My DD6 is a good eater, as long as something is not overly spicy (ie hot) then she will happily eat it (provided it is tasty). We like a variety of foods, although we generally steer clear of "meat and potatoes". We are planning two TS meals in Epcot (2 different days). I want to find good food for mom (I like fresh ingredients, and not too heavy) but I also want a somewhat engaging atmosphere for my child. We already have an ADR for Coral Reef (I realize there are mixed reviews on food, but I think it strikes a balance between food that is lighter and also something that will keep my DD occupied/content during the meal). At the moment our 2nd ADR is for Teppan Edo, but I keep seeing reviews that it's actually kind of boring (not like the entertaining "Benihana" of old). I am looking for seasoned DISers to give me your ideas!!! Thanks! -pg p.s. We are already eating at CRT, (so my child can eat once in "the castle") and *I* really don't want to eat with the princesses twice , so Akershus is out...
I would suggest Biregarten in Germany because the atmosphere is great and the show is VERY entertaining for kids. However, the food is, of course, German and somewhat heavy.
Biergarten is a lot of fun. And we have always enjoyed the food. The German band is great to watch and we've always seen kids dance while they played. Chefs de France might be a good choice for you if your daughter likes Remy. But make sure you book during the right time, he leaves after a certain hour.
I also am trying to plan a lunch at Epcot - The coral reef seems like it would be interesting for my daughter - but based on the reviews it does not seem like the best bang for your buck. I hear many mixed reviews that it is very pricey for mediocre food. So I am still on the fence with this one. The biergarten sounds fun - but is the food truly kid friendly? How is Nine Dragons? Tokyo Dining? via or tutto? looking for the best use of our money and finding that balance of something interesting for the little one.
Just a few suggestions - we have three boys (ages pre-school to pre-teen) with a variety of different eating styles from adventurous to picky. I eat rather light, so I know what you mean, OP. Everyone in our family is so-so on Coral Reef. The tank doesn't keep our youngest entertained (I think it would help to have a table right against the tank, but we haven't) and it's pretty dark. The food was OK. Our two older boys don't care for Biergarten because of the community seating arrangement and they aren't crazy about the food offered. And it's definitely not light eating! (But I used to go there pre-kids and it was lots of fun!) We all love Chef's, and we always make an ADR when Remy is expected to appear. Good food (even for our pickiest eater!) the CMs engage our kids, and the atmosphere is light, bright and airy. It's lively but not chaotic. We enjoy Via Napoli for the same reasons - good food, friendly CMs, and great atmosphere. I'd suggest both of these for an engaging atmosphere with quality, light items for the adults!
I'd second Biergarten along with everyone else for any time, and Chefs de France for lunch as well because of Remy. Garden Grill also could work for you for dinner if you want a character meal. I don't think Nine Dragons and Tokyo Dining are that heavy on entertainment (though Tokyo Dining is supposed to have good views of Illuminations if you time it right).
If you want to see Remy at Chefs de France, he doesn't hang around each table for long, so I do not know if that will keep a kid occupied for an entire meal. Also, he breaks down sometimes and doesn't appear at all, and he never appears on Sundays.
How about Garden Grill??? I'm not much on the whole meat and potatoes thing so I did not care for Biergarten, but hubby LOVED it. Too bland and too heavy for my tastes.
My kids love Teppan Edo. It's one of their requests to return to this year. I guess YMMV depending on your chef. Honestly, ours was just OK. He did some of the things you expect, like the volcano and catching the shrimp.....but he still seemed a little too serious and was hard to understand.....but the kids were still entertained. You are in a room with several grill tables and my kids were watching the chefs at all the tables near us. Some of them were very funny. They also have some of the nicest servers in WDW. Our server was entertaining my kids a lot. My son started out asking if he could take a picture of her and she loved it. I guess they are used to being more in the background and she was having a good time getting the attention. She taught both my kids how to use the chopsticks, taught them a few Japanese words and just generally treated them very well. My kids are both very picky "meat and potato" kids and this is one meal they ate very well. For every good review of a place, there is a bad one. Best advice is to try it for yourself. I previously questioned eating at San Angel one trip because lots of people seem to hate it. We kept it......and it was by far our favorite meal. Good food and a very good wait staff. regards
I normally don't recommend Garden Grill because it's not really my "thing," but I think it would meet your needs and I think your family would enjoy it. Garden Grill has really fresh ingredients taken from the Living Land. It's a character restaurant that your child would enjoy (Mickey, Pluto, Chip and Dale), and it's kinda cool that the whole restaurant rotates slowly so you get a different view throughout your meal. I think you'd like it. It's not my "thing" because it's not really the type of food I'd order at a restaurant; but I really think it meets your needs.
Are you having doubts about Teppan Edo? As I was reading your post, that was the restaurant that immediately popped into my mind. I think you should trust your instincts! Maybe my memory is shoddy, but I haven't felt that Teppan Edo is any less fun than the old Teppanyaki restaurant that previously occupied the space. I don't usually recommend this place because of its resemblance to local hibachi joints and the ubiquitous Benihana, but it actually seems like a nice option in this situation. Biergarten is another good choice because of the entertainment, but I don't love the food. I have enjoyed my meals at Via Napoli, and pizza is always a child favorite, but it doesn't offer any theme or playfulness.
We like teppen edo- but it is much like the hibachi you would have at your hometown so nothing overly special. I personally am not a fan of the communal seating or the food at Biergarten. Via Napoli could be a good choice, not a lot of entertainment per se, but good food for all. You could do Akershus (but i think that is now 2 ts credits- not sure since we never do the DDP). The other option is to walk out the back and do the Cape May Buffet at Beach Club.
How about Marrakesh Restaurant? http://allears.net/menu/menu_mor.htm They have a festive atmosphere with a live band and a belly dancer.
What does your pre-schooler eat at Chef's? I was thinking my boys would enjoy the cheese puff pastry thing.
