Dining plan help

[kguenther8]

I would love some suggestions on my dining plan before I make all my ADR's...
some background.
We have been to WDW in 2004 as just a couple (my DH and I). We did many dining reservations, including O'hana, California Grill, Boma, Rainforest Cafe, Kona, San Angel Inn, the Moroccan place, etc.
So, I experienced many that I wanted. Our best meal was California grill hands down...best sushi and fish, and the view was amazing with fireworks, etc.

So, this time, we have two kids in tow, a 2.5 year old, and a 5.5 year old. I don't want to spend as much time in sit down dining, because we will be touring slower (even though I am commando, lol!) and the kids could care less about eating. Also, we plan on leaving the parks around 2pm for a break, swimming, etc. eating dinner at our resort some nights, then returning for a bit.

So...here is my plan:
MK: lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern, dinner: at our resort (Shades of Green)
HS: lunch at Sci-Fi (this is my son's must do place) dinner: at our resort
Epcot: lunch at Coral Reef (I am a little scared of this one after reviews) and dinner at the Mexican counter service place (we love mexican)
Animal Kingdom: Lunch at Flame Tree CS
And I need a dinner place. I don't want to do Jiko or Boma...too expensive for us. I want somewhere yummy....we can travel wherever...we will stay at AK until around 5pm, then go eat, and crash. So suggestions?

We also have another day at MK, so if anyone knows any more lunch/dinner places to try there, we would love to hear...I know there's not as much choice there.

We also have a Character breakfast at 1900 Park Fare the last morning we are there (non-park day) because my son loves Mary Poppins and my daughter is a Pooh fan....

Thanks!

 

[rao363]

I would love some suggestions on my dining plan before I make all my ADR's...
some background.
We have been to WDW in 2004 as just a couple (my DH and I). We did many dining reservations, including O'hana, California Grill, Boma, Rainforest Cafe, Kona, San Angel Inn, the Moroccan place, etc.
So, I experienced many that I wanted. Our best meal was California grill hands down...best sushi and fish, and the view was amazing with fireworks, etc.

So, this time, we have two kids in tow, a 2.5 year old, and a 5.5 year old. I don't want to spend as much time in sit down dining, because we will be touring slower (even though I am commando, lol!) and the kids could care less about eating. Also, we plan on leaving the parks around 2pm for a break, swimming, etc. eating dinner at our resort some nights, then returning for a bit.

So...here is my plan:
MK: lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern, dinner: at our resort (Shades of Green)
HS: lunch at Sci-Fi (this is my son's must do place) dinner: at our resort
Epcot: lunch at Coral Reef (I am a little scared of this one after reviews) and dinner at the Mexican counter service place (we love mexican)
Animal Kingdom: Lunch at Flame Tree CS
And I need a dinner place. I don't want to do Jiko or Boma...too expensive for us. I want somewhere yummy....we can travel wherever...we will stay at AK until around 5pm, then go eat, and crash. So suggestions?

We also have another day at MK, so if anyone knows any more lunch/dinner places to try there, we would love to hear...I know there's not as much choice there.

We also have a Character breakfast at 1900 Park Fare the last morning we are there (non-park day) because my son loves Mary Poppins and my daughter is a Pooh fan....

Thanks!

I ate at Coral Reef last year and the food wasn't all that great. I have seen great and bad reviews of this place so I guess it depends on the person. I will say though that the view of the aquarium is awesome and the kids will enjoy that!. Since one of your kids does not have to be paid for, I would suggest Cape May Cafe(or some other buffet/family style) We have a 2yr old and it makes it easier for us since we can eat what we want without worrying if something will be too spicy etc. Also, if you are traveling during the Food and Wine festival, all the Carts in the countries have delish food. You can make a meal out of country hopping around the world

 

[Disfan20]

How about T-Rex in DTD. It is close to Animal Kingdom and is a really fun and unique experience and since you have no other plans you could check out some of the stores in DTD after dinner.

 

[Pakey]

With the huge assortment of choices at Epcot, I wouldn't pick Coral Reef, especially if you don't want to spend much time eating. They are consistently slow here, slow to seat and slow to serve. I have dined here many times and slow seating and service have remained throughout the years.

I also like the suggestion of T-Rex at DTD. Have you considered Sanaa at AKV-Kidani? It's Indian inspired food but not spicy and there are great views of animals from your table. It's not nearly as expensive as Jiko. There's also Yak and Yeti at the AK park; the portions are huge and could be shared there to reduce costs; the rib platter could easily feed several adults IMO.

Another great hidden gem is the Turf Club at SSR. Very nice menu and it's usually quiet and relaxing.

For your MK day, have you considered Crystal Palace with Pooh and Friends? Are you willing to leave the park and hop the monorail to the Poly for Kona Cafe?

 

[kguenther8]

I don't mind spending on some meals, but I didn't want eating to be the main focus, as last time we were often disappointed because some places are overhyped, overpriced, or just having an off day. We just lived in Las Vegas for 4 years also, and that doesn't help! Vegas has the most amazing food, just really good stuff and you can get anything, anytime...so I am spoiled.

I thought about the Dinosaur place, but my DD (she is 2) is terrified at Rain Forest...just too loud. So, I thought this place might be worse? Anyone have opinions on that? My son would like it.

I chose the Coral Reef because I thought our kids would like the fishes, I didn't really choose it for the food. We do Hibachi here, and it can't be much better at Disney. Same with German. The Hofbrauhaus in Vegas is just a very similar experience and we've had it many times. So, where else in Epcot can I get a good "experience" for the kids, and decent food?

We also prefer our sit down meal at lunch, as it provides a break and respite from touring...and often our dinners are quicker...although there will be one or two exceptions to this. The kids also do better dining sitting down at lunch.

I was starting to think about Whispering Canyon on that last night...what are your thoughts? Would that or Saana be better for the kids?
Thanks for all the suggestions so far!

 

[sukhakuli]

I would rethink eating at SoG unless you are bringing your own food. It's not bad, and you get what you pay for, but the hours can be limiting, and well, it's just not good food. If I were you (and we have been lol) I would choose to eat at the parks.

We liked Coral Reef. I booked it again for this trip because I have a small Nemo lover on my hands here, and everyone will like the atmosphere. The kids love eating at the restaurant at Outdoor World because of the fish tank, lol.

For your AK day, consider a dinner show. We booked the HDDR for that day. We are going to be there for 14 days, so on our other AK day we're going to shop at DTD and go to T-rex. Maybe consider going to DTD and having a snack there and ice cream? Ice cream for dinner is fine for vacation.

 

[hannahdrewmom]

I second staying away from SOG. Lately reports have been that it is closed in general. I'd look at Kona or Ohana for another evening meal. It's close to home too.

 

[momtoccc]

Since you like Mexican - why not do San Angel Inn there? Nice atmosphere.. then you can do a different CS (maybe Sunshine Seasons?)

If dd is really into Pooh, I would book Crystal Palace for your other Mk day (to see Pooh). My dd loved it and we are going again next time.

 

[Quin]

For dinner on the AK day, if the weather is good, head over to Ft Wilderness campground. Have dinner at the Trails End buffet, then stay for the FREE Chip&Dale campfire sing-a-long and marshmallow roast (**buy a bag of marshmallows at the grocery before your trip & stash them in the car; $$ to buy at Ft. Wilderness**) followed by the FREE outdoor screening of a classic Disney film if the kids have not fallen asleep yet.

WCC -no. DS might enjoy it but there's an awful lot of yelling going on, by the CMs as well as the guests, and DD might not be a happy camper.

Coral Reef - especially at lunch, I think you'll be fine. Check in early and tell them you are willing to wait for a table with a decent aquarium view - you do not want to be way up in back.

For a second MK day, since you are paying out of pocket, how about eating at the different monorail resort CS locations? Lunch at Capt Cook at the Poly where you can get soft-serve Dole Whip for dessert? Dinner at Contempo Cafe at CR where you can eat with the monorail going by overhead? Good food at both places. OR - since you like Mexican - have dinner one night at Pepper Market in CSR. It's CS but behales a little like TS: hostess seats you at a table and server takes care of your beverages. A 10% tip is added at the register. You shop around at the various food counters for your meals, and they do have some generous portions that would do well for sharing with the little ones. Resort CS locations have much wider food choices than park CS, and their menus expand even more at dinnertime.