Couple of questions about little ones and character dining

[borgthe]

Me, my friend and our two 5 year olds and two 2 year olds are thinking of going to Disney for free dining. We made our reservations but can still cancel.

First, are we crazy to go with all these children? I am so scared that I will really regret it. How will I lug the stroller, diaper bag, and kids!

Second, are there any character dining that isn't a buffet? We'd like to do a character meal for the kids, but the thought of having to go get everyone's meal seems like a pain. I think there's one at Germany, but I'm not interested in that type of food. Are there any others?

Thanks!

Oh, I don't want CRT either. Sorry!

 

[becalubob]

I say go for it!!! Get a double stroller for the 2 year olds, a back pack (or 2!) and have a blast!!! The Garden Grill in Epcot is served family style - the characters are Mickey, Pluto and Chip and Dale I believed. Another good one to try is the O'Hana breakfast at the Poly. That has Mickey, Pluto, Lilo and Stitch. There are probably some other good ones that aren't coming to mind right now. The Liberty Tree Tavern in MK I think might be.

 

[TxRabbit]

I don't think you're crazy...I think taking advantage of free dining is a good idea, especially if your 5 year olds will not be in school. I think you need to plan well, and make some premade decisions, like when and how you will take a break during the day and rest, knowing locker locations so that you don't have to lug around absolutely everything with you, etc. I think 5 years old would be a great first visit, but I doubt the 2 year olds will really remember much, but because they won't cost you anything in admission, I wouldn't let that stop you.

I don't know if I have enough posts to post a link. Here's some character dining info:

http://www.allearsnet.com/din/cbchar.htm

It is not clear here what is a buffet and what isn't, but you can look up the restaurants. I know that Liberty Tree Tavern is served family style, as is the breakfast at 'Ohana, but that is all I know off the top of my head. I would just search the boards and plan plan plan and have a great time. Don't put undue pressure on yourself with regards to this trip and think of it as your first trip and remember, it is vacation, have fun!

 

[borgthe]

Actually, this is the 5 year old's 3rd visit and the 2 year old's 2nd visit. LOL!

But my friend and I never did it without our husbands before.

 

[TxRabbit]

But my friend and I never did it without our husbands before.

OOoooooohh I didn't catch that before. Still, definitely go. The 5 year olds are approaching the age of reason. Set clear expectations with them. Remember, discipline actually begins with knowing what expected behavior is...Myself, I am not above bribing my DS with a reward for fulfilling expectations Make sure you are your friend have a game plan and clear communication between yourselves and you should have a great time. It's fun to do special things with just you and the kids. You'll have just as much fun hearing the way they tell the story to DH when you get back.

 

[Treacle44]

Do it! I would!

'Ohana breakfast and Liberty Tree Tavern dinner have characters have meals served, oh and Garden Grill!

Take a double stroller.

 

[borgthe]

I think I'm going to take my sit and stand stroller, cuz my five year old will want to ride on that, too. My friend will bring her own stroller, so we will still have 2 strollers to lug.

I am SOOOOOOOOOO scared. I'm still not committing, lol, even though I've just made all my ADRs.

 

[ogreenlee]

I think you'll be fine! Careful planning is a necessity, though!!

I hear ya on the buffets. Even with one kid, I feel like all I do is run back and forth to get food.

 

[momsoftwins]

well at least there is 2 adults..i am taking my kids solo (cause daddy cant handle 7days of princesses) i know my kids and what they can handle. i just think of it as being home with "live" disney channel and a maid and a chef!!! sounds to good to me!!!