Got tired... where could we go?

[gopherit]

Made most of our PS for our August trip but somewhere along the way I pooped out or got indecisive -- whatever. In any case, it accurred to me that we had a few dates yet undecided, and here we sit at less than 60 days and counting... yikes!

THus far, we have these meals planned (reserved where applicable) over our 12 day stay:

ESPN dinner
Cape May b'fast
Beaches/Cream Lunch
Prime TIme 50's lunch
CRT b'fast
Crystal Palace B'fast
Ohana dinner
HDDR dinner
Illuminations Grand Gathering dinner/dessert
Whispering Canyons dinner

I also have 4 or 5 dinners planned for dining in our disney villa, along with a fair portion of bfasts and lunches.

BUT... I seem to have a dinner or two (or lunches -- either way) without a plan or ressie. By this time we will be staying at SSR resort -- closer to DTD area. Would like something "new" if it's good. Where can/should a party of 5 (2 adults, 3 kids, ds-9, ds8,and dd-4) go?

THe options in the poll are all places we've never done (except RFC -- I alone have been to the DTD while in Orlando on business). We do have some places we've done before and liked, such as Teppanyaki, garden Grille, Sci Fi... I suppose those exist as "back-up" plans. I hesitated to list Boma -- I know it's a board fave, as is Jiko, but DH is just so fussy... not big on "new" cuisines. Wondered if the theming would sway the kids on this one? How is it? We love the theming inside the WL -- is it comparable?

DH likes value -- he'll pay lots of money, so long as he feels he gets his buck's worth. He loves Chef M's, Garden grille, Whispering Canyon... but did NOT like Coral Reef. He is more of a meat / potato guy. Kids like ambiance, theming. I like ANYTHING -- literally -- esp if I didn't have to cook it!

Should I just leave it open for those times to whim and fancy? Should I even make any PS or just play those final meals by ear? Your suggestions would be appreciated!

 

[patsal]

Cinderella's dinner was not too girly for my DS. He was 11 at the time and the mice just fawned over him--he felt a part fo things and it kept everyone at the table very amused!

There are so many options on this menu, I doubt anyone would go away hungry at Cape May for dinner.

On another note, have you thought about the Trail's End? A quick boatride from the MK and the food is simple and good. The price is not bad either. A decent diversion from parks if they are crowded as well.

 

[lovesdumbo]

I voted for RFC-fun for all and the 1 time I was there I thought the food was great. Also voted for 1900 Park Fare-your son's & DH will love the food and DD will be so happy.

 

[CarolA]

I would vote agains RFC. The portions are huge, but the service is SLOW!

 

[candykisses]

I voted for Cape May and LTT.

Cape May has more than enough for even the very picky in your group. We travel with DS that primarily eats meat, cheese, raw carrots and cooked peas. I don't eat any seafood. Oh, and let's not forget the vegetarian in the group. Everyone enjoys Cape May and the desserts are outstanding.

LTT is so relaxing. I love just walking into the restaurant. I still smile when they call for the Bitzer family from Pennsylvania.

Whatever your choice, enjoy!!

 

[nasmith]

Le Cellier sounds like it would fit the bill for your picky Husband ( a fave of ours - although our top faves are Boma and Jiko) --

I think you'll get better value at lunch vs. dinner -- Some of their steak sandwiches are huge! And their breadsticks (three varieties) are yummy,complimentary and you can have as many as you want! ((The soft pretzel breadsticks in particular are a hit with my 4 yo). Jill

 

[PrincessJasmine251]

I would definately go to Boma. There's food at there for the very adventurous all the way to the picky eater.

 

[K and K's Mommy]

I voted for Le Cellier because it is not stuffy, and I think your husband would love it. I also voted for Boma because I think it is so much fun to try new things. My DS is extremely picky and will only eat off the kids' pods, but they are the best kids' pods in Disney from what we have tried. The kids' stuff is probably about the same food as Chef Mickey's but much better quality. It is also fun to walk outside after dinner and see the animals. The theming is great at this resort. If you like to walk around WL, I am sure you would like to walk around here too.

I also don't think it is a bad idea to have a few nights to do something on the whim.

 

[AspiringCindy]

You've chosen really great places for kids! Some others that we include(our kids are around the age of yours) are Sci Fi, Coral Reef and Biergarten!

 

[gopherit]

Wow! Thanks for all the responses!

I have to say, though, I'm amazed that the summer heat doesn't deter folks from voting for LTT? Maybe I have this place pegged all wrong!?

Now it looks like I'm still left with a decision... LTT, LeC, Cinderella, RFC or Cape May.... And 2 slots to fill! Decisions, decisions....

I think the lunch nominees are obvious (LeC or RFC) since the other choices don't "do" lunch (or at least at LTT, it's not the same as the dinner). Also -- one day will be a park day, one day will not (DTD, pool, DQ, etc). That would be a factor (probably can't do two park ressies together, although 2 non-park would probably still be do-able... less ideal, but doable.)

So that leaves these possible combos:

LeC (L) RFC (D)
LeC (L) CMay (D)
LeC (L) Cinder (D)
RFC (L) LeC (D)
RFC (L) LTT (D)
RFC (L) CMay (D)
RFC (L) Cinder (D)

Guess I need to post a new poll, huh!

 

[gopherit]

Originally posted by AspiringCindy
You've chosen really great places for kids! Some others that we include(our kids are around the age of yours) are Sci Fi, Coral Reef and Biergarten!

THanks.. for the bulk of our trip, it will be 7 kids and 6 adults in our party -- we adults are outnumbered, it's kid's places or bust! During the end of our trip, it's just DH and me with our trio of kids. I totally agree about Sci-Fi -- isn't it a great place? The kids are just mesmerized in there! And it always feels so nice and cool in there, especailly in August! Unfortunately,we have done it every trip for the last 3 trips... time to rotate! We did Coral Reef last time too -- got a seat right by the fishies! The kids loved checking off the fish they saw.

As for Biergarten... I can't seem to make DH believe there would be something there for him to eat! It sounds like so much fun, too. My sister loves that place, so does my mom... but DH says nope. Sigh.....

 

[AspiringCindy]

That's too bad! Not only do they have a large selection to choose from, but the entertainment is sooo much fun! My kids always somehow wind up down on the dance floor dancing to the Oompa Band!

Hey, I just noticed that you will be at WDW around the same time but many same PSs! I wonder if we have any bookings that are the same! I guess I will have to be on the lookout for a large group of kids!

 

[MinniMama]

If you hav enot tried Boma it is really worth the trip and a great end to an AK or BB day. Anyone will enjoy it and I was very hestiant and now plan to go again and again! Also walk around and check out the animals I saw more here than at a full day of AK.

 

[Alice28]

Don't worry, there are more turf options than surf options at Cape May Cafe- we love it! Chicken, prime rib, beef stir fry, pork ribs, plus chicken strips and hot dogs at the kiddie bar. Salads and tons of sides and desserts to boot! I don't think you can go wrong there with your family.

 

[gopherit]

Originally posted by AspiringCindy
Hey, I just noticed that you will be at WDW around the same time but many same PSs! I wonder if we have any bookings that are the same! I guess I will have to be on the lookout for a large group of kids!

Wow, I confess, I didn't see your counter -- we are on parallel tracks! Wanna play Disney Dining Go Fish? <a href='http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008' target='_blank'><img src='http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/15/15_12_9.gif' alt='Clown Fish' border=0></a>

Do you have any....

Cape May Character B'fast (B) 8/8 ?
Prime Time Cafe (L) 8/9 ?
CPalace (B) (for 8 princess haters...) 8/11?
CRT (B) (for me and dd and my sis and her 2 dds) 8/11?
Ohana (D) 8/11?
Pirate Cruise 8/12?
HDDR (D) 8/12?
Illuminations GG (D) 8/13?
WCC (D) 8/15?

Any "matches" thus far? <a href='http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008' target='_blank'><img src='http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/23/23_27_2.gif' alt='Question Mark' border=0></a>

The last 2 ressies will be on the 17th and 18th... still can't decide! <a href='http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008' target='_blank'><img src='http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/4/4_12_5.gif' alt='Ummm' border=0></a>

Both DS say NOOOOOOOoooooooooo to the Cinderella dinner, but DH says, "Buffet? Did someone say Buffet?" and dd of course gives a big princess painted-pink thumbs up! RFC seems a crowd favorite. Kids seems unsure about the whole LeCe concept. (What's the theme? What are the characters? Do they "do" stuff there? Sing? Play games? Do you sit on anything weird or cool? Anything?) UGH! I am about ready to simply not make any ressie for those nights -- whatever we get, we get! Besides, maybe something we have already done will so appeal to us, we'll want to go back!

 

[AspiringCindy]

We too have dinner at WCC on 8/15! We will be a group of 9 on that day! Otherwise, we miss alot of your meals! We have:
Ohana's-8/10
Illuminations Cruise-8/10
LTT-D 8/11
Coral Reef-L 8/12
Fantasmic Package(Mama Melrose) 8/13
Boma-D 8/14
CRT-B 8/15
WCC-D 8/15
Counter service for meals not listed!
Then on to Hard Rock Hotel!

By the way, LeCellier and Primetime are always on our list...but time will probably not allow for it!

 

[gopherit]

Wow! So we DO have a match! Small world. BTW -- from your title (Aspiring Cindy) I have to ask if your name is Cindy (mine is). We will have a party of 9 also (well, party of 8.5 since my nephew is only going to be 8 mos old!)

I see you have LTT down... so I assume it's not too heavy for August dining? We are leaning towards adding it to our "list" for this trip, if possible. That, and RFC. Kids really want to go there!

My kids have a paper chain counting off the days 'til the trip... it's long now but getting shorter every day! We are all getting pretty excited!

<a href='http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008' target='_blank'><img src='http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/4/4_1_111.gif' alt='Bouncy 2' border=0></a><a href='http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008' target='_blank'><img src='http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/4/4_1_110.gif' alt='Bouncy 3' border=0></a><a href='http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008' target='_blank'><img src='http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/4/4_1_110.gif' alt='Bouncy 3' border=0></a>

 

[slimplaw]

On your DTD day, you can eat at the new Earl of Sandwich. The sandwiches are huge and cost $4.95 each. Your kids could share sandwiches. We really enjoyed eating there when we went in March. No PS is required. I also like Olivia's at OKW. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. Of the others you have listed, we like LeCellier, Boma and Spoodles. There are enough different items at Boma that everyone could find something to eat. They have prime rib and roast pork in addition to African themed items.

 

[gopherit]

I'm glad to hear Earl of Sandwich is good -- I have it down on my to-do list on one of two different days we will spend in DTD area, but since it's a no-PS kinda place, I didn't list it in my original post. Thanks for the info! And I agree about Olivia's -- we have had some really good meals there! I still wish they had the Pooh Bear b'fast they used to have....

Hmmmm... Boma's is getting quite the vote these days on my poll. I may have to pass on what you said about the meats and choices to my dh. I think my family would love getting a peek at the AKL (we LOVE the theming of WL) and we will have a car, so it would be easy enough to manage this. He just has balked so heavily at the concept of anything too "different". (He's not exactly a creature of change! He would be happy dining at the exact same places we dined at last time... except maybe Coral Reef. He thought that it was too froo-froo. The menu scared him... he saw the words wasabe and red-wine reduction and broke into a cold sweat.)

 

[AspiringCindy]

Originally posted by gopherit
Wow! So we DO have a match! Small world. BTW -- from your title (Aspiring Cindy) I have to ask if your name is Cindy (mine is). We will have a party of 9 also (well, party of 8.5 since my nephew is only going to be 8 mos old!)

I see you have LTT down... so I assume it's not too heavy for August dining? We are leaning towards adding it to our "list" for this trip, if possible. That, and RFC. Kids really want to go there!

My kids have a paper chain counting off the days 'til the trip... it's long now but getting shorter every day! We are all getting pretty excited!

---------------------------------------------------

Actually my name isn't Cindy! Cindy is for Cinderella!
I aspire to be a Princess like Cinderella although DH thinks I already have the title

I am wondering about LTT myself! I have never eaten there and usually eat dinner at Crystal Palace or CRT...but heard great things about LTT! My youngest is 3...sooo I know she will love the character interaction!

What time is your PS for WC?