Epcot restaurant help!!!

[ocrazyjane]

My family, including my 35 month old at the time, will be in WDW 12/5-12/12. i am trying to book a sit down dinner (nothing fancy) at one the Epcot restaurants, but with exception of only 3 or 4 restaurants, which i believe are not kid friendly, it seems as if we need to purchase the candlelight procession dinner pkg, which i am leaning against not doing since i think this is something that wont completely entertain out child and would therefore be a waste of money and time. any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated!

 

[PictureJumpr]

Is the main issue that none of the restaurants has availability on the days you will be in Epcot?

Or is the main issue that you are under the impression that you must book a candlelight dining package to be able to dine in Epcot? (this is not true, you can book a reservation at any available restaurant and not be required to book the candlelight package)

If availability is the problem, then you could consider the Cape May Cafe (buffet) which is located at the Beach Club resort, just outside the 'back' gate at Epcot's International Gateway. Or the Captain's Grille, which is in the Yacht Club next to the Beach Club (and is one of our favorites). Walking out the back gate of Epcot, you would be at the Beach Club in less than five minutes, and at the Yacht Club in another five. After dinner, you could re-enter through the same back gate and resume your evening in Epcot.

 

[CAJUNWDWFAN]

My family, including my 35 month old at the time, will be in WDW 12/5-12/12. i am trying to book a sit down dinner (nothing fancy) at one the Epcot restaurants, but with exception of only 3 or 4 restaurants, which i believe are not kid friendly, it seems as if we need to purchase the candlelight procession dinner pkg, which i am leaning against not doing since i think this is something that wont completely entertain out child and would therefore be a waste of money and time. any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated!

If you are planning on seeing the candlelight processional with a 3 year old, I would suggest doing the dinner package. I would choose the 6:45pm showing because the 8:15pm is too close to illuminations. The package is good in your case because if you didn't get the package you would have to wait in the stand by line which you could be in line for over an hour, and sometimes you will not get in until the next show. I don't think that's going to be fun with a 3 year old. If you do the package you might wait around 30 minutes. Tutto Italia has some great food and really isn't too fancy, they have a kids menu just like the other restaraunts.

 

[MMrules]

The garden grill is a great character meal. Also Biergarten has entertainment that kept my boys awestruck and well behaved

 

[annacali]

We have enjoyed Coral Reef when my kids were 3 and 5yo and again when they were 5 and 7yo. The aquarium is great entertainment and they loved the food too (as did the adults both times we have eaten there).

 

[disneystick]

Is your 35 month old a little girl who would love princesses? If so go to Norway for dinner, lots of princesses to keep her interests. Or Teppan Edo for the chef cooking your meal in front of you and entertaining you also. Just some ideas.

 

[sndral]

Your main problem @ this stage will be availability, since your dates opened up for booking ADRs last June. Narrow your search by seeing what's still available via the Disney site. Once you know what's still available @ times that work for you, then consider which appeals more to you. Good luck.

 

[Hootch]

a couple of restaurants that aren't really kid friendly but most are. I looked at a couple of days during your visit and saw some places with openings at reasonable times for people dining with young kids. Biergarten and Restaurant Marrakesh both had openings and both, in my opinion, are kid friendly (and actually have something for kids to do). Via Napoli and the new La Hacienda have openings. I haven't been to either yet but both would seem to be kid friendly. One night I did see openings for Tutto Italia and Garden Grill closer to 8:00 which may be a little late.

 

[DizDaD7]

I too 2nd that. Coral reef that is. Perfect for lil ones n adults too. Aquarium will keep your lil one occupied plus we've never ever had a bad meal. Although I do Love tutto italia and we're trying teppon edo and le cellier in a month I'd go w/coral. Good luck with your choice you won't be disappointed.

 

[DizDaD7]

I too 2nd that. Coral reef that is. Perfect for lil ones n adults too. Aquarium will keep your lil one occupied plus we've never ever had a bad meal. Although I do Love tutto italia and we're trying teppon edo and le cellier in a month I'd go w/coral. Good luck with your choice you won't be disappointed.

 

[princesspeach]

All of the restaraunts are kid friendly even the signatures.

 

[ccgirl]

My DS2 actually did not do well at Coral Reef at all. Service was beyond slow. We were seated at the top level so he could not see the fish. I think it is inappropriate to just walk up to the tank as other people are dining. Just keep that in mind if you are thinking of Coral Reef. I tend to stick to the buffets (Biergarten being one) so we don't have to wait for our food. Speaking of Biergarten, my DS absolutely loved it. If you read my trip report from May I have some pictures of him dancing there. It was a huge hit with him. Good luck.

 

[DISNEYFOS]

I've been to all the resterants in Epcot with my children. From 4 mos on... I think they are all kid friendly. that shouldn't deter you. Eat on the earlier side if you can. 5-6:30 or so If you are looking for ones with Entertainment in order of most entertaining... Biergarten, Coral Reef, Garden Grill, Morocco, Japan are great choices

 

[sydneysmom]

We have enjoyed Coral Reef when my kids were 3 and 5yo and again when they were 5 and 7yo. The aquarium is great entertainment and they loved the food too (as did the adults both times we have eaten there).

I TOTALLY second the Coral Reef !! I love it there ....we asked to wait for a table next to the aquarium ( if possible). They seated us right up next to the glass and what was sitting next to us ? A big old sea turtle. My daughter kind of said (a little loud) " LOOK IT'S CRUSH! He's going to eat with us!!!" My DD4 was in heaven. It kept her occupied for the entire dinner watching the turtle and the fish.