houstonmomof3
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Jul 26, 2014
- Messages
- 13
Ever since we came back from our WDW trip in March, I've still been dreaming of Disney. It was our second time there. This time around, we travelled with 12y boy, 8 girl, and 3 boy. My daughter still loves princesses, my toddler is in love with Mickey and friends, and my oldest just loves to travel and try new things. I started a new job last summer and have been saving up money for this trip. We stayed at AoA and I booked ADRs so that we could try a variety of restaurants and experiences that my kids would really enjoy. I don't know when we'll be back (hopefully sooner rather than later). Also, I wanted my daughter to be able to experience CRT as a child (though it was fun for me as an adult) and see my three year old's expression when he saw Mickey for the first time. I tried to limit my ADRs to one a day so we could be more flexible and not be overwhelmed. This review includes reviews of the ADR, quick dining and some other experiences.
First up
Chef Mickey's
We arrived at WDW on a Sunday after driving all the way from Texas. After checking into AOA (which I loved), we explored the resort and our rooms and then made our way to Chef Mickey's for our 7:30pm reservation. I had booked a later reservation since we were driving in and I wanted to make sure we had enough time. I had read reviews of the restaurant and I knew that the buffet was not going to be gourmet, but I also knew for the price, you're paying for the experience. I didn't say anything to my husband or kids about what I read about the food because I didn't want to bias them ahead of time.
When we got there, there was a long line at the check-in. I was a little worried, but it turned out that there was a bit of confusion with a large party in front of us. Once that was cleared up, the line moved quickly and we were called for our picture with the photopass person and then seated. Our server was very nice.
Ok, so we were first nervous because we didn't know if we got our food, would we miss the characters? This was our first time at a character meal. But not to worry. A CM will make sure you have met with all the characters before you leave! Our little one had fallen asleep on the way over, but once he saw our first character Donald:
Everything changed. Seeing his excitement as he jumped up and down in his seat smiling and waving and later dancing to the music made it all worth it. All three kids had fun meeting the characters and getting autographs.
The food wasn't bad either. I mean, like I said, its not gourmet food and the price of the dinner was more than I have ever paid for a meal in my life, but you're paying for the experience. We ate plenty, everyone found items they liked and we left happy.
I would recommend Chef Mickey to others, just know what you're getting into. It's also great for an arrival day meal, when you want the Disney experience but not go to the parks.
Would I go back: I reserved this mainly for my 3 yr old, thinking he would love it and that perhaps after this time we wouldn't do it again (kids might outgrow it). But all three loved it and I think its one of the better character meals not because of food, but its one of the only places you meet Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofey and Pluto. If our kids wanted to do this again on our next trip, I'd reserve this.
Art of Animation Cafe
Monday morning we ate breakfast in our room and took sandwiches to the park for lunch. Monday was EPCOT and we also had snacks throughout the park, which I won't go into for this post. Since we had an early morning planned at MK the next day, we skipped the Illuminations show and had dinner at AOA at night. AOA has landscapes of flavor. It's a type of cafeteria and has different stations for food. The kids got burgers. My husband had some pasta and I got Indian food. The food was ok. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either. My husband and I decided that we would probably get tired of eating here every day for a whole week if we had to.
I loved the resort, and being a family of five, I'd probably stay here again. Landscape of Flavors is a good option if you're at the resort and don't feel like going out, but if you have the option and energy, I'd recommend eating elsewhere.
Cinderella's Royal Table
Last time we came to WDW, my daughter was four. We didn't do CRT. My daughter loved the princesses and we enjoyed meeting several at the park. Now she's 8 and learned about CRT from friends at school. She specifically requested a meal here when she heard about our trip. I reserved the 8am breakfast as I figured we'd get in before the park opened and then get to see the park right after. Well, Disney changed park hours and MK opened at 8am! (it was not EMH, just changed times for the entire week).
I tried changing to a 10:30 breakfast, but none was available so we kept the 8 am breakfast. We were still able to get into the park before others and took some nice pictures in front of the castle. I will say, though we didn't start touring the park until 9am, the park was still relatively empty and the weather was still cool. Like I said, it was something my daughter really wanted to do and I figured it would be an entirely different experience when she's older.
She loved it! Our CM server was great and the food was good too. This meal is prepaid and gratuity is already included. This is nice. With Chef Mickey and other ADRs it's great until the bring you the bill and you're thinking, "Aww man, that is painful!" With CRT, since I had already prepaid, I could just enjoy the experience.
We met Cinderella downstairs and the princesses that came by were Jasmine, Snow White, Ariel and Aurora. The details of the castle were beautiful.
Was it worth it: Yes! The food was really good, but you're really paying for the experience. When are you going to eat in Cinderella's castle. The kids had fun and our server was the best. My husband is trying to be healthy and ordered the heart healthy breakfast. She told him if he didn't like it, he could pick something else. She was very attentive. I only have one little girl and this is something she'll always remember.
Would I do it again: Probably not. It was a great experience and I'm glad we waited until my daughter was 8 so she remembers it instead of when she was four. Remember, I have two boys, so its not like if I only had girls into princesses. My 12y boy was a good sport and enjoyed the food, but I think we would try a different restaurant next time.
For lunch we brought our lunch in and for dinner, we grabbed food outside the resort. We had a car and I needed some items, so we went to International Drive. There's a number of restaurants there and its a good place to go if you need a break from resort food.
BOG, Columbia Harbor House and Tomorrowland Dessert Party
The next day we returned to MK for rope drop (we ate breakfast in our hotel room). It was great watching the opening show. It was another 8 am opening. The weather was cool and with rider switch the kids got to ride TM and SM twice so they were happy!
I wanted to try Be Our Guest. WDW just started taking reservations for lunch (though it's still counter service) and we were able to get one for noon. I was a bit underwhelmed with BOG. I knew going in a lot of it was hype, plus its new and its the beast's castle. It didn't hold the same magic as CRT. Of course, lunch there is much less expensive but it still set us back $50. My kids enjoyed looking around, seeing the Beast's "Rose". I think if I never went, I would have thought, oh I missed out, what is it like, etc. But now that I've seen the castle and ate there, my curiosity is satiated and I don't see myself going back there.
We took a break right after that and went back to our hotel room and took a nap. Around 5pm, we returned to the park. We had dinner at one of my favorite QS places in MK, Columbia Harbor House. We accidentally stumbled upon it our first visit, but it's one of my favorite places to eat at WDW. I really enjoy the food. WE decided to eat outside.
I highly recommend this restaurant for a meal at the MK!
That night we attended the Tommowland Terrace Dessert party. It's also prepaid and starts one hour before wishes fireworks. We got there at 9pm. After you are checked in, you are assigned a table. There's a dessert buffet. You can eat until they run out, but I didn't see any risk of anything running out! They kept bringing out more food. The view of the electric light parade is almost nonexistent (but I knew that when I reserved the spot).
Once the show starts, there's the new projection show on Cinderella's Castle (new to us at least) and our view was partially blocked by a tree (meaning just where we ended up standing). This put my daughter in a bad mood (she was also very tired). Once wishes started, she perked right up.
Was it worth it? The kids had fun and I don't regret going but I probably wouldn't do it again. I heard the prices are increasing for this event. I would probably buy dessert or snacks from a store in MK and find a place to sit along the parade route. You're still standing with a crowd at the party trying to stake out a spot.
MARA
Next day was AK day. We again ate breakfast in the hotel and took our lunches into the park. We bought snacks in the park, but I won't review those.
In the evening, we went to the AK lodge (resort) and ate at Mara. I loved it! It's quick service restaurant. We all ate well for $40 so it is extremely reasonably priced. My husband had a roasted chicken that was amazing. I mention his dish because we weren't expecting much. After we ate, we walked around outside, watched some animals grazing, listened to a nature talk. Once the kids are older (esp. 3 year old), I would like to go back and check out some of their other restaurants, especially BOMA or Tusker House at AK.
Perfectly Princess Tea Party and Fantastic Dinner Package
On our last day, we had breakfast at the hotel and took lunch into Hollywood Studios. At rope drop, we quickly went to sign my oldest son up for Jedi Training. Then as the boys stayed in the park, I took my daughter to Grand Floridian for Perfectly Princess Tea Party.
They don't offer this every day and it's at a resort, so planning can be tricky. It's also pricey. It used to be $250 but it's over $300 now. But we loved it!!!
It's an entire event, not just a meal. It's technically a brunch. The cost is for one adult/ one child. more people cost extra. It was a good call not to bring the boys. It wouldn't have worth it at all. Also, my daughter being 8 was perfect. I think if she was 3 or 4, she wouldn't have understood what was going on. At 8 she understood the entire storyline of Rose Petal. She was so into it and soaked it all up. She was all smiles ear to ear.
Was it worth it: Absolutely! One of the best events we attended
Would I do it again: No, it's really a one time thing. I don't think it would be as magical doing it again. She was also the perfect age. I don't think she would enjoy it as much if she were 12. It's really geared toward elementary school age girls.
At night time, we ate at Hollywood and Vine with the Fantasmic Dinner package. Hollywood and Vine was a buffet and you get reserved section to sit in for Fantastic if you get the package. We enjoyed eating our dinner there. Again it's a buffet, and not gourmet food, but there are plenty of options and again, the server was really nice. Plus there's a chocolate fountain.
The nest part is the reserved seating for Fantasmic. It was totally worth it. We didn't have to wait an hour for the show. We just went a little bit before the show started and showed them our ticket and was able to get to our section. We loved the show!
Kona Cafe
We ended our trip with breakfast at Kona Cafe. My husband loves his coffee and we ordered a big French Press of Kona Coffee. My son got Tonga Toast. The food was really good. The service was great. I heard people having to wait to be seated, but we didn't wait too long. Maybe because we had a 8:30 reservation so we weren't at the park. We also took some time to look around the resort and ride around the monorail once.
Was it worth it: Absolutely
Would I do it again: If it fit into my schedule, yes, I would, though I'm also tempted to try Ohana next time.
So that's my review of some of the places we tried on our last trip. Though I have no regrets, I loved everything, the experiences I'd try again for sure is Columbia Habor House, Mara, Kona Cafe and Fantastic Dinner package and maybe Chef Mickey's. This will open up opportunities for new experiences as well.
First up
Chef Mickey's
We arrived at WDW on a Sunday after driving all the way from Texas. After checking into AOA (which I loved), we explored the resort and our rooms and then made our way to Chef Mickey's for our 7:30pm reservation. I had booked a later reservation since we were driving in and I wanted to make sure we had enough time. I had read reviews of the restaurant and I knew that the buffet was not going to be gourmet, but I also knew for the price, you're paying for the experience. I didn't say anything to my husband or kids about what I read about the food because I didn't want to bias them ahead of time.
When we got there, there was a long line at the check-in. I was a little worried, but it turned out that there was a bit of confusion with a large party in front of us. Once that was cleared up, the line moved quickly and we were called for our picture with the photopass person and then seated. Our server was very nice.
Ok, so we were first nervous because we didn't know if we got our food, would we miss the characters? This was our first time at a character meal. But not to worry. A CM will make sure you have met with all the characters before you leave! Our little one had fallen asleep on the way over, but once he saw our first character Donald:
Everything changed. Seeing his excitement as he jumped up and down in his seat smiling and waving and later dancing to the music made it all worth it. All three kids had fun meeting the characters and getting autographs.
The food wasn't bad either. I mean, like I said, its not gourmet food and the price of the dinner was more than I have ever paid for a meal in my life, but you're paying for the experience. We ate plenty, everyone found items they liked and we left happy.
I would recommend Chef Mickey to others, just know what you're getting into. It's also great for an arrival day meal, when you want the Disney experience but not go to the parks.
Would I go back: I reserved this mainly for my 3 yr old, thinking he would love it and that perhaps after this time we wouldn't do it again (kids might outgrow it). But all three loved it and I think its one of the better character meals not because of food, but its one of the only places you meet Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofey and Pluto. If our kids wanted to do this again on our next trip, I'd reserve this.
Art of Animation Cafe
Monday morning we ate breakfast in our room and took sandwiches to the park for lunch. Monday was EPCOT and we also had snacks throughout the park, which I won't go into for this post. Since we had an early morning planned at MK the next day, we skipped the Illuminations show and had dinner at AOA at night. AOA has landscapes of flavor. It's a type of cafeteria and has different stations for food. The kids got burgers. My husband had some pasta and I got Indian food. The food was ok. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either. My husband and I decided that we would probably get tired of eating here every day for a whole week if we had to.
I loved the resort, and being a family of five, I'd probably stay here again. Landscape of Flavors is a good option if you're at the resort and don't feel like going out, but if you have the option and energy, I'd recommend eating elsewhere.
Cinderella's Royal Table
Last time we came to WDW, my daughter was four. We didn't do CRT. My daughter loved the princesses and we enjoyed meeting several at the park. Now she's 8 and learned about CRT from friends at school. She specifically requested a meal here when she heard about our trip. I reserved the 8am breakfast as I figured we'd get in before the park opened and then get to see the park right after. Well, Disney changed park hours and MK opened at 8am! (it was not EMH, just changed times for the entire week).
I tried changing to a 10:30 breakfast, but none was available so we kept the 8 am breakfast. We were still able to get into the park before others and took some nice pictures in front of the castle. I will say, though we didn't start touring the park until 9am, the park was still relatively empty and the weather was still cool. Like I said, it was something my daughter really wanted to do and I figured it would be an entirely different experience when she's older.
She loved it! Our CM server was great and the food was good too. This meal is prepaid and gratuity is already included. This is nice. With Chef Mickey and other ADRs it's great until the bring you the bill and you're thinking, "Aww man, that is painful!" With CRT, since I had already prepaid, I could just enjoy the experience.
We met Cinderella downstairs and the princesses that came by were Jasmine, Snow White, Ariel and Aurora. The details of the castle were beautiful.
Was it worth it: Yes! The food was really good, but you're really paying for the experience. When are you going to eat in Cinderella's castle. The kids had fun and our server was the best. My husband is trying to be healthy and ordered the heart healthy breakfast. She told him if he didn't like it, he could pick something else. She was very attentive. I only have one little girl and this is something she'll always remember.
Would I do it again: Probably not. It was a great experience and I'm glad we waited until my daughter was 8 so she remembers it instead of when she was four. Remember, I have two boys, so its not like if I only had girls into princesses. My 12y boy was a good sport and enjoyed the food, but I think we would try a different restaurant next time.
For lunch we brought our lunch in and for dinner, we grabbed food outside the resort. We had a car and I needed some items, so we went to International Drive. There's a number of restaurants there and its a good place to go if you need a break from resort food.
BOG, Columbia Harbor House and Tomorrowland Dessert Party
The next day we returned to MK for rope drop (we ate breakfast in our hotel room). It was great watching the opening show. It was another 8 am opening. The weather was cool and with rider switch the kids got to ride TM and SM twice so they were happy!
I wanted to try Be Our Guest. WDW just started taking reservations for lunch (though it's still counter service) and we were able to get one for noon. I was a bit underwhelmed with BOG. I knew going in a lot of it was hype, plus its new and its the beast's castle. It didn't hold the same magic as CRT. Of course, lunch there is much less expensive but it still set us back $50. My kids enjoyed looking around, seeing the Beast's "Rose". I think if I never went, I would have thought, oh I missed out, what is it like, etc. But now that I've seen the castle and ate there, my curiosity is satiated and I don't see myself going back there.
We took a break right after that and went back to our hotel room and took a nap. Around 5pm, we returned to the park. We had dinner at one of my favorite QS places in MK, Columbia Harbor House. We accidentally stumbled upon it our first visit, but it's one of my favorite places to eat at WDW. I really enjoy the food. WE decided to eat outside.
I highly recommend this restaurant for a meal at the MK!
That night we attended the Tommowland Terrace Dessert party. It's also prepaid and starts one hour before wishes fireworks. We got there at 9pm. After you are checked in, you are assigned a table. There's a dessert buffet. You can eat until they run out, but I didn't see any risk of anything running out! They kept bringing out more food. The view of the electric light parade is almost nonexistent (but I knew that when I reserved the spot).
Once the show starts, there's the new projection show on Cinderella's Castle (new to us at least) and our view was partially blocked by a tree (meaning just where we ended up standing). This put my daughter in a bad mood (she was also very tired). Once wishes started, she perked right up.
Was it worth it? The kids had fun and I don't regret going but I probably wouldn't do it again. I heard the prices are increasing for this event. I would probably buy dessert or snacks from a store in MK and find a place to sit along the parade route. You're still standing with a crowd at the party trying to stake out a spot.
MARA
Next day was AK day. We again ate breakfast in the hotel and took our lunches into the park. We bought snacks in the park, but I won't review those.
In the evening, we went to the AK lodge (resort) and ate at Mara. I loved it! It's quick service restaurant. We all ate well for $40 so it is extremely reasonably priced. My husband had a roasted chicken that was amazing. I mention his dish because we weren't expecting much. After we ate, we walked around outside, watched some animals grazing, listened to a nature talk. Once the kids are older (esp. 3 year old), I would like to go back and check out some of their other restaurants, especially BOMA or Tusker House at AK.
Perfectly Princess Tea Party and Fantastic Dinner Package
On our last day, we had breakfast at the hotel and took lunch into Hollywood Studios. At rope drop, we quickly went to sign my oldest son up for Jedi Training. Then as the boys stayed in the park, I took my daughter to Grand Floridian for Perfectly Princess Tea Party.
They don't offer this every day and it's at a resort, so planning can be tricky. It's also pricey. It used to be $250 but it's over $300 now. But we loved it!!!
It's an entire event, not just a meal. It's technically a brunch. The cost is for one adult/ one child. more people cost extra. It was a good call not to bring the boys. It wouldn't have worth it at all. Also, my daughter being 8 was perfect. I think if she was 3 or 4, she wouldn't have understood what was going on. At 8 she understood the entire storyline of Rose Petal. She was so into it and soaked it all up. She was all smiles ear to ear.
Was it worth it: Absolutely! One of the best events we attended
Would I do it again: No, it's really a one time thing. I don't think it would be as magical doing it again. She was also the perfect age. I don't think she would enjoy it as much if she were 12. It's really geared toward elementary school age girls.
At night time, we ate at Hollywood and Vine with the Fantasmic Dinner package. Hollywood and Vine was a buffet and you get reserved section to sit in for Fantastic if you get the package. We enjoyed eating our dinner there. Again it's a buffet, and not gourmet food, but there are plenty of options and again, the server was really nice. Plus there's a chocolate fountain.
The nest part is the reserved seating for Fantasmic. It was totally worth it. We didn't have to wait an hour for the show. We just went a little bit before the show started and showed them our ticket and was able to get to our section. We loved the show!
Kona Cafe
We ended our trip with breakfast at Kona Cafe. My husband loves his coffee and we ordered a big French Press of Kona Coffee. My son got Tonga Toast. The food was really good. The service was great. I heard people having to wait to be seated, but we didn't wait too long. Maybe because we had a 8:30 reservation so we weren't at the park. We also took some time to look around the resort and ride around the monorail once.
Was it worth it: Absolutely
Would I do it again: If it fit into my schedule, yes, I would, though I'm also tempted to try Ohana next time.
So that's my review of some of the places we tried on our last trip. Though I have no regrets, I loved everything, the experiences I'd try again for sure is Columbia Habor House, Mara, Kona Cafe and Fantastic Dinner package and maybe Chef Mickey's. This will open up opportunities for new experiences as well.
