Getting close to ADR window opening.. Please take a look & tell me what you think.

[LovesTimone]

This trip is for my DGS 2nd birthday and 1st trip... So its all about him. We will be doing DDXDP. I put down my choices in order... Also I need some suggestion.. Please and Thank you

Arrival Day - Non park -
Disney Springs - Planet Hollywood ( of course if the are open by then) or T-rex, Portobello

1st day - MK - morning
Breakfast - Chef Mickeys or Crystal Palace

Lunch - DD wants to do QS at Rays - I am leaning toward LTT

Dinner- Be our Guest or Chef Mickeys

2nd day - DHS morning
Breakfast - Hollywood and Vine - Resort QS or ??

Lunch - Hollywood and Vine or Sci- Fi

Dinner - Teppan Edo (DD, DH choice) or Tutto or Corral Reef

3rd Day - Epcot morning -My DD and SIL are having date night for dinner

Breakfast -1900 park fare or Grand Floridian Café

Lunch - ?? no idea

Dinner - - so for DH, DGS and Myself - Crystal Palace or ??

4th day check out - AK Morning we live local so no rush to get home

Breakfast - Kona, or Rainforest at AK Resort QS

Lunch - Tusker House or Rainforest at AK

 

[Anomaly711]

Here is my opinion for what it's worth. Your current plan has so much emphasis on dining. Will your 2 year old enjoy traveling to and from all these meals or will he have more fun at the parks? From what I have read, those who have the deluxe plan usually do a character or sit down breakfast early, QS lunch and then a 2 credit dinner such as Hoop Dee Doo or Spirit of Aloha dinner show at the Polynesian. I think a 2 year old would enjoy both of those shows! As for your current choices, I think Crystal Palace and Chef Mickey's are perfect for his age. Also breakfast at 1900 PF is great for young kids. 'Ohana also has a nice character breakfast at the Poly with Lilo and Stitch and Mickey, etc. Tusker House is our favorite character meal and is your best choice for AK. Just remember to factor in transportation time to each meal. We give ourselves about 45 min-1 hour depending on if we're eating in the park or eating at a resort. Good luck and happy eating.

 

[tyandskyesmom]

We usually do the DDDP and most of the time do three meals per day...early breakfast, late lunch, late dinner.
Sometimes we do a late breakfast/early lunch and a signature. And we never plan QS on the DDDP...it might happen but we always has a TS planned. And there are vey few buffets we would do for dinner.

As for my opinion on your plan since you are there for a short trip...

Arrival day I'd do T-Rex...lots of fun and huge portions to be able to share with your DGS.

Day 1 I'd do breakfast at Crystal Palace, lunch at Tony's (or other TS if you are in the hating on Tony's camp...LOL), and dinner at Be Our Guest.

Day 2 I'd do H&V breakfast, Sci-Fi lunch, and Teppan Edo for dinner.

Day 3 I'd do 1900 Park Fare breakfast, Tutto Italia for lunch, and Grand Floridian Café or The Wave for dinner.

Day 4 I'd do Kina for breakfast and Tuskerhouse for lunch.

Just the way I'd do it.

 

[GillianP1301]

Here are my opinions:

Day 1 - I would do CP for breakfast and try to get a pre park opening time. I would prefer LTT for lunch, but if someone is really set on Cosmic Rays, then it's not a horrible option. With CP for breakfast, that would leave CM for dinner. That's a pretty good/fun day of Disney dining.

Day 2 - I would only do the H&V breakfast if some of your party are really into the Disney Jr. characters, otherwise I would skip it (I'm not a fan of the food there at all) and if you do skip it, a resort QS breakfast is a good option. Quick start to the day with a decent hot meal in your tummies. I would do Sci-Fi for lunch, it's one of our must do places every trip. I'm assuming you have a hop planned to Epcot since all your dinner choices are there. Of those you've listed, Coral Reef is one of our faves in Epcot.

Day 3 - 1900PF is a really fun/good breakfast buffet! For lunch at Epcot, we really like Biergarten. For dinner are you back at MK? if you don't do LTT on day 1, that could be a good option here. Or maybe Whispering Canyon at Wilderness Lodge.... quick boat ride away from MK and a really fun spot.

Day 4 - I have not had breakfast at Kona yet, but it's on my list for next trip and I've heard it's wonderful. Rainforest Cafe is good, I just don't bother eating there at Disney because we have one locally. If you want the convenience of eating at the park you'll be touring, then go Rainforest. If you're driving yourself around and have ease to travel resort to resort, then I'd go for Kona. For lunch, I would choose Tusker House over Rainforest (same reason as above). Have you considered Yak & Yeti? IMO that's the best TS at AK.

We are also DxDP people and do 3 TS most days, so from that perspective I think you're on the right track with your plans. Enjoy!

 

[_auroraborealis_]

I'll note that when you're doing 3 sit-down meals a day with a 2 year-old, you're looking at 3-5 hours of dining time. Most kids do not do well spending that much time dining.

 

[amycakes]

My 2 cents

TRex/Rainforest Cafe have loud noises if DGS is scared of them.

MK - Crystal Palace Breakfast, QS lunch and Be Our Guest Dinner.

HS - H & V breakfast and Teppan Edo for DD and DH

Epcot - 1900 Park Fare for breakfast, lunch at Garden Grill (I read here that the character interaction is good) or Coral Reef (DGS might like watching the fish) and Grand Floridian Cafe for dinner

AK day - Kona for breakfast and Tusker House for lunch to see Mickey

Have a wonderful trip with the little one

 

[Mitzicat]

Just a word of caution you are going to feel like all you are doing is eating. lol. We get the regular dining plan (1 ts, 1 qs, and 1 snack) and feel like this is a ton of food.

If I had to choose: Go with T-Rex. I'm not a fan of Rainforest or Planet Hollywood food (maybe this will change with the refurb). But caution, there are loud noises that might scare a little one.

Sci-Fi is one of my favorite restaurants for the ambiance. Keep in mind that if it is just the 3 of you, you might be split between two "car" seats. But then again you little one might be able to fit between the two of you. Still it is so cool and so much fun there.

 

[LovesTimone]

OP here,

We are a 3 meal a day family, but we do not feel that we have to stuff ourselves at each meal and honestly how much do you eat at a buffet with characters when there are photos to be taken. We do the buffets for more choices. We have enjoyed being on DDXDP when all of us are together and it works for us. We just eat the way we would eat at home, plus enjoy the experience and atmosphere that each restaurant has to offer. Plus the time being together is priceless.. with daily life the way it is we really treasure this time.

I am hoping that planet Hollywood will be open by our trip. Hollywood & Vine is a must my little Grandson loves Disney Jr..

 

[Jadyreen1282]

Lots of food there. Hope you are healthy eaters.

 

[BlueBelleit]

Arrival Day - Non park -
Disney Springs - Planet Hollywood- T-rex (more known for theme than their food).

1st day - MK - morning
Breakfast - Crystal Palace- went to Chef Mickey's last year, there's a lot of characters but food was just okay. Would rather get into MK early.

Lunch - Rays - the food is good and quicker turn around for more rides

Dinner- Be our Guest- better atmosphere and the Beast

2nd day - DHS morning
Breakfast - Resort QS

Lunch - Sci- Fi- it's more of an experience for the old timely drive in feel. Went with my cousins years ago and they still remember it.

Dinner - Teppan Edo

3rd Day - Epcot morning -My DD and SIL are having date night for dinner

Breakfast -Grand Floridian Café- mom's boss went couple months ago to 1900 and was underwhelmed.

Lunch - There's a lot of good counter service in the countries, I'd see where you are near and choose then.

Dinner - Maybe somewhere in Epcot? My favorite is Chef de France.

4th day check out - AK Morning we live local so no rush to get home

Breakfast - Kona- our favorite place for breakfast!

Lunch - Tusker House- there are other Rainforests cafe

 

[Nancyg56]

This trip is for my DGS 2nd birthday and 1st trip... So its all about him. We will be doing DDXDP. I put down my choices in order... Also I need some suggestion.. Please and Thank you

Arrival Day - Non park -
Disney Springs - Planet Hollywood ( of course if the are open by then) or T-rex, Portobello

1st day - MK - morning
Breakfast - Chef Mickeys or Crystal Palace

Lunch - DD wants to do QS at Rays - I am leaning toward LTT

Dinner- Be our Guest or Chef Mickeys

2nd day - DHS morning
Breakfast - Hollywood and Vine - Resort QS or ??

Lunch - Hollywood and Vine or Sci- Fi

Dinner - Teppan Edo (DD, DH choice) or Tutto or Corral Reef

3rd Day - Epcot morning -My DD and SIL are having date night for dinner

Breakfast -1900 park fare or Grand Floridian Café

Lunch - ?? no idea

Dinner - - so for DH, DGS and Myself - Crystal Palace or ??

4th day check out - AK Morning we live local so no rush to get home

Breakfast - Kona, or Rainforest at AK Resort QS

Lunch - Tusker House or Rainforest at AK

I would probably get my Chef Mickey on arrival day. We always do, and while it is noisy and a little chaoti, it is DISNEY!

Day 2: CP as early as you can get it, or book for lunch, with a snack in the room before you head to the park. BOG for dinner.

Day 3. You are in Epcot. I would choose Garden Grill for beakfast. It is a sweet meal with Chip and Dale. You are on the DxDDP so I would look at a TS meal. Either Coral reef if you are in FW, or Rose & Crown if you are in WS. I would head over to 1900 PF for dinner. The characters are the Tremaine Family, but Cindy and Charming are there as well. If you want to go into the MK, why not go to LTT then?

Day 4: I would go to Kona at the Poly or Boma at AKL. I do not see where you are staying, and I am not a fan of traipsing all over for meals, so if I knew where you stay, I might change breakfast suggestions.

 

[LovesTimone]

I would probably get my Chef Mickey on arrival day. We always do, and while it is noisy and a little chaoti, it is DISNEY!

Day 2: CP as early as you can get it, or book for lunch, with a snack in the room before you head to the park. BOG for dinner.

Day 3. You are in Epcot. I would choose Garden Grill for beakfast. It is a sweet meal with Chip and Dale. You are on the DxDDP so I would look at a TS meal. Either Coral reef if you are in FW, or Rose & Crown if you are in WS. I would head over to 1900 PF for dinner. The characters are the Tremaine Family, but Cindy and Charming are there as well. If you want to go into the MK, why not go to LTT then?

Day 4: I would go to Kona at the Poly or Boma at AKL. I do not see where you are staying, and I am not a fan of traipsing all over for meals, so if I knew where you stay, I might change breakfast suggestions.

POR - We think of this as our home resort - we like the Bayou side..

 

[DisneyWishes14]

This trip is for my DGS 2nd birthday and 1st trip... So its all about him. We will be doing DDXDP. I put down my choices in order... Also I need some suggestion.. Please and Thank you

Arrival Day - Non park -
Disney Springs - Planet Hollywood ( of course if the are open by then) or T-rex, Portobello

1st day - MK - morning
Breakfast - Chef Mickeys or Crystal Palace

Lunch - DD wants to do QS at Rays - I am leaning toward LTT

Dinner- Be our Guest or Chef Mickeys

2nd day - DHS morning
Breakfast - Hollywood and Vine - Resort QS or ??

Lunch - Hollywood and Vine or Sci- Fi

Dinner - Teppan Edo (DD, DH choice) or Tutto or Corral Reef

3rd Day - Epcot morning -My DD and SIL are having date night for dinner

Breakfast -1900 park fare or Grand Floridian Café

Lunch - ?? no idea

Dinner - - so for DH, DGS and Myself - Crystal Palace or ??

4th day check out - AK Morning we live local so no rush to get home

Breakfast - Kona, or Rainforest at AK Resort QS

Lunch - Tusker House or Rainforest at AK

Arrival Day - I would do Planet Hollywood if it's open. TRex is quite loud and could be scary for a 2 year old. You could also do Chef Mickey's here if you aren't set on going to DS that evening.

1st day - I would do CP, Cosmic Ray's and Be Our Guest. If you really want 3 TS, CP, LTT and BOG.

2nd day - H&V breakfast or lunch, QS breakfast or lunch (depending on when you do H&V), Teppan Edo or Coral Reef Dinner. I wouldn't do Sci-Fi with a 2-year old. It's very dark.

3rd day - If you've done CP, no reason to do 1900 IMHO, do GFC, lunch Teppan or Coral Reef (depending on what you did night before), dinner - how about O'hana? or go to Ft. W. and eat at Trail's End so DGS can see the ponies? Unless you really want to go back into MK, then really any TS.

4th day - Breakfast Kona, Lunch TH

 

[Nancyg56]

POR - We think of this as our home resort - we like the Bayou side..

Got it! So a breakfast ADR is traveling. For me, that is a lot.

I see why you would take the water taxi to DS on your arrival day. We like Boatwights on arrival night. (POFQ fans). We also like a character meal to kick off the trip. Unfortunately for the rest of my family....Disney is all about the food for me! LOL!

 

[Kellett]

Question: can I call and request a table by one of the aquarium tanks at coral reef? We are celebrating my sons birthday there and if we can't see fish sort of a waste since he doesn't like seafood. Do I call coral reef directly or Disney reservations ? Thank you in advance for the help and advice!

 

[Nancyg56]

Question: can I call and request a table by one of the aquarium tanks at coral reef? We are celebrating my sons birthday there and if we can't see fish sort of a waste since he doesn't like seafood. Do I call coral reef directly or Disney reservations ? Thank you in advance for the help and advice!

You can request it. You are not guaranteed.

The views are good from the second tier, so if you are not right near the tank you will still see the fish.

 

[Kellett]

You can request it. You are not guaranteed.

The views are good from the second tier, so if you are not right near the tank you will still see the fish.

Thank you

 

[LovesTimone]

Question: can I call and request a table by one of the aquarium tanks at coral reef? We are celebrating my sons birthday there and if we can't see fish sort of a waste since he doesn't like seafood. Do I call coral reef directly or Disney reservations ? Thank you in advance for the help and advice!

I am not sure if you know this already but if you do sorry for the repeat, if not this might ease your mind. Inside Corral Reef, the whole front wall is a window into the aquarium tank from floor to ceiling, all the tables face the tank , and the restaurant is tiered/ levels like stadium seating, so really not a bad seat anywhere.


I would start with Disney dinning and see if they can add a special celebration for his birthday to the ADR, and ask to put on the ADR.. This is either hit or miss as always this is a request. You could arrive early and request a table at the window as well quietly remind the CM that you are celebrating his birthday, we prefer not sitting right on the tank... We prefer taking in the whole tank.

 

[LovesTimone]

OP here,

Hoop Dee Doo - We have never really thought about this dinner show... So I need some advice/ info/ suggestions....input!!!. Would a just turned 2 year old like it? and if its 2 TS is the food good, it doesn't have to be gourmet but good, I read the offerings are fried chicken, ribs, baked beans and cornbread... are there any other options my family only eats my baked beans and even being form the south no cornbread either...so maybe some green beans and some dinner rolls anything to break up all that starchy food. How long is it start to finish? Seating how does it work basically are we going to get stuck in the balcony because we are doing the dinning plan? Also with DDXDP is it 1 TS or 2 TS entitlements? Our friends just love this type of thing, she said that with DDXDP its 1TS credit... with DDP its 2 TS credits? Also anything to do while we are Fort Wilderness? before or after dinner.

DH and I did the luau a few years ago(no dinning plan).... and what a waste of time and money.. the servers were only interested in the large parties, and the food was horrible and the show was written for the preschool crowd... If I had been taking my DD when she was in kindergarten to see it then it was great... but for adults just terrible.. not even what I would call a family show... DH and I did not even make it to the end of the show it was so bad, we were not to only ones get up and leave, some way before us. So not wanting to repeat this..

 

[Nancyg56]

OP here,

Hoop Dee Doo - We have never really thought about this dinner show... So I need some advice/ info/ suggestions....input!!!. Would a just turned 2 year old like it? and if its 2 TS is the food good, it doesn't have to be gourmet but good, I read the offerings are fried chicken, ribs, baked beans and cornbread... are there any other options my family only eats my baked beans and even being form the south no cornbread either...so maybe some green beans and some dinner rolls anything to break up all that starchy food. How long is it start to finish? Seating how does it work basically are we going to get stuck in the balcony because we are doing the dinning plan? Also with DDXDP is it 1 TS or 2 TS entitlements? Our friends just love this type of thing, she said that with DDXDP its 1TS credit... with DDP its 2 TS credits? Also anything to do while we are Fort Wilderness? before or after dinner.

DH and I did the luau a few years ago(no dinning plan).... and what a waste of time and money.. the servers were only interested in the large parties, and the food was horrible and the show was written for the preschool crowd... If I had been taking my DD when she was in kindergarten to see it then it was great... but for adults just terrible.. not even what I would call a family show... DH and I did not even make it to the end of the show it was so bad, we were not to only ones get up and leave, some way before us. So not wanting to repeat this..

This is just my opinion. I like the HDDR, and if I pay OOP, I pay this one. I am not sure how seating woks on the DDP, but someone will.

A 2 YO is not going to like this. The child may not mind it, and if he can sit for about 2 hours, will have plenty to eat, but I don't think this will be a highlight. I am not sure about substitutions for the food. You can ask, but I don't know how much can be done in this kitchen.

I usually do not suggest Mickey's Backyard BBQ, but you might like it. It is a dance party wth a little show, has picnic food, much the same as the HDDR but with burgers an dogs added, as well as ice cream bars and Popsicles....Disney style! You eat at long picnic tables that surround the center, and the chaacters come out an dance. You little guy can join in. My DGD was too shy to really like this one, but for outgoing kids, it is a blast.