Disney First Time- Welcome Suggestions

[DisneyFirst]

I will be going to Disney Nov 4-10, perhaps 11. It will be my 7 yo son and myself. These are the things I'm thinking, would appreciate input: Liberty Tree Tavern or Garden Grill for Character dinnner. Which would he enjoy more? What about the Character Campfire Sing-a-long at Meadow Trading Post? We'll be staying at the All-Star resort. Was also thinking about the Fort Wilderness Lodge for dinner at the Whispering Canyon on the same night. Would it be difficult to manage these two? How do I manage transport to and from? The whole transportation thing has me intimidated too. How hard/easy is it to manueaver around on Disney transport. We definately want to eat at the Coral Reef in Epcot and will utilize the dining plan. Any other suggestions for "must try." I will travel on Jet Blue. Do I stop at the hotel or go directly to the park? Should I do the Tour Guide Mike thing or the Unofficial Guide to Disney has a similar offer, anyone have any experience with either. Thanks in advance!

 

[wdwoldtimer]

How's this for starters...

Both LTT and Garden Grill are enjoyable. I can't really pick one over the other since they are failry different in menu and atmosphere. The Grill rotates and it used to overlook parts of one of the attractions in The Land....I think it still does. LTT has good homestyle food and a fun colonial theme. Getting around BETWEEN resorts can be a pain. You can use the Disney buses, but you have to make the transfers at DTD, which can add extra time and is often way out of the way. It's best if you rent a car for resort hopping unless they are in walking distance. The transportation system is very simple to use when going between hotel and parks and attractions. You will not need a car for this. If you decide to rent a car for a day or two, they will pick you up at your resort and take you to either of the rental desks on property. Depending on your arrival time, you may or may not be able to check in right away. But you will need to drop off your luggage at the hotel...again, depends on when or if you get a car, but I'd never leave all the luggage sitting in a hot car like that. You should go to the hotel first.

 

[lorli]

Liberty Tree Tavern was a great character dinner. I would highly recommend it. The food was delicious too. I can't speak to the Garden Grill.. We have never had trouble manuvering using Disney transportation. There is a site on the web and when I get home I might be able to check it out and send it along the gives various routes to get too and from places.

 

[Karnak]

I would depend on the WDW transportation system for all my needs EXCEPT for any visits you may want to make to a different resort. I would plan all my sit down meals at the resturants in the parks, rather than traveling to another resort to eat. But if you do want to visit other resorts I would recommend using a taxi (easy to find at WDW). No more than you would be traveling to places other than the parks it probably would not pay you to rent a car.

You might, however, want to schedule an evening at the Hoop-De-Doo review. Ask the CMs at your resort for the best way to get to the review.

All four parks have good sit down restaurants, with the exception of the Animal Kingdom where I would recommend the Rainforest Cafe.

Enjoy.

 

[Feralpeg]

My best suggestions is to not stress. Just relax and have fun. Even if you don't get to do everything you plan, you will have a great time. Enjoy!