Funnest dinner for kids 9-13?

[Mehudicka]

What would you recommend as a really fun dinner where the CM's interact with you -- or there is an activity that would be fun for the older kids -- OTHER than character dinners?

Any good experiences?

Thanks for your sage advice.
MEHudicka
Leaving in 19 days!!!

 

[becka]

As a 2 adult party at the 50's Prime Time Cafe we really didn't have the best time....it is really a better place with families and/or larger groups based on our experience.

However with kids your age I think it would be a blast. I can't wait until DS is older and we can take him. I think it would be lots of fun as a kid to see your parents get in "trouble".

 

[vicb]

Last trip my kids really enjoyed Garden Grille, they were 6 and 9. They also said one of their favorite evenings was when we ate dinner at ESPN Club then hung out on the BW. They were included in several of the entertainment acts that evening and really got a kick out of it (learned to rope lasso, tricked by the card shark and teased by the travelling salesman).

This year they (will be 8 and 11) want to eat at Teppanyaki (we have done those type of resturants a few times before and they reall like that) and we plan to try Chef Mickeys. We are staying at BWI and plan to stroll the BW several evenings!

 

[Rhonda]

Some suggestions:

Dinner at the Sci Fi Drive-in Theater is fun - they get to sit in old cars and watch horror movies while eating!

The All Star Sports Cafe (By the Wide World of Sports) is also a great choice for kids that age! They have a HUGE arcade there!

ESPN is also a good choice - video games to play while waiting for food, etc. But, they fill up fast - so go early or late.

The Trail's End Buffet at Fort Wilderness is very good. The theme is western (red checkered tablecloths, bbq ribs, etc). After dinner you can check out the campfire program/movie - free to all WDW resort guests!

 

[uncle al]

For CM interaction at dinner I would say:
- 50s Prime Time
- Whispering Canyon Cafe (at Wilderness Lodge)

For just fun (for the kids- even the big kids):
- ESPN Club - my kids love the arcade adjacent to the restaurant
- Beaches & Cream (at Beach Club)

 

[timC]

Hoop Dee Doo.... There is lots of interaction between the CM's and audience/guest. The jokes are perfect for the 9-13 yr age group. The show it great fun for everyone. Foods good too!

Problem. You're leaving in only 19 days. Seating is based on when you book. We usually book at least 6 months in advance, and are right down front every time!

 

[Planogirl]

My 10 year old has been raving about the Sci Fi ever since we tried it last March. He liked the food and LOVED the atmosphere. If you decide to try it, call for PS asap!

 

[M & K's Parents]

My kids had a blast at O'Hana. They got to hula-hoop and do coconut races (pushing a coconut around the room with a broom). They loved the free gummy worms at the end of the race. We all loved the food too! No characters but lots of fun.

 

[TINK61]

My DD loves the Rain Forest Cafe. We have to eat there at least once when we visit WDW.

 

[AspiringCindy]

Whispering Canyon-WL
50's PrimeTime Cafe-MGM
Sci-Fi-MGM

 

[lovetovacation]

Hoop Dee Doo!!

My DS (11) loved it! When a friend of mine recommened it, I thought "Are you kidding?" It sounded so corny. It was a good meal and very fun entertainment. I loved watching my son laugh to all the jokes and antics. I didn't decide to go until about a week prior to leaving and had NO trouble getting the day and time I wanted.

 

[Mehudicka]

Thanks, all.

We are already reserved for:

Hoop-Dee-Doo
Sci-Fi Drive Inn
Whispering Canyon
Prime Time 50's
Chef Mickey's &
1900 Park Fair
Boma Flavors (this is a new one for me)

... which were my old stand-by's. I have heard very mixed reviews about Ohana's.

I will try to get a few you suggested, especially the ESPN Zone -- for both my sports nut kids!
Thanks again!

MEhudicka

 

[Mehudicka]

BUMP

 

[TINK61]

What are the times for the Hoop Dee Doo? I was thinking about making a PS for the evening we arrive, but couldn't find the times. I know they have 2 or 3 shows a night. And, were you able to get a PS on short notice, or did you book this a long time ago? I understand you can book two years in advance. Thanks

 

[Mehudicka]

With the Hoop de Doo, you can reserve now 2 years in advance, but it is different than a priority seating, in that you have to leave a credit card number to guarantee your reservation. I am not sure of the cancellation policy, but it is not like the other restaurants, since a credit card is involved.

And it is not CHEAP! 2 adults, 2 kids is going to run us about $171.00!

But it is fun, and so worth it.

Good luck,
Mehudicka