Dining Decisions for 1st family Dis vacation

[mitchs]

Family of 4 (DS8, DS6) FINALLY going to Disney June 6-11. Planning on MK,AK,Epcot and MGM. Want to take in the fireworks while dining. Late park hours for the vacation are MGM (6/7), epcot (6/8) and MK (6/9). We have a 4 day hopper and dine plan and will be staying at the POP.

The boards say to do chef mickeys table (is this breakfast or dinner?), the brown derby pkg for MGM and Ohanas (is this the spirit of aloha?). Can you all help with a plan?...

Your thoughts here please...
6th arrival 1130am - POP then to dquest. Pm Dinner at Ohanas?(spirit?)
7th MK am - Epcot pm (dinner?)
8th AK am - MGM pm with spectra pkg? (where to dine)
9th MGM am - MK pm (stays open late) Chef Mickeys?
10th Epcot am
11th depart

 

[SLM]

To be honest-I don't think the Fantasmic packages are worth the extra money-your seating isn't any better-we've enjoyed taking carry-out food and eating while waiting-save the restaurants when you can relax and order what you like.

 

[Bay in TN]

Your thoughts here please...
6th arrival 1130am - POP then to dquest. Pm Dinner at Ohanas?(spirit?)
7th MK am - Epcot pm (dinner?)
8th AK am - MGM pm with spectra pkg? (where to dine)
9th MGM am - MK pm (stays open late) Chef Mickeys?
10th Epcot am
11th depart

OK, family of four, first trip to WDW. My thoughts? Hmmmmmm.

'Ohana is not the same as Spirit of Aloha, and while I've never done the luau thing, it's because people whose opinions I trust have always advised me against it. You can't trust me just because I trust *them*. That said, I loved 'Ohana until they removed my favorite items from the dinner menu. I would be more open to the idea now.

Still, I believe in kicking off your vacation with a bang, and for my family, that means "character dinner." If I were you, I would arrange your schedule thusly...

6th: Check-in, Disney Quest; dinner at Chef Mickey's
7th: MK am, Epcot pm; dinner -- Wow, it's Epcot. Pick a restaurant, you'll love it. Personal favorite of my kids when they were that age was Biergarten. But if you want fireworks viewing, you'll have to hope & pray you can get into the Rose & Crown and then time your arrival just right for a terrace table. Cross your fingers!
8th: AK am, MGM pm; dinner at 50's Primetime Cafe
9th: MGM am, MK pm; dinner at Tony's Town Square or Crystal Palace
10th: Epcot am; You don't have a dinner place listed, so when Epcot wears you out (and it will, that place is huge), consider this night for an 'Ohana dinner or the Spirit of Aloha luau dinner show.
11th: Check out; don't forget tissue because it will break your heart to leave. Technically that's not a dining recommendation. Technically.

I agree with the poster who said the Fantasmic! dinner package isn't totally worth the cost -- I don't mind queueing up early and getting good seats that way.

Good luck making your plans! Everyone does Disney differently, so your plans may vary. And ... they probably will vary. Have fun!

--Bay