December planning help, please!

[Sunandsnow25]

Hello,
We are staying at BCV in the beginning of December. 3 boys between ages of 6-11. Last time we went as a family was 5 years ago and we stayed at AOA. Looking for dining suggestions. Last time we did Character breakfast in Ak, character lunch at HS, dinner at coral reef, t-Rex, and I can't remember the other places. We want to try to get BOG and maybe steakhouse in Epcot(Canada) What character breakfast would you recommend? Any restaurants for fireworks or maybe a show?
Is the Mickey Christmas party a must-see? What else is a must see at Christmas time?
We are going for 5 days (wed-sun) and my husband has never been to Universal, So we have to spend at least one day there. Any recommendations on an itinerary to fit all of this in?

Thanks!

 

[Figmentmommy]

Hello,
We are staying at BCV in the beginning of December. 3 boys between ages of 6-11. Last time we went as a family was 5 years ago and we stayed at AOA. Looking for dining suggestions. Last time we did Character breakfast in Ak, character lunch at HS, dinner at coral reef, t-Rex, and I can't remember the other places. We want to try to get BOG and maybe steakhouse in Epcot(Canada) What character breakfast would you recommend? Any restaurants for fireworks or maybe a show?
Is the Mickey Christmas party a must-see? What else is a must see at Christmas time?
We are going for 5 days (wed-sun) and my husband has never been to Universal, So we have to spend at least one day there. Any recommendations on an itinerary to fit all of this in?

Thanks!

Our boys are older now but we visited many times at those ages during the Christmas season. The Christmas Party is a must do for us - you can check out videos/articles about it to see if you think your family would enjoy it. As far as other dining options/Christmas experiences, I would recommend:

Dining
'Ohana breakfast with Lilo & Stitch (also Mickey & Pluto)
Teppan Edo - Japan
'Ohana dinner
Hoop Dee Doo Review
50's Prime Time Cafe

Christmas
MVMCP
Candlelight Processional -EPCOT
Holiday Storytellers - EPCOT
Gingerbread House - Grand Floridian
Contemporary, Boardwalk, and other resort Christmas decorations
Mini golf at Winter Summerland

 

[BoatDriver]

I agree with Figment for the most part. If you're staying at BCV, Minnie's Beach Breakfast at BC isn't bad. It's a pretty standard Disney breakfast buffet, but the character interaction is good and we've never had issues with getting a table. If you're willing to travel, 'Ohana breakfast with Stitch & friends is, in our opinion, the best option on property. Good food, great characters, great views, etc. It's just a pain to get to from the EPCOT area hotels.

We've done Christmas party in the past, and your kids may be the perfect age for it. We attended last year, and our kids were just a little too young to enjoy it, so we ended up leaving right after the first parade. Be prepared for it to be busy. Disney says they limit the number of guests, and I don't doubt they do, but they don't say what that number is, and it's sure as heck felt pretty darn busy to us in the past. Especially when everyone crowds in for the castle shows and parades. With that said, everyone needs to see snow on Main Street at least once in their life.

Speaking of Christmas parties, be very aware of your planning and the number of parties being held while you're there. We'll be there the 8th-15th this year and there are only three non-party nights for us to be in MK. That has a big effect on how we plan our parks, days, meals, rides, etc.

Meals are tough to recommend, as everyone is different, but our favorites are usually 'Ohana, Crystal Palace, Trattoria al Forno, and (with the exception of our last trip) Via Napoli.