Extra evening--Chef Mickey, Ohana or something else?

[MauraSF]

Hello! We received a notification from our airline that our flight time for our Disney World trip has been changed--instead of arriving at 9pm to Orlando, we land at about 3pm. We are staying at the Contemporary with two kids (ages 7 and 4) and it's our first Disney trip! We have not booked park reservations for that day (since we thought we'd be landing at 9pm!) and I don't think it's going to be worth spending the money on park tickets. Instead, I figured we'd check in, maybe visit the pool and then plan a fun dinner adventure. I was thinking it would be fun to take the monorail to Polynesian and do dinner at Ohana (perhaps during the fireworks, or maybe before and watch fireworks after)? Another idea was to go to Chef Mickey's since it's conveniently located? Between those two, which would feel more exciting? Any other ideas for a special first night without park tickets?

 

[jemtx]

With kids that age and given the fact you are staying right there, I’d go with Chef Mickey. I know it’s not a culinary experience, but at that age I think they’ll get a kick out of the characters and the monorail zooming past. There is a ton of options on the buffet and when we were there the soft serve ice cream was back. After dinner you can watch the fireworks from the 4th observation deck.

 

[glocon]

Agree with CM.
You can settle into your room then head to CM.
Then watch the fireworks from CR and maybe the Electric Water Pageant if it’s not too late.

 

[MICKIMINI]

You can always hop on the monorail and do a loop around before or after dinner. Chef Mickey is noisy and fun for kids if it won't get them overstimulated. Those are both advantages of staying at The Contemporary!

 

[holden]

After a day of travel, I'd stick close to home. I'm not a fan of CM, but the kids will probably like it (if they aren't too tired/done for the day).

 

[gottalovepluto]

I'd skip the ADR, enjoy whatever we felt up to at CR and then take the boat over to WL. Blue Flag route runs to WL and FW from CR starting at 3pm. At WL join the waitlist for Geyser Point. Geyser doesn't accept ADRs so it's a good option when you want TS without committing to an ADR. While on the waitlist you can poke around WL and see the cool stuff like the geyser outside or the little bridge/stream inside the lobby that flows to the outside.

 

[jemtx]

You can often get on the waitlist or a last minute reservation at Chef Mickey if you don’t want to commit to a certain time and see how you feel when you arrive. There is also steakhouse 71 in the CR. It gets busy but you can do mobile order from them.

 

[Micca]

Another vote to hang out at the Contemporary. By the time you get to the resort and get unpacked it'll be close to dinner time (especially with young kids.) I'm not a fan of Chef Mickey's but it might be good choice for your first night, first ever trip.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

In a perfect world, all kids should experience Chef Mickey's. If you don't plan on returning to WDW soon & arrival day is your only night to try it, I'd do that. Actually, I'd probably choose that anyway. I can't imagine a better first night on a first trip with little kids. Just know you're going for the atmosphere not the food.

 

[slo]

100% Chef Mickey's.
I love Ohana's but I love Chef Mickey's even more with young children.
Have a fun trip!!!

 

[HopperFan]

Extra evening--Chef Mickey, Ohana or something else?​

I'd pick something else. We often use that night to do something SPECIAL and I don't think either of those are.

I would see if you can pick up a Storybook Dining ADR at WL. That is special! Hotel is stunning and nice to wander about. Or perhaps Hoop Dee Doo Revue OR since you are at CR go for California Grill early dinner then you can go back up to watch the fireworks from there. Incredible view. Never have to leave hotel, fine dining and fireworks.

 

[Mellie44]

We like chef Mickey. Food is decent and character interaction is great

 

[_19disnA]

I would go with Chef Mickey's. Airline travel can be a challenge with small children, long lines, delays, etc. Not sure how long of a flight yours will be, but likely will already be a long travel day. You had to drive from home to the airport, arrive 2+ hrs prior to departure, check-in, go through security and walk to your gate, which tends to make it a long day even if not flying across country. We stayed at the Contemporary a few years ago and enjoyed Chef Mickey's with the small children in our party. The buffet has a large variety of items and while it clearly isn't 'fine dining', we enjoyed the options offered. Buffet is also a great option with small children since they tend to get fidgety waiting for the food if you order from a menu. Often they don't grasp the concept of waiting for the food to be prepared when ordered at the typical restaurant. Buffet is also great since they will likely be several choices of things they can try.

Watching the fireworks from the 4th floor patio area is very convenient and you avoid the masses of people exiting MK when they are done.

 

[disneydreamer1980]

We have a tradition of doing chef mickeys on arrival day, it gets everyone excited, feels very “Disney” and we get to see characters which means we can skip waiting in line to see them later

 

[jtopp]

With children, I think its federal law to go to Chef Mickeys at least once. Recently, we have had disappointing experiences at Ohana. While the food is not extraordinary, the experience is worth it.

 

[Jacq7414]

For kids that age, I would say chef mickeys. We went last year when my daughter was 6 and it was her favorite restaurant.

Also, have you thought about Storybook dining? That was really cool and I loved the evil queen and the dwarfs. The food was better than chef mickeys too

 

[MauraSF]

Thank you all so much for the input!!! I think we'll go with Chef Mickey's

 

[westie55]

I think you're making the right choice. Chef Mickey's is a lot better than people give it credit for. Buffets are a great way to get hungry kids fed fast, and there's a lot of choices to please even picky eaters. Our last trip was to the Polynesian in November and we actually went over to Chef Mickey's on the monorail our first night for dinner. It's a great way to get in the Disney spirit and your kids will be excited to see the characters.

I've been to Ohana and was not impressed. It's very expensive and the food isn't kid friendly. I expected the meal to be delicious but I was very underwhelmed. The atmosphere is great but I'm not eager to go back there anytime soon. The characters at Chef Mickey's however are worthwhile!! Besides, it's nice to see the characters at meals so you don't have to waste time waiting in lines at the parks.