First trip for the grandkids (ages 2-8). This will be a family celebration of sorts, 17 of us. It's amazingly hard to narrow the dinning down, meet everyones needs and still feel as though your not missing anything as an adult.
We booked...Chef Mickeys---arrival night (to kick things off).
Wondering WHAT to do for Epcot. Most of the family is going to Teppan Edo, but hubby doesn't like that kind of food. Are the adults missing something? Anywhere hubby and I should venture off to? Suggestions please... thanks
Hi we just got back! For the kids: the Tusker House breakfast at the Animal Kingdom (with Donald, Goofy, and Mickey) was really nice! The kids sing a "Jambo" good morning welcome song with maraccas, dancing, and a beautiful way to start the day!! I enjoyed the joy on the children's faces, and the very delicious breakfast.
In Epcot, Coral Reef is an aquarium setting (you can see sharks, turtles, and beautiful fish while dining) and the seafood is amazing! That made me feel like I was on a date night with my DH at an exclusive restaurant, although if you must bring kids, they will have fun too with the fish and divers in the tanks. After we ate there I couldn't believe it wasn't a "signature dining" experience! It was exquisite! Def. our top for quality and beauty! I also hear a LOT of good things about Le Cellier, and we were sorry we didn't have a chance to try it (also in Epcot).
Our favorite character dinner (for adults) was the Garden Grill in Epcot. There are characters (chip n dale, mickey, pluto) BUT your booth faces out in the slowly rotating restaurant, so you cannot see the other guests and it makes you feel like it's a private dining experience. It's a little more quiet and less "nuts" than other character dining places we went!

They brought us plates of: catfish, beef w/ cabarnet sauce, pork tenderloin, mashed potatoes, mac n cheese, string beans, chicken nuggets, fries, etc. The kids had make your own sundaes (or was it cupcakes?) and my husband and I enjoyed the apple crisp w/ vanilla ice cream! This restaurant was the best balance for adults and kids (for us) the entire trip.
When you go to the Crystal Palace, it IS beautiful and the ONLY place for Pooh characters, but remember that the food dishes inlcude some good and some not-so-good. The kids LOVED pulling the lever at the ice cream station, so that was fun. It was my least favorite with characters, although the ONLY place for Pooh, so if he is a must-see, then you have to make the best of it.
In DHS, we loved the 50's Prime Time. We got the fried chicken w/ collard greens and mashed potatoes plus "Dad's Brownie" sundae (so delicious, could not even eat half of it!!). It is a lot of fun with tv show clips from the 50's (father knows best, donna reid, etc.). The wait staff is playful and asks "Dad" to set the table and make sure you eat your veggies. It was one of our favorites!
For the counter service, our favorite was the fish and chips (Epcot) at the little street shop in England (next to the TS pub). We also really liked Earl of Sandwhich in DTD (far superior in quality to anything in the parks). We also liked our orange chicken from Lotus Blossom in Epcot. Mainstreet Bakery in MK had a yummy tomato/mozarella sandwich if you want a break from burgers/pizza, etc.
I'm sure you will get more advice, and it probably depends on personal preference and the night the cook staff is having! I hope you have a magical family trip and enjoy every minute of it!