Dinner at Chef Mickeys or Garden Grill?

[TikiGoddess]

Okay, I had originally planned to go to Le Cellier our first night at the world, but my inlaws are along this time (their first trip to anything Disney ever) and they get irritated w/long waits. Also we will be tired b/c our flight leaves at 6:55 am or something crazy like that. Anyway, I've now decided to do a character meal that night. Our boys who will be 6 & 4 are celebrating their birthdays this trip (both January boys) so I thought the character meal might get their birthday trip off to a good start. We've done character meals before, but never at these two places. Here's my question (finally!) which place has better food, better atmosphere? Also does anyone know which characters are at which for dinner. Is Chef Mickeys just Chip and Dale and Pluto for dinner? Who's at Garden Grill for dinner? Which is more fun? TIA!

 

[cobbler]

Chef Mickey's is good, its a more loud atmosphere. GG is a more quiet atmosphere.

Chef Mickey's has Mickey, Minnie, Chip, dale, Pluto and Donald during dinner. We actually got lucky (I guess) and had Goofy there as well. I thought he was only at breakfast.

GG has Mickey, Pluto, Chip and Dale.

I would say GG is more relaxed, its served family style where they bring out more to you. Chef Mickey's is buffet where you serve yourself more.

GG is more quiet while Chef Mickey's has a more loud and vibrant atmosphere. Both are good.

 

[nluvwithmickey]

I prefer CM's. It's a festive way to start the vacation and I prefer the buffet choices at CM's than those at GG.

But if you think you will be tired from the traveling, go for GG. It will be more quiet and relaxed. CM's is loud and alot of fun. We also have a very early flight on our arrival day and we are still doing CM'S on our first night. We'll just relaxx by the pool in the afternoon and get to bed early.

 

[TikiGoddess]

Thanks! I was kind of leaning toward CM simply b/c I didn't know if we could drag the kids out of Epcot after we ate. We'll probably rest before we go to dinner, but didn't want the inlaws to get a bad start on the dining plan at LC. It seems like I keep reading about the long waits for reservations. I don't mind a loud place as much as trying to keep the kids occupied in a quiet place while we wait.

 

[timandlesley]

Yeah, Chef Mickey's hands down. Our kids loved it and the food was great. Minnie was in the lobby area, circulating the tables were Mickey, Goofy, Chip and Dale and Donald when we were there two years ago. It was a GREAT dinner. We also did Garden Grill that trip the character interaction was outstanding, the best of the trip. They kept coming back and playing with the kids (Mickey, Pluto, Chip and Dale). The kids LOVED it, but my DH and I didn't like the food at all so we won't return there. Whatever you decide have FUN!

 

[gigi1313]

garden grill for sure!! and plan to visit the attraction in "the land" while you're there... the boys will love soarin' (if they're tall enough) and living w/the land and the circle of life movie... that's a GREAT way to start a trip, imo