Disney Dining Advice Help

[dodge93]

We are going to MK on Friday and AK on Saturday. DKs are 3 and 4. Any evening dining tips from those who are more experienced than us with the Disney experience? Times? Locations? Views? Characters? Secrets?

Any help is appreciated!!!

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Welcome to the DISboards, dodge93!
You will likely get better, more complete responses over on the restaurant board. We have some of the most knowledgable Disney restaurant connoisseurs, over there!

 

[colleen costello]

Don't miss Boma. Something for everyone. Special treats you can't find anywhere else. It gets busy; if you want to go, try a PS by 6pm so you don't have to wait too long.

Enjoy!

 

[mommystieg]

We love the Crystal Palace at MK!! The characters are Pooh and friends--we haven't had dinner there but we have eaten lunch and breakfast. The food was really good, the service is super and the character interaction is great. Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary is a short monorail ride from MK and it is also very good. The characters include Mickey, Chip and Dale and Goofy greets diners near the waiting area.

 

[dawgfan]

The day of the Magic Kingdom visit you may want to try a PS at Ohanas in the Poly. It is on the monorail line and easily accessable without a major disruption in your touring plan. You could go for an early seating with kids in the age range of yours. I have not tried it myself but have heard kids like it. I will be going there in August 04 with my kids.

 

[miste]

I would definitely try California Grill. If you like steak, the Teryaki glazed Filet Mignon is EXCELLENT. I think it was the best meal that my boyfriend and I had in Disney. We got a table by the window and got to see the Sun set over the MK. I would suggest (if you dont' mind missing the fireworks in the park), to book an 8pm priority seating and then wait for the fireworks to begin at 9pm...(you're food will take that long to get, and if not, order dessert!) Hope this helps!

 

[>>^..^<<]

Hi there ~ for MK I would say try to eat in the castle

With two little ones though, you may be bette suited to Winnie the Pooh and friends at the Crystal Palace.

There is a fun breakfast in DAK at Donald's Restaurantasaurus and there is also the Rainforest Cafe which is great for kids.

Have fun,

>>^..^<<

 

[POLYMOM]

We prefer Kona Cafe over O'Hana's at the Polynesian. It is our favorite. A menu can be viewed on Tikiman's Site http://tikiman2001.homestead.com/

Kona is our favorite. Kids love the Super Icecream cone. The Kileau Torte is a favorite of the grown-ups.

Our favorite character interaction was at Chef Mickey at the Contemporary. A close second is the Crystal Palace. Depends on what characters you want to see.

We just returned from Disney and were not that thrilled with BOMA. It was our second try and it will be our last.

 

[jeankeri]

Polymom- I would love your advice on the restaurants at the Polynesian! We will be staying there in December, and my DS8 wants to try them all (Kona, O'Hanas-breakfast & dinner). Are the menus overlapping in what they offer, or are they distinct enough that my DH will not get overdone on the theme! We are also doing the Luau while we are there. Please advise!

 

[CK1]

Another fun one is to take the boat from MK over to WIlderness lodge and go to whispering canyons. Rowdy fun, good food, and oh I just love that awesome lodge! (Kids liked the boat ride too!)

I agree about Chef Mickey's -- we really enjoyed it -- a must-do for us to get in the mood! Monorail to Contemporary (which kids think is way cool, too).

I have heard mixed reviews on Liberty Tree in MK -- some like it, some don't. I personally find it hard to eat Thanksgiving dinner in summer heat, so for me, it's more about the season than food or service! Just can't get in the mood for turkey at all times...

As for dinner after AK -- just remember that AK closes earlier than most parks (critters need their sleep too ...) So don't feel dinner has to be there, necessarily -- maybe a good time to try something fun like a Hoop Dee Doo revue, Mickey's BBQ, or (less involved) one of the many great resort restaurants...

Cindy

 

[POLYMOM]

The menus for the Polynesian can be viewed on Tikiman's site under "food."

The Kona Cafe has a great breakfast, lunch and dinner menu. Also the Kona Cafe sets up a breakfast station in the morning with delicious coffee and pastry/bagels. A great way to start the morning as you head to the monorail.

O'Hana is served family style. While it seemed to work for breakfast, dinnerfor us was not good. The meats were not cooked to our liking and it was so crowded that the service was not very good either.

The Luau has been recently redone and we haven't been there since the redo.

We bought the drink cups while staying at Poly. It allowed for unlimited refills at the snack shop. This was a must with my kids.

 

[jeankeri]

Polymom- We will be going to the Luau (DS request, reservation made!) I would like to eat at the Poly for a different day lunch/dinner (not sure which yet) so my big question is- is Ohanas for lunch/dinner close enoght to the Luau that my DS (&DH) will ask- 'why did we go to the LUAU?' I have seen pictures (and menus) of both Kona and Ohana. Kona definately looks different to me. Ohanas looks like the luau without the luau. Having been, what are your thoughts?

 

[POLYMOM]

I haven't been to the Luau since they have revamped it. So I would defer to the menus.

 

[*123JOANNA123*]

Just a quick tip for dining with your kids that we find works really well. Order their main course as soon as your waitress comes to take a drink order- it'll come out with your appetizer, then when your main course hits the table, order icecream or dessert for the little ones.

It works for us for a few reasons

1. I can relax knowing the kids are fed, ergo don't have to spend my main course cutting up food or feeding either one.

2. The kids don't get to that cranky, hungry, where's-mydinner stage

3. The icecream generally keeps them quiet so that we can enjoy the main course

4. If you're getting dessert, chances are they can sample yours and that keeps them (moderately) quiet.

Thought I'd share!