I haven't been to H&V for dinner (haven't been there since the character breakfast about 2 years ago), but I like both Mama Melrose and Brown Derby. If I didn't really like either menu though, I'd got with MM since it's cheaper, so that way if I really didn't like the food I wouldn't feel like I paid so much. I'm guessing you'd find something you liked at either restaurant though (and if you do the buffet, there's bound to be something you like there) so it wouldn't be a bad experience. Also, for the time of year that you're going, I would definitely get the package as it will be pretty crowded and you'd have a long wait in what could be really cold weather. We went 12/27/02-1/4/03 and we did the package and I'm glad we did. They had 3 shows a night, but when we tried to go back later in the week to see the 3rd show (which is least crowded) there was a line an hour before the show and it was freezing out, we had winter coats, gloves, and hats on (and we're from NJ so we are used to the cold). Granted, that week was more crowded than yours will be, but I still wouldn't really want to wait if it's cold.
Even when my son's Dr. asked us when we ate dinner said to me "Wow, you're not from around here are you?" I just thought 5 was normal everywhere! Oh well, not pertinent here, but it works for us. Sorry you couldn't get a better time 90 days out but keep trying closer to your date.
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But it's funny, HBD wasn't there (either that or I missed it - still kinda early for my brain).
