Comments while ADR's can (maybe) be changed

[esdras]

I've noticed others post their ADR's to get feedback from true veterans of the culinary wars - so, as only 2nd timers on Free Dining and only 3rd timers as adults to Disney - all comments welcome.

These ADR's are for two families (4 adults, 3 kids) - one family are actually first timers coming along with us.

Day 1: Park - Magic Kingdom
Lunch - Counter Service at MK - probably Pecos Bill's 11:30 am
Break back to resort
Dinner - Cindy's - 4pm

Day 2: Park - Disney Studios
Lunch - CS at Studios - probably Planet Pizza 11:30 am
Break back to resort
Dinner - Mama Melrose - 5:20pm
Staying for Fantasmic

Day 3: Break Day
Light Breakfast at resort
Brunch - O'Hana Character Breakfast 10:50 am
Dinner - CS at Resort (ASMu)

Day 4: Park - Animal Kingdom
Lunch - Yak & Yeti 11am
Leave park for the day by 2pm
Dinner - CS at Resort (ASMu)

Day 5: Park - Epcot
Lunch - CS at Sunshine Season at the Land 11:30 am
Break back to resort
Dinner - Princess Storybook Dinner at Akershus 4:50 pm
Staying for Illuminations

Day 6: Break Day
Light Breakfast at resort
Brunch - Chef Mickey's 11 am
Dinner - CS at DTD (Earl of Sandwich or Cookes of Dublin)

Day 7: Park - Magic Kingdom (Day 2)
Lunch - Tomorrowland Noodle Station (if still open) 11:30 am
Break back to resort
Dinner - Boma 5 pm
Maybe back to MK for Wishes

Day 8: Depart by 1pm
Lunch - CS at resort (ASMu)

Comments welcome - we have not previously had meals at Boma, Noodle Station, Earl of Sandwich, Cookes of Dublin, Akershus, Sunshine Season, Yak & Yeti, O'Hana or Mama Melrose - these are all planned as first time experiences.

Age of kids - boy 8, girl 4, boy 3 - tried to gear the dining to let them have fun, but still allow for the adults to have some dining experiences.

Thanks!

 

[KatMark]

We have not dined at all of the places you are going, but the ones you have, we have enjoyed all but Pizza Planet and Akershus. We have always had a good meal at Mama Melrose and really enjoy the atmosphere and the good service we have received. We are trying Yak & Yeti and Boma for the first time this year.

 

[mdoc]

Of the ones you haven't been to yet, we've been to Boma, Noodle Station and Sunshine Seasons and can recommend all of them. I assume you're talking about the TS Yak & Yeti; we haven't been there but we like the CS there. And FWIW, I love the CS at the All Stars and Pop. We've never stayed there, but we've had dinner at their food courts.

 

[esdras]

We have not dined at all of the places you are going, but the ones you have, we have enjoyed all but Pizza Planet and Akershus. We have always had a good meal at Mama Melrose and really enjoy the atmosphere and the good service we have received. We are trying Yak & Yeti and Boma for the first time this year.

Thanks - actually Pizza Planet was just a thought because we ate there in '06 - not amazing, but okay. Actually, since we are doing Mama's later that day, it might be better to pick a different CS that ISN'T Italian - any suggestions as to which is a good CS for a light lunch?

Of the ones you haven't been to yet, we've been to Boma, Noodle Station and Sunshine Seasons and can recommend all of them. I assume you're talking about the TS Yak & Yeti; we haven't been there but we like the CS there. And FWIW, I love the CS at the All Stars and Pop. We've never stayed there, but we've had dinner at their food courts.

Yes, the Y&Y is a TS meal - looks very cool in terms of theming, and it just seems like a better choice for an AK meal - although the Rainforest gets decent reviews - we've been to other's in that chain - no need to go to what we've already done - it didn't impress us enough for that.

In terms of your comment regarding CS restaurants at the Values - I agree. We stayed at ASMo in '06, and we were pleasantly surprised with the CS dinner we had there one night. It was great having a nice quick - and actually fairly tasty dinner - and then basically heading right out to the pool.

 

[Tiggr924]

Boma is excellent. One of my favorite meals at WDW. And the only one I haven't been to thrilled about is Mama Melroses. The last few times we went there it wasn't worth it and we decided to cross it off our list. All the others I have either not been to or would recommend. The only other restaurant that we love and is missing from your meal is Crystal Palace.

 

[septbaby]

I've noticed others post their ADR's to get feedback from true veterans of the culinary wars - so, as only 2nd timers on Free Dining and only 3rd timers as adults to Disney - all comments welcome.

These ADR's are for two families (4 adults, 3 kids) - one family are actually first timers coming along with us.

Day 1: Park - Magic Kingdom
Lunch - Counter Service at MK - probably Pecos Bill's 11:30 am
You'll also be close to Columbia Harbor House, I'd suggest taking a look at that menu. It gets great reviews and is a bit different than the burger joint that PB's is. You're planning a lot of meals at ASMu so you'll have a lot of chances to get burgers. CHH has fish, chicken, veggie sandwich, chili, etc.
Break back to resort
Dinner - Cindy's - 4pm
Hopefully you can stay for the parade and Wishes this night

Day 2: Park - Disney Studios
Lunch - CS at Studios - probably Planet Pizza 11:30 am
Break back to resort
Dinner - Mama Melrose - 5:20pm
Staying for Fantasmic

Day 3: Break Day
Light Breakfast at resort
Brunch - O'Hana Character Breakfast 10:50 am
Dinner - CS at Resort (ASMu)

Day 4: Park - Animal Kingdom
Lunch - Yak & Yeti 11am
Leave park for the day by 2pm
Dinner - CS at Resort (ASMu)

Day 5: Park - Epcot
Lunch - CS at Sunshine Season at the Land 11:30 am
Break back to resort
Dinner - Princess Storybook Dinner at Akershus 4:50 pm
Staying for Illuminations

Day 6: Break Day
Light Breakfast at resort
Brunch - Chef Mickey's 11 am
Dinner - CS at DTD (Earl of Sandwich or Cookes of Dublin)

Day 7: Park - Magic Kingdom (Day 2)
Lunch - Tomorrowland Noodle Station (if still open) 11:30 am
Main Street Bakery also serves good sandwiches and tremendous desserts for a CS credit. Definitely keep a lot of room available for Boma. So may choices you'll want to go back to the pods there again and again.
Break back to resort
Dinner - Boma 5 pm
Maybe back to MK for Wishes

Day 8: Depart by 1pm
Lunch - CS at resort (ASMu)

Thanks!

Keep in mind you can have dinner at other resorts too: take boat from DTD to eat at Saratoga Springs. Try another All Star food court. The Peppermarket at CSR gets some good reviews and offer steak and other significant meals for the CS credit. You'd need to go to DTD or a park to get bus to another resort, but if you're leaving ASMu for the evening or already out, its easy to do. Also keep in mind, esp for CS it would be fine for the group to split up from time to time; some eat at Peco Bill's others at CHH, maybe eat at those places or chose to meet at one of the benches between the two places. I found that we were not always in place for my CS of choice, but I had plan B/C already known, so it was always easy to make a switch. Lots of options.

 

[tlriv5]

Ohana breakfast is really fun and the food there is great! We haven't been to any of the others, but they all sound great.

 

[KatMark]

Thanks - actually Pizza Planet was just a thought because we ate there in '06 - not amazing, but okay. Actually, since we are doing Mama's later that day, it might be better to pick a different CS that ISN'T Italian - any suggestions as to which is a good CS for a light lunch?

We just don't like any of the pizza at Disney--to me it is almost as bad as Domino's. Unfortunately, we don't like any of the CS's at the studios. We normally go to one of the resorts by boat and eat there. If we have to eat at HS for a counter service meal, we will do Backlot Express over any of the others.

 

[divawife]

IMHO-Pecos Bill and Toy Story Pizza was horrible. Food was just ok-seating at Pecos Bills was a complete nightmare-people waiting like vultures for tables, people pushing into the fixins bar. Taco Salad was better than burgers I did enjoy that! Carrot Cake good.

Pizza Toy Story Planet -pizza doughy, burnt and salads just ok.

 

[esdras]

Thanks to all for the suggestions!

Boma is excellent. One of my favorite meals at WDW. And the only one I haven't been to thrilled about is Mama Melroses. The last few times we went there it wasn't worth it and we decided to cross it off our list. All the others I have either not been to or would recommend. The only other restaurant that we love and is missing from your meal is Crystal Palace.

We did Crystal Palace in '06, and we agree it was excellent. We just couldn't fit it in for this trip - the kids didn't care either way about the food, and none of the kids travelling with us are that interested in Pooh and Friends. The girl just wanted to see Princesses (hence Akershus - Cindy's for dinner was actually my wife who says not eating at the Castle on a trip is just wrong), the youngest boy wanted to see Mickey and the classic characters (hence Chef Mickey's), and the oldest boy wanted to see Stitch (hence O'Hana's). Mama Melrose seems to get mixed reviews - But all the kids are pasta freaks, and it seemed the best choice when planning on staying for Fantasmic. I hope it won't be a waste of a TS. Actually, my wife saw the Charred Butcher Tender Steak with Red Wine reduction on the menu and pretty much salivated and voted to go to the restaurant - has anyone tried this dish, and assuming it was cooked to order in terms of doneness, was it good?

Keep in mind you can have dinner at other resorts too: take boat from DTD to eat at Saratoga Springs. Try another All Star food court. The Peppermarket at CSR gets some good reviews and offer steak and other significant meals for the CS credit. You'd need to go to DTD or a park to get bus to another resort, but if you're leaving ASMu for the evening or already out, its easy to do. Also keep in mind, esp for CS it would be fine for the group to split up from time to time; some eat at Peco Bill's others at CHH, maybe eat at those places or chose to meet at one of the benches between the two places. I found that we were not always in place for my CS of choice, but I had plan B/C already known, so it was always easy to make a switch. Lots of options.

We checked out a number of guides for dining at the other resorts - and nothing seemed to grab our interest as much. O'Hana was a treat for the oldest boy, and Boma for the adults. Other than that, while the resort restuarants can often be superior in quality - there's just a certian something about dining in the parks - and not just convenience!

We just don't like any of the pizza at Disney--to me it is almost as bad as Domino's. Unfortunately, we don't like any of the CS's at the studios. We normally go to one of the resorts by boat and eat there. If we have to eat at HS for a counter service meal, we will do Backlot Express over any of the others.

Yeah, none of them really grab our interest - although for the sake of pure choice - maybe the Backlot Express or ABC Commissary are options. Since we do need to go back to the resort for a break - the added time of going to a different resort just doesn't appeal to us.

IMHO-Pecos Bill and Toy Story Pizza was horrible. Food was just ok-seating at Pecos Bills was a complete nightmare-people waiting like vultures for tables, people pushing into the fixins bar. Taco Salad was better than burgers I did enjoy that! Carrot Cake good.
Pizza Toy Story Planet -pizza doughy, burnt and salads just ok.

I actually liked the burgers at Pecos - then again, as I've mentioned, we eat as EARLY as possible for lunch. Even though we were there on a slower week in '06 - getting there for lunch before 11:30, the place wasn't even half full. When we left shortly after noon, however - people WERE waiting to get a seat.

And with all the comments - OKAY, no PIZZA PLANET this time - I don't know why I thought of it initially. Probably just because it was easy and didn't require thought.

Thanks again everyone!

 

[esdras]

Sorry, doube post - didn't notice that septbaby replied within the quote

Your suggestion for Columbia Harbour House is interesting. I see they serve New England Clam Chowder - which I LOVE - so long as it's done reasonably well. They seem to have stuff the kids will eat - although NONE of them eat fish. It would be good to do something else. Admittedly, we thought of doing a lot of the CS places from last trip because it didn't require much thought. I'm glad everyone is commenting on those - while no ADR's need changing at this point (thankfully) - the CS options are increasing!

Also the suggestion that we can split up for CS in the parks is valid - and we'll definitely consider that option.

septbaby - you also mentioned that you hoped we could stay for the parade and wishes on that night - probably not. With the age of the kids, we are trying to do the nighttime events on days prior to break days or our departure day. There's probably no way the kids could manage a 10pm or later bedtime and be able to hit a park at opening the next day - since we are there the last week of August - getting to the parks at rope drop and out by 1pm for a rest and heat and crowd avoidance is vital. Sadly, there is no Spectro scheduled for our last day - but we could still stay for the fireworks.

Thanks for the Bakery suggestion on the last day - and the advice to save room for Boma's. I think that's why we thought of the Noodle Station - Asian fare often seems lighter and if we eat early enough, hopefully our appetites will be back by dinner time!

Thanks!

 

[Sandy321]

Your post inspired me to ask my own Boma question!!

1. Disney Studios - we like Backlot Express - but for some reason a couple of times (late Sept/early Oct) the place was closed!! Its our fav choice, but like you said, there is no "good" CS place...

2. I have the same question about Mama Melrose - its another ressie I may "let go" I'm not a big fan of the strip steak, as I find them to be tough more often than not... - - so I'm looking for the review too!!

3. I'll 2nd that the Ohana character interaction is GREAT!! DD is a Stitch lover, but its also the best Pluto we've seen interacting with ALL the guests - make sure your cameras are ready to capture the unexpected!!

4. MK CS - I've found Colombia House so crowded we also either eat at Pecos, or over at the Tomorrowland CS - it just depends on where in the park we are when we're ready to eat - However, do note that the Tomorrowland has more choices - so more lines, and the lines have different choices, so dont line up for burgers if you are in the chicken queue!!

5. Sunshine Season at Epcot - we are blown away from the choices and flavors here - the one confusing thing is the desserts - if you make your way all the way down to the last counter - there is a BAKERY there - with much more dessert choices (dh always thinks he's seen all the choices, then complains when he sees I get something he wants!! LOL)

6. Princess Norway Dinner - read allearsnet for their menu - we eat breakfast there, we like their breakfast foods, dd loves Princess Aurora, so we eat here!!

Have fun, its not easy, I'd go with your plans, and not 2nd guess yourself, there are so many places, so many opinions!!

Thanks for asking your questions!!

I just went on the Review thread - there are pictures on post #4 of Coral Reef - one with the steak and crab legs!! (I'm debating on those 2! lol)

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1792255

 

[disneyag]

You'll really enjoy Boma. Get there early, so you can view the animals from the lobby and Arusha rock.

Sunshine Seasons is good for a group--everyone can have different choices.

I agree that CS at DHS is tough. If you have enough time, you can take the boat to the Boardwalk and eat there.

We don't like Pecos Bill's, but the Columbia Harbor House is good for CS. You can sit upstairs and it's usually quieter.

 

[septbaby]

We checked out a number of guides for dining at the other resorts - and nothing seemed to grab our interest as much. O'Hana was a treat for the oldest boy, and Boma for the adults. Other than that, while the resort restuarants can often be superior in quality - there's just a certian something about dining in the parks - and not just convenience!

I was just speaking of CS at the resorts. Many on these boards rave about the Pepper Market. From what I've read you can practically walk to another All Star resort. Just thinking a way to mix things up for you if you wanted a change of pace or scenery. We'll have our first stay at ASMu at the end of Aug and based advice I got on these boards we'll likely walk over to ASMo for one meal and so my 6yo nephew can see all things Woody, etc.

 

[esdras]

We stayed at ASMo in '06, and I have looked at the menus of all three All-Star Resorts. First, ASMo seems (for whatever reason) to have a more diverse menue than the other All-Stars. Second, I can confirm from personal experience that you can get a very good dinner there - with more than enough choice to please an entire family!

Thinking about this - we just might make the walk ourselves again!

I agree that the Pepper Market looks amazing - but I just can't seem to figure out how to get there conveniently based on our planned schedule. We won't have a vehicle and will be using Disney transportation the entire time.

 

[septbaby]

Easiest way to any resort, take a bus to DTD or a park and take the bus for that resort. Not sure if we'll try the Pepper Market, but I have considered a stay at CSR, so it would be worth a look see.

 

[Sandy321]

Easiest way to any resort, take a bus to DTD or a park and take the bus for that resort. Not sure if we'll try the Pepper Market, but I have considered a stay at CSR, so it would be worth a look see.

That's what I thought, then we had a dismeet at Pop Food court - *duh it took forever - it would've been easier since we were at Boardwalk, go to Disney Studios then take the bus to the resort -

then from the resort take a bus back to the park -

DTD option is best when the Park busses stop running - so if you are eating at Yachtsman for instance and its passed closing for Epcot - or Studios, then take the bus to DTD...

or I could be wrong...

maybe it just feels faster!!

 

[esdras]

That's what I thought, then we had a dismeet at Pop Food court - *duh it took forever - it would've been easier since we were at Boardwalk, go to Disney Studios then take the bus to the resort -

then from the resort take a bus back to the park -

DTD option is best when the Park busses stop running - so if you are eating at Yachtsman for instance and its passed closing for Epcot - or Studios, then take the bus to DTD...

or I could be wrong...

maybe it just feels faster!!

Sorry, I should have been more specific. I realize that for resort to resort (non-monorail connected) dining - the most "efficient" method is resort-DTD-resort. But, what is most efficient isn't necessarily the most "convenient".

Most days it won't work for us - but if we decided to take what might amount to between 1 and 2 hours of travel time (round trip) to eat at another non-monorail resort, the best options (for us) would be day 3 or 4.

It's strange - we're willing to go out of our way, and perhaps pay for a taxi to dine at Boma - but don't seem as willing to make the same effort for a counter service - even though the one at CSR gets fantastic reviews.

Go figure.

 

[septbaby]

It's strange - we're willing to go out of our way, and perhaps pay for a taxi to dine at Boma - but don't seem as willing to make the same effort for a counter service - even though the one at CSR gets fantastic reviews.

Go figure.

Bottome line your schedule is fine, no need to make any changes.

The great thing is you're on vacation and with CS you don't have an appointment, so just do it on a whim, or not. One day you'll be at DTD, you could have CS there or hop the boat and check out the CS at Saratoga Springs Resort just on the other side of the lake. Not necessary, but an option. I know I was thankful for DISsers giving me CS options. One night we were hungry in MK. CHH was closed and we were on the other side of the park from Cosmic Ray's, but I knew Peco Bill's was nearby. We ended up not liking the meal, but we at least knew of a plan C. We did the same with Main Street Bakery, loved that meal.(Who doesn't love a meal where dessert really is the Main course...lol)

 

[srdipert]

The steak at MM was great when we were their in May of 07. My dh actually liked it so much he is sad that we are not fitting it in this time but it didn't fit the schedule.

You might want to try Wolf Gang Puck Express or the Earl of Sandwich on your break days if you are planning on doing to DTD anyway. Those are both great CS options.

I have heard some horror stories about the Noodle house and when we were there the last time the food looked really gross. I might try one of the other places. I second the Main Street Bakery and Columbia Harbor House both of those are our must dos on this next trip.