First Night Dining??

[mom2jcc]

We are driving in to WDW and it's about a twelve hour drive so not sure exactly what time we will get there depending on traffic, weather, etc. Our plan is to get there around 6pm, but I don't want to make dinner reservations in case we miss them. So, what do you all suggest?? Really don't want to waste time stopping to get food before getting on the WDW property! Got to get there, know what I mean? So I guess what I'm asking is will it be hard to find room somewhere to eat at the resorts? We are staying at the SOG. If all else fails, we could probably ride over to one of the Food Courts at POR or somewhere, huh??

 

[tracys2cents]

I would stop about 4 hours into the drive for something to eat (or pack a picnic)....and again about 5 hours after the first meal. Will break up the trip a bit and keep everyone hydrated....then you're rarin' to go at the parks. Hard to get kids to sit for something to eat when they've just arrived at DISNEY!!!

 

[katallo]

It might be a good idea to make an ADR somewhere. We like Mangino's at SOG but you could also eat at the Kona Cafe or Captain Cooks Snacks in the Poly.

 

[mom2jcc]

Please don't slam me, but I don't know what a ADR is yet??? I think it is funny because I see this alot, but haven't figured it out unless it means.....After Dinner Reservation.....that's my guess SORRY!! We can't go to the parks that night so we can save our Hopper for the rest of the days. Do they serve food at the pool????

 

[NancyIL]

Since you'll have a car, I would drive to Downtown Disney for dinner. I'm partial to House of Blues, but there are lots of places to eat there.

ADR = advance dining reservation, which replaced PS...priority seating

 

[mom2jcc]

OK, that makes sense! Last trip it was called Priority Seating so I'm used to PS. Thanks so much! I'm up to speed now

 

[fireside1868]

When we go we are always on DDP and our first night dinner we just use a CS credit and go to Spoodles take out window at the Boardwalk sit outside and enjoy the views and the pizza. We also get a little shopping done. Then we use our extra TS for either a nice ADR that requires 2 credits (CG)or we use it for a Character Breakfast (1900 Park Fare)our last morning.
Hope that helps!!!!

 

[the Fidge]

I amde adrs for 8:40 and could have made them a bit later at Narcoossee;s! It was perfect for our first night! Very relaxing no rushing just easy and wonderful! The great parts of this and will do again for our first night is viewing the fireworks from the Grand Floridain boat launch! All the works without the bangs it was perfect DS 10 was out cold before we got back to the resort!

I would call ahead and check the restuarants for the last seating time you maybe nicely surprised! After all that driving you deserve a nice realxing meal!

Enjoy and safe journey!

 

[mom2jcc]

OOOHHHHH, thanks!!!!!! I'm loving these ideas....where's my notebook? I love my Disney notebook. Got to write all these super tips down so I won't forget!!

 

[fterie4u]

You will like SOG. We have stayed there twice and are going back next month for the third time! I would suggest Kona Cafe or the Grand Floridian Cafe if you want dinner at a resort. What we do is go to DTD and get sandwiches at Earl of Sandwich then head over to Ghiradelli's for dessert! We love these places! Then we do some shopping and gear up for the rest of our trip!!!

 

[MissMichelle]

I say grab a bite to eay @ Downtown Disney....Possibly Earl Of Sandwich (not like a fast food sandwich for sure!) or Wolfgang Puck Express...these are included on the Dining Plan (if you have it) as Counter Service. (Wolfgang is usually my stop for the first night)

 

[Amy&Dan]

I second the DTD idea. Either Earl of Sandwich or if you are a Safari Club member for Rainforest Cafe (as we are), you can get seated quicker there. Then you can stop in at World of Disney to start dropping that cash to officially start your Disney vacation!

 

[ThreeAngels]

What we do is go to DTD and get sandwiches at Earl of Sandwich then head over to Ghiradelli's for dessert!

I was going to suggest that exact thing! Not that we've ever done it before, but that is our very plan for our first evening. We're staying at POR, so we're just going to take the boat over to DTD, eat at Earl's, dessert at Ghirardelli's and probably drop too much money shopping to kick off our vacation. Can't WAIT! I wouldn't use up a day of our passes for just an evening either.

Oh, and I believe ADR is not the proper term anymore either. Not sure what it IS now, but ADR was deemed too redundant. As all reservations are in advance....

Have a great time on your trip!