Critique/Thoughts on ADR plan ...

[CrimsonKat]

First time returning to Disney in 26 years (was 4 years old at the time) and taking wife and our 2+ year old daughter. We will be staying 6 days, 5 nights (Sun-Fri) and purchasing Deluxe Dining Plan for 4 Nights on the trip (12 TS Credits total per person). Despite being cautioned against it, we are sticking with a Split Stay so we can see multiple resorts and experience the Sunrise Safari at AKL.

Let me know your thoughts on this tentative schedule:

Sunday (arrival day at Poly) -- Dinner at Ohana's (1 credit)
Monday (Magic Kingdom) -- Breakfast at Crystal Palace (1 credit) and Dinner at Shula's (2 Credits)
Tuesday (Epcot) -- Lunch at Teppan Edo (1 Credit) and Dinner at Flying Fish (2 Credits)
Wednesday (DHS and move to AKL CL) -- Breakfast at Kona Cafe (1 Credit) and Late Lunch at 50s Cafe (1 Credit) [Light dinner of Apps at Club Lounge]
Thursday (AK) -- Breakfast as part of Sunrise Safari (0 Credits) and Dinner at Jiko (2 Credits)
Friday (departure day) -- Breakfast at Boma (1 credit)

* The two picks I am most on the fence on are the Crystal Palace Breakfast and the Teppan Edo Lunch. Any and all feedback (positive and negative) is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[CindyIsMyFave]

I won't comment on too much here - b/c I haven't done the dining plan myself yet. But here goes:

Anyway, Teppan Edo. We really enjoyed it. Now, it is "standard" hibachi Japanese fare. Do you have this back home? If so, you might want to skip. If not, it's a good meal.

Crystal Palace - I think is relatively popular. And it's esp. worth it to get into MK early if you can. We are doing it next trip, but I haven't done it in years.

And by the way, split stay - go for it. Poly is awesome; I totally see the attraction of AKL, so enjoy. In case you don't know, the resorts will transfer your luggage for free. We did this once - checked out of Pop in the AM, went to the parks and by the time we returned to WL for our afternoon nap, our luggage had arrived at WL!

 

[lpereira]

Shulas isnt on the dining plan. You can sub yachtsman, california grille, narcoossee, or citrico. Time california right and you can watch fireworks?
If you are already at poly why ntt do ohana bfast and get some characters in for 2 year old.

 

[iluvpluto27]

Just a couple of comments.

Shulas isn't on the dining plan so you'll need to pay oop there or switch it for a signature on the plan, yachtsman is a good option if it's steak you want.

Do you have the dining plan for your four nights at the poly only? If so you'll need to use all credits by midnight on the day you check out (Thursday) and will have to pay oop on the Friday for your boma breakfast.

Your restaurant choices look good, I love kona and boma breakfast ( though if I was staying CL at AKL I would probably just have breakfast in the lounge to save money). We've always had really good food at flying fish and the sunrise safari is fantastic, well worth the money.

 

[cymbaldiva]

First time returning to Disney in 26 years (was 4 years old at the time) and taking wife and our 2+ year old daughter. We will be staying 6 days, 5 nights (Sun-Fri) and purchasing Deluxe Dining Plan for 4 Nights on the trip (12 TS Credits total per person). Despite being cautioned against it, we are sticking with a Split Stay so we can see multiple resorts and experience the Sunrise Safari at AKL.

Let me know your thoughts on this tentative schedule:

Sunday (arrival day at Poly) -- Dinner at Ohana's (1 credit)
Monday (Magic Kingdom) -- Breakfast at Crystal Palace (1 credit) and Dinner at Shula's (2 Credits)
Tuesday (Epcot) -- Lunch at Teppan Edo (1 Credit) and Dinner at Flying Fish (2 Credits)
Wednesday (DHS and move to AKL CL) -- Breakfast at Kona Cafe (1 Credit) and Late Lunch at 50s Cafe (1 Credit) [Light dinner of Apps at Club Lounge]
Thursday (AK) -- Breakfast as part of Sunrise Safari (0 Credits) and Dinner at Jiko (2 Credits)
Friday (departure day) -- Breakfast at Boma (1 credit)

* The two picks I am most on the fence on are the Crystal Palace Breakfast and the Teppan Edo Lunch. Any and all feedback (positive and negative) is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Honestly the only thing I can say is that after so many years away from the World it's too much time in restaurants - I'd keep the split resort stay but move to the regular dining plan (or no plan at all) and spend more time enjoying the parks.

Just my .02

 

[OhThePain]

As others have said, Shula's is not on the dining plan.

I also agree with the PP that said that it might be a bit too much time in restaurants. Are you planning on Disney becoming a regular thing for you and your family? If you plan on being back more often, then while your DD is still young I can understand all the meal time. If this is a once in a while type of trip, I would consider cutting down on some of those meals. Between any mid-day breaks you need to take, which might be very important with the 2+ year old, any time needed to "freshen up" for those signature meals, traveling from point A to point B are all going to take a good amount of time out being in the parks. You want Disney to leave the impression of what Disney is as a whole, not just how the restaurants are. I also count you using only 7 TS credits in the amount of time you have to use them all, 9 if you switch Shula's to a signature on the dining plan.

Also, how does your DD act in restaurants? How late are your dinner ADR's? If DD is the type to get fussy after a long day in the parks, I wouldn't take her to a Jiko ADR past 5:45 or 6. Jiko is a very quiet and romantic type atmosphere and a fussy child will not only disrupt other guests, but may make you feel uncomfortable or force you and your DW to take turns leaving the restaurant to calm her down. For the same restaurant, my girlfriend and I expect 2 different sort of experiences with a 5:30 ADR and an 8:00 ADR.

If you have a hibachi restaurant at home, I would skip TE. Everything at a hibachi restaurant at home will be better than TE (better food, better menu, better show, less expensive).

 

[CrimsonKat]

Thanks for the thoughts above from all. In reviewing, I see that we will need to bump the Thursday/Friday meals up to keep it on the 4 day plan. Quick question: We check in at Poly on Sunday and leave on Wednesday and check in at AKL on Wednesday and leave on Friday -- can you get the Dining Plan for only certain continuous nights on the stay (i.e., pay oop for the one meal on Sunday night and have 2 days of Dining Plan credits start on Monday at Poly and go through midnight on day of check-out on Wednesday -- then adding two days of Dining Plan at AKL?). Confusing I know -- just trying to maximize the Dining Plan for the days we will use it most.


Also, I was not aware Shula's was outside the dining plan and appreciate that info -- any thoughts on a good substitute in the Signature category (saw California Grill mentioned above).

As for Teppan Edo, that was just kind of a throw-in -- let me know if there is a Resort or Epcot breakfast spot or an Epcot lunch spot that may be a good substitute there.

And on a final note, our daughter is generally well-behaved and enjoys going to restaurants. Not to sound a glutton, but my wife and I are probably looking as forward to the meals as the theme parks on this trip so we are comfortable with spending a good bit of time on the trip at restaurants.

Again, thanks so much for the thoughts and critique.

 

[laughinplace199]

First time returning to Disney in 26 years (was 4 years old at the time) and taking wife and our 2+ year old daughter. We will be staying 6 days, 5 nights (Sun-Fri) and purchasing Deluxe Dining Plan for 4 Nights on the trip (12 TS Credits total per person). Despite being cautioned against it, we are sticking with a Split Stay so we can see multiple resorts and experience the Sunrise Safari at AKL.

Let me know your thoughts on this tentative schedule:

Sunday (arrival day at Poly) -- Dinner at Ohana's (1 credit)
Monday (Magic Kingdom) -- Breakfast at Crystal Palace (1 credit) and Dinner at Shula's (2 Credits)
Tuesday (Epcot) -- Lunch at Teppan Edo (1 Credit) and Dinner at Flying Fish (2 Credits)
Wednesday (DHS and move to AKL CL) -- Breakfast at Kona Cafe (1 Credit) and Late Lunch at 50s Cafe (1 Credit) [Light dinner of Apps at Club Lounge]
Thursday (AK) -- Breakfast as part of Sunrise Safari (0 Credits) and Dinner at Jiko (2 Credits)
Friday (departure day) -- Breakfast at Boma (1 credit)

* The two picks I am most on the fence on are the Crystal Palace Breakfast and the Teppan Edo Lunch. Any and all feedback (positive and negative) is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

We love the CP breakfast - it's a must do for us on every trip. Although, some small kids are afraid if characters, so keep that in mind. Even if your DD is afraid, the characters are good about keeping their distance if you let them know.

You have picked a lot of good places (we LOVE Jiko and our kids love 50's PTC), but that is a lot of sit-down dining for a 2 yr old. When our kids were that age, we mostly did 1 TS (dinner) per day. The kids were much too excited about being in the parks to want to spend that much time in restaurants. But, if it works for you, that's great!

 

[KTJAY]

Love CP and Kona for bfast-great choices

I wasn't overly impressed with Teppen Edo either-we have hibachi style japanese restaurants at home-and I like Kona alot better than O'hanas but I know people love it there.

I would try Le Cellier in Canada for lunch in Epcot-1 ts for lunch. Not sure when you're going-ADRs can fill up fast-We did see people walk up last Aug at 11am when they first opened and get in with a 15-20 min wait

Or your daughter may really like Coral Reef-there's a big fish tank inside-I find the menu there very limited but I don't like seafood!!

Have a great trip!!

 

[nkereina]

First time returning to Disney in 26 years (was 4 years old at the time) and taking wife and our 2+ year old daughter. We will be staying 6 days, 5 nights (Sun-Fri) and purchasing Deluxe Dining Plan for 4 Nights on the trip (12 TS Credits total per person). Despite being cautioned against it, we are sticking with a Split Stay so we can see multiple resorts and experience the Sunrise Safari at AKL.

Let me know your thoughts on this tentative schedule:

Sunday (arrival day at Poly) -- Dinner at Ohana's (1 credit)
Monday (Magic Kingdom) -- Breakfast at Crystal Palace (1 credit) and Dinner at Shula's (2 Credits)
Tuesday (Epcot) -- Lunch at Teppan Edo (1 Credit) and Dinner at Flying Fish (2 Credits)
Wednesday (DHS and move to AKL CL) -- Breakfast at Kona Cafe (1 Credit) and Late Lunch at 50s Cafe (1 Credit) [Light dinner of Apps at Club Lounge]
Thursday (AK) -- Breakfast as part of Sunrise Safari (0 Credits) and Dinner at Jiko (2 Credits)
Friday (departure day) -- Breakfast at Boma (1 credit)

* The two picks I am most on the fence on are the Crystal Palace Breakfast and the Teppan Edo Lunch. Any and all feedback (positive and negative) is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

I also do the DxDP. A lot of people will say it's too much time in restaurants but to get the full benefit of DxDp, in my opinion, you should do two TS meals per day. That's what we do.

Sunday and Monday look good, with the exception of Shula's as PPs mentioned.

Tuesday and Wednesday just make sure your meals are spaced well. We do two TS meals but one is usually breakfast before the park opens and one is a late dinner. We don't like to run between ADRs and it is a lot of food so it needs digesting time.

thursday and friday look good too.

I have not eaten at Crystal Palace but it gets mixed reviews. if your kids are into Pooh, its a good stop. I also have not eaten at teppan edo but I have heard that if you have a hibachi restaurant where you are from, its not much different. We had an ADR for here on our upcoming trip but changed it after thinking about that. Have you looked at the menu? there isnt much to it either.

 

[OhThePain]

Another good option for either breakfast or lunch in EPCOT is Akershus. The meal includes a photo package with Belle, while other princesses visit the table. The princesses may vary but they may include Snow White, Cindy, Aurora, Jazmine, Ariel and a few others. Breakfast is served family style (the meal is brought on a big plate for the table to share. Lunch is an appitizer bar with cheeses, meats, salads, etc., you pick your entree off of the menu and dessert is 3 or so desserts brought to the table family style (each of them are pretty yummy). The princesses have always given great character interaction that I am sure all 3 of you will love.

When it comes to signatures on the dining plan, Flying Fish is our favorite and Jiko is up high on our list as well (both of which you already have). Citricos is really good and Artist Point is nice. We don't love Cali Grill but they have decent sushi and a great view of Wishes (even if you have an early ADR, show your reciept to the podium and they will let you up to the observation deck if you want to watch Wishes from up there).

Another fun option might be one of the dinner shows. Hoop Dee Doo Review is my hands down favorite dinner show. I have gone to it on just about every trip to the Orlando area, including taking clients to it durring a convention that was not on Disney property (Gaylord Palms). It is a cheaky, cheesey music review that is a lot of fun and very entertaining. I think even your 2+ year old would be kept entertained. Fried chicken, ribs, salad, awesome corn bread, beans, potatos and strawberry shortcake is the basic menu. The dinner shows also include unlimited wine, beer (Bud Light) and sangria. Your daughter might also really enjoy Mickey's Backyard BBQ if you don't think HDDR is for you.

To answer your question OP, I don't think you can pick days for the DDP, even if they are continuous. I think, and I am sure someone will correct me if I am wrong, that it is an "all or nothing" type of deal in that you either have the plan for the length of stay (per resort) or you don't.

 

[juliebug1997]

You have to do CP for the characters since that's the only character meal you've got for the 2+ year old.

 

[Diegosmom]

If you are staying at AKL thru regular booking then no you can not add dining unless you add park tix (which you would already have). If you are staying at AKL and renting points from a DVC member then you can add dining on any night.

The other way I believe you can add dining is if you have an AP.

Also you can not do 1 night here or there it has to be for your entire stay (doing DVC you can split up your stay but it doesnt seem like you are doing DVC or have AP).

 

[MagicalMawMaw]

We really like Teppon Edo.

However, if I could only pick one lunch at Epcot I'd go w/ LeCellier. My DH would pick Coral Reef.

The prettiest restaurant at Epcot I think is San Angel Inn. The food isn't as awesome but I love feeling you are dining at night under the stars.

Crystal Palace is a neat restaurant. I love the characters there.I'd either want a breakfast time before the park opens or a late breakfast[I like this better myself] so it doesn't mess up your rope drop time.

 

[nkereina]

To answer your question OP, I don't think you can pick days for the DDP, even if they are continuous. I think, and I am sure someone will correct me if I am wrong, that it is an "all or nothing" type of deal in that you either have the plan for the length of stay (per resort) or you don't.

Yes, this. I just noticed you said you are staying 5 nights but want the DP for 4 nights? You'd have to get it for all 5 nights, or else I think you can make a separate reservation for that one night which is more of a hassle - you'd have to check out then check back in and run the risk of having your room switched for one night. Probably some other things i'm not thinking of. The good news is that it will give you 15 credits rather than 12.

 

[goofyintoronto]

First time returning to Disney in 26 years (was 4 years old at the time) and taking wife and our 2+ year old daughter. We will be staying 6 days, 5 nights (Sun-Fri) and purchasing Deluxe Dining Plan for 4 Nights on the trip (12 TS Credits total per person). Despite being cautioned against it, we are sticking with a Split Stay so we can see multiple resorts and experience the Sunrise Safari at AKL.

Let me know your thoughts on this tentative schedule:

Sunday (arrival day at Poly) -- Dinner at Ohana's (1 credit)
Monday (Magic Kingdom) -- Breakfast at Crystal Palace (1 credit) and Dinner at Shula's (2 Credits)
Tuesday (Epcot) -- Lunch at Teppan Edo (1 Credit) and Dinner at Flying Fish (2 Credits)
Wednesday (DHS and move to AKL CL) -- Breakfast at Kona Cafe (1 Credit) and Late Lunch at 50s Cafe (1 Credit) [Light dinner of Apps at Club Lounge]
Thursday (AK) -- Breakfast as part of Sunrise Safari (0 Credits) and Dinner at Jiko (2 Credits)
Friday (departure day) -- Breakfast at Boma (1 credit)

* The two picks I am most on the fence on are the Crystal Palace Breakfast and the Teppan Edo Lunch. Any and all feedback (positive and negative) is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

I personally LOVE Teppan Edo. Food is so delicious. Cooked fresh right in front of you, and very entertaining. Kids love it! At least mine did. Having said that, if you go to a hibachi table every other weekend in your home town, then this might not be as exciting for you.

I would add another character breakfast in for your 2yo. Instead of Kona, do ohana. Lovely atmosphere and characters are great. Food is outstanding too. Or, as OhThePain suggested, Akershus in Epcot would be nice...or Hoop Dee Doo.

And yes, if your staying 5 nights, you will have 5 dining credits. Not 4.

 

[CrimsonKat]

Thanks again for all of the helpful feedback. Based in large part to the suggestions above, I have revised the ADR schedule. The plan now would be Deluxe Dining for only the extent of the Poly stay (3 nights) and then pay out-of-pocket for meals while staying at the AKL (due in part to the fact that we will only need one meal on Thursday not counting the Sunrise Safari breakfast and one meal on Friday prior to departure).

Adjusted schedule below for comments/critiques/thoughts:

Sunday Dinner (check-in day): O'Hanas (1 credit)
Monday Breakfast (Magic Kingdom): Crystal Palace (1 credit)
Monday Dinner: Flying Fish (2 credits)
Tuesday Breakfast: Kona Cafe (1 credit)
Tuesday Lunch (Epcot): Le Cellier (1 credit)
Wednesday Lunch (DHS and move to AKL): 50s Cafe (1 credit)
Wednesday Dinner: Jiko (2 credits)

 

[Moira222]

Don't you just love all of the great info you get here on the Dis?

I will just agree with other posters on timing being everything- TS breakfast and lunch on same day may just be too much too close together. When our DD was 3 1/2 we found that one sit down meal a day was good for us to give us time to tour plus enjoy meals. That said, while we did not go back to our resort mid day during this trip, (it was January so not hot) DD fell asleep in her stroller daily so it gave us time to kick back and find a quiet corner in each park. This definitely would effect our dinner plans, which is why I'm telling you.

With young children you will really want to take advantage of the parks with extra morning hours - many guests don't get up early for these so its a great way to start the day early. This may be difficult with breakfast reservations but I think when DD was under 5 we hit all the EMH morning hours.

You may also be able to take advantage of a kids club (child care) for one or two of your more "grown up" dinners.

As for character meals for you daughter, Akershus rocks. if you can get an early reservation, you are in the park before they open, and Princesses are less scary because they are real people ..no costumes. There is plenty of fruit and cheese and pastries on the buffet at breakfast and the hot plate is sausage, bacon, cheesy potatoes, and eggs.

Other places with "real people" are 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian and Cinderella's Royal Table (though I personally do not think this is worth the money or TS credits).

Have fun planning your trip!

 

[cymbaldiva]

And on a final note, our daughter is generally well-behaved and enjoys going to restaurants. Not to sound a glutton, but my wife and I are probably looking as forward to the meals as the theme parks on this trip so we are comfortable with spending a good bit of time on the trip at restaurants.

Again, thanks so much for the thoughts and critique.

Please understand that the restaurants are generally for the experience, not the food. Read as - fun for the surroundings, but the food really isn't all that. If you're looking for a foodie destination, unfortunately WDW isn't it.

Just my .02 - hope y'all have a great trip!