date. I've heard that calling is the best way to go as the online reservation system can be glitchy.

BTW, is the 180 day advance reservation begin at midnight? Or what's the earliest I can call and get a reservation to CM?

Thanks again!!

 

[wdwrich]

Thank you all! I am going to try my best to call and get reservations the 180 days before our date. I've heard that calling is the best way to go as the online reservation system can be glitchy.

BTW, is the 180 day advance reservation begin at midnight? Or what's the earliest I can call and get a reservation to CM?

Thanks again!!

6am EST for on line, 7am EST for phone.

 

[jenjersnap]

We like late breakfast at Chef Mickeys, usually book around 11 am. I booked that time again even with the brunch because I like breakfast foods better (CM dinner is dreadful, in our experience, and I worry it will be that food).

My kids are endlessly fascinated by Chef Mickeys...all are huge monorail fans and love to watch it glide through the Contemporary. It is bright and fun.

You can book ADRs online at 6 am eastern and via phone at 7 am.

 

[goofy4prez]

I am not a fan at all for CM, but with that said, with you having a 3 year old I would say go ahead and go there. Your child will have a great time with the characters and you will have a lifetime of memories and some great pictures and video to look back on. I personally would make an early ADR so that you can hit the parks early and then go back to your resort in the afternoon so your child can take a nap and let you relax a bit as well.