Either/Or! Bringing a Newbie

[swummyh20]

Hi Everyone! Curious for some groupthink here. I’m bringing a newbie, who is not really picky eater, and would probably lean more adventurous than me, and I’m somewhat adventurous. He has given me free reign to pick dining options but I have decision fatigue and would be curious on what you may do!

Character Meal:

We are going to do Garden Grill because Chip and Dale are my favorites, I love the food, they have Kim Crawford, and LwtL is one of my favorite rides. However!! We arrive super early from a red eye and I want to do a character breakfast that morning, so he can meet Donald as his first major bubble moment. Which would you pick?? Chef Mickeys or Toppolinos?

For our date night and monorail bar crawl, narcoosses or CA grill? I lean towards the former as I’m ambivalent on the prix fixe but the view?! Which is more romantic, really? It will also be our last night in Florida and I’m not sure when we will ever be back.

Are there any other spots you would think about bringing a total WDW neophyte?!! Thanks!!

 

[NYCgrrl]

We arrive super early from a red eye and I want to do a character breakfast that morning, so he can meet Donald as his first major bubble moment. Which would you pick?? Chef Mickeys or Toppolinos?

For our date night and monorail bar crawl, narcoosses or CA grill? I lean towards the former as I’m ambivalent on the prix fixe but the view?! Which is more romantic, really? It will also be our last night in Florida and I’m not sure when we will ever be back.

Are there any other spots you would think about bringing a total WDW neophyte?!! Thanks!!

Chef Mickey’s menu is less adventurous in my opinion so I would choose Toppolino’s.

Once upon a time, I held Narcoossee in high regard. Too many mess ups between the kitchen and dining room staff and I no longer consider it worth the time. If viewing the fireworks is a priority you need to be mindful of seating. The restaurant’s back is accessible to visitors waiting for watercraft and those wanting to see the fireworks.

As for CG, despite the enforced minimum of the current menu, the food quality hasn’t diminished and of course the view access is unsurpassed. Hands down winner in the once in a lifetime romantic experience category from my POV.

Have fun wherever you roam.

 

[ShannyMcB]

Another vote for toppolinos and CG!
Chef mickeys would have the charming classic Disney but personally prefer the interactions and food at toppolinos.
Plus riviera during the day and contemporary at night (fireworks dining anyone?) would be lovely!

 

[DisneyByMarriage]

100% Topololino’s, the ambiance is better and you can go on the deck and take photos after dinner with amazing view (and skyliner too once you are done). I love Narcoossee’s; I know others have said it’s inconsistent but we love the drinks and food there. Cali is definitely more of a date night place, but the last time we went (probably 2022) it felt louder and less “upscale” due to other people dining at the time. But the food was phenomenal.

One other suggestion if you don’t have it covered would be Skipper Canteen in MK - that was super fun and we loved that it wasn’t the same food you got everywhere else.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Topolinos. Much calmer atmosphere, don’t want to overwhelm him at his first breakfast.

I don’t think I’d combine a meal at CG and a bar crawl. CG has such excellent drink options it would be sad to arrive a couple drinks in already- and it would be sad to drink elsewhere after drinking there!

 

[swummyh20]

Topolinos. Much calmer atmosphere, don’t want to overwhelm him at his first breakfast.

I don’t think I’d combine a meal at CG and a bar crawl. CG has such excellent drink options it would be sad to arrive a couple drinks in already- and it would be sad to drink elsewhere after drinking there!

i think your point on atmosphere for breakfast is right on the mark. And it’s closer to us, can use the skyliner I think?

Now I’m more confused! But also, it gives me something to consider because we haven’t been drinking much lately, and I’m still debating an AK Saturday morning before leaving ha! Maybe in terms of experience, CG is the way to go!

Thanks to everyone!! Any tips for the Topolinos breakfast?

 

[ShannyMcB]

Thanks to everyone!! Any tips for the Topolinos breakfast?

The pastries they give you to start are delicious resist the urge to fill up on them

 

[NYCgrrl]

And it’s closer to us, can use the skyliner I think?

Don’t know where you are staying but the Skyliner does stop at the Riviera.
And can’t say much about Topolino’s breakfast because I’ve never been.

 

[swummyh20]

The pastries they give you to start are delicious resist the urge to fill up on them

An eternal dilemma when it comes to a bread service

 

[Simba's Mom]

I've eaten at both CG and Narcoses. and I definitely prefer the view from Narcoses for 2 main reasons-for one thing, once I was lucky enough to catch the EWP, and I LOVE that. But the other reason is that I'm petrified of heights. I spent the entire time viewing the fireworks at CG with a death grip on the nearest pole far from the edge.

 

[sponica]

I've eaten at both CG and Narcoses. and I definitely prefer the view from Narcoses for 2 main reasons-for one thing, once I was lucky enough to catch the EWP, and I LOVE that. But the other reason is that I'm petrified of heights. I spent the entire time viewing the fireworks at CG with a death grip on the nearest pole far from the edge.

I got vertigo viewing the fireworks at CG and then it got gusty, we noped out and went back to our table.

 

[Best Aunt]

We arrive super early from a red eye and I want to do a character breakfast that morning, so he can meet Donald as his first major bubble moment. Which would you pick?? Chef Mickeys or Toppolinos?

I'll be the "Debbie Downer" or whatever you want to call the person who always thinks the glass is half empty rather than half full.

If you have a red eye flight, I assume you are coming in from the West Coast. You will have had a long flight. Maybe your flight was delayed. Maybe a super adorable but cranky baby cried the whole time, and you weren't able to sleep at all. Maybe the food on the flight was awful, and you're starving. So one or both of you might be tired or hungry or cranky when you arrive. Maybe all 3 things.

I would dial back on the excitement and plan on a quiet meal in or near your hotel upon your arrival. The two of you might not be in the mood to deal with a character meal. If your friend gets overwhelmed immediately, that could really set the tone for the whole day, or even the whole trip. Take it easy when you first get there. If you have the energy to go do something after you eat, great! If you just want to take it easy at the hotel, great!

From a more practical perspective - if your flight is delayed, you might miss your reservation time, resulting in a no-show fee.

 

[jimmymc]

Topolinos over Chef Mickey's, but just barely. I'm not a fan of how expensive Topolino's prix fixe breakfast is. It's $6 cheaper, but you get one entree and a basket of pastries to share. If you have a park ticket, I'd do Tusker House. If you don't, then Topolino's or 1900 Park Fare.

CA Grill is probably the most romantic restaurant setting in WDW, aside from Victoria and Albert's. I think you'll be happy there.

 

[sponica]

My now husband hadn't been since he was in 5th grade when he came with me on my pre-existing solo trip. He loved the international showcase, the drinks, the shops, everything and no trip to WDW is incomplete without his gran marnier slushie.

But his biggest WOW moment came a couple years ago when we were finally able to make it to MK at night, he'd never seen it lit up.

 

[Disneydawg74]

I vote Topolinos and Cali Grill.