Dinner Choices/Advice?

[glamdring269]

Hi all,
I'm in the process of finalizing our dinner reservations for our December trip (12/21-12/28). 2 adults, no kids. We're doing a split stay at AKL (3 nights) and VWL (4 nights). Have currently secured the following:

12/21 - Travel day so not making plans. If we can get to AKL before closing I'm just going to try a walk up at Sanaa or Boma.
12/22 - Christmas Party. Just going to wing this one.
12/23 - Rose & Crown @ 7:50 (Illuminations at 9PM that night)
12/24 - Be Our Guest @ 7:30
12/25 - 12/27: TBD

We will likely have a car this trip and I've never had that luxury in the past. So I have 2 primary questions related to that:

1) Is it often better to just drive yourself if dining at another resort or Disney Springs? (For the record we are doing a split stay between AKL/VWL)
2) Are there any suggestions for off sites that might be better overall quality/value relative to the Disney options? I figure with a vehicle this option becomes much easier to coordinate.

Finally, we are not super nice dinner people generally speaking. Our favorite places to eat are typically those with laid back atmospheres like Raglan Road. This is one reason we might actually let the Be our Guest reservation go as it appears to be a bit more "nice" than we typically enjoy, though I'm also intrigued to see what all of the fuss is about. We've actually eaten lunch here twice so maybe let it go?

I assume Rose & Crown will be to our liking though. Any other places we may want to try? For example, Biergarten looks like it could be up our alley as we enjoy drinking a bit of beer but still want to enjoy excellent food. (For the record, we're that couple who will go straight to the bar at a restaurant if it means getting seated quicker.)

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[sharonabe]

1) Is it often better to just drive yourself if dining at another resort or Disney Springs? (For the record we are doing a split stay between AKL/VWL)

Driving to resorts and Disney Springs as opposed to Disney transportation is definitely better.

One note: you may want to check the time of Illuminations on the 23rd. I'm pretty sure it's either at 9:30 or 10:00 due to Candlelight Processional. The last CP doesn't end until 9:00 and they give guests attending that time to get to a place to watch.

 

[Hopefully]

I would not plan on driving much this week. Traffic will be crazy busy.
You need to make your decisions ASAP and book your ADRs. That is the busiest week of the year and folks have been booking since June. Things will book to capacity.
Biergarden is good but the tables are for 8 so you will be seated with strangers.
Sounds like you would enjoy Whispering Canyon Cafe at the Wilderness Lodge as well

 

[NicoleLarson]

I would highly suggest driving to almost everything, including parks, except MK. We always have a car and it's faster. Just FYI the lime garage in DS is great location but it almost always says full although it never is. Once you enter, it will tell you exactly how many slots are available on each level. Homecomin might be up your alley in DS. Biergarden is a favorite of ours as well as Via Napoli and La Hacienda in EP. I don't think BOG is stuffy at all, so I would keep that one. Another option for you all might be Crews Cup lounge at YC. I wouldn't make a special trip but if you are at EP or HS it would be pretty easy to get to.

 

[glamdring269]

Thanks for the advice.

Regarding Illuminations, per Touring Plans 12/23 is 9PM and every day after that is 10PM or later (as I recall). We'll keep an eye on it and just change our plans if that time changes but definitely appreciate the tip there.

Biergarten sounds like one we will definitely enjoy so may add it towards the end of the trip and will look into the other choices as well. Thanks for the reminder on Via Napoli! Forgot all about that one and is one we definitely wanted to try.

 

[sharonabe]

Regarding Illuminations, per Touring Plans 12/23 is 9PM and every day after that is 10PM or later (as I recall). We'll keep an eye on it and just change our plans if that time changes but definitely appreciate the tip there.

Not sure why touring plans has it as 9 pm. Disney's site and Kenny the Pirate both have it as 9:30 the whole week.

 

[glamdring269]

Not sure why touring plans has it as 9 pm. Disney's site and Kenny the Pirate both have it as 9:30 the whole week.

I apologize, Touring Plans does actually have 9:30pm.

We've never tried this Rose & Crown plus Illuminations combo before. Is a 7:50 ADR with a 9:30 Illuminations going to work?

 

[Parker Clan]

Homecoming or Trattoria al Forno are great at the Boardwalk and Disney Springs

 

[glamdring269]

I just looked up that Homecoming spot. Very intriguing! Thanks for the heads up.

 

[sharonabe]

I apologize, Touring Plans does actually have 9:30pm.

We've never tried this Rose & Crown plus Illuminations combo before. Is a 7:50 ADR with a 9:30 Illuminations going to work?

It might...You want to check in as close to 7:50 as you're comfortable. You could ask for a table outside, but they'll probably tell you you need to take whatever comes available first. Once you're seated, perhaps order a drink or an app while you continue to look at the menu. They'll be expecting you to take your time, so you can see Illuminations. If you don't get a seat outside, they will escort you to their private patio. If you haven't finished dinner, you can go back in to finish and/or pay the bill.