Help 1st timer choose Restaurants

[october4mom]

We will be visiting WDW 4 adults and a 3 year old. We enjoy nice restaurants and are planning to do several character meals, but want some variety in other restaurants. We will be doing the basic DDP. Help us decide:
What order would you put these restaurants in? Any other suggestions.

Also if you are trying to see the 9pm fireworks or parade what time do you need to get to the park? I am confused on what time to plan reservations.
Thanks

Marrakesh
Teppen Edo
California Grill
Flying Fish
Kona
The Wave

Character Meals - 1900 Park Fare Dinner, Chef Mickey, Norway Princess Lunch

 

[LaNina72]

Of the restaurants listed I've only eaten at Marrakesh and my meal was not as "flavorful" as one would have expected. I got the 1/2 chicken dinner and DM got the vegetarian dish... both were very bland in my opinion. But my DB kabobs were excellent! Funny how that works... and he wouldn't share!!

I schedule ADR's about 60-90 minutes before fireworks or parade, because I don't care about having a perfect view and usually go at a slower time of year. But others have picked out the perfect spot and sat for hours waiting for the fireworks or parade.

With four adults and a 3 YO the wee one can be put on shoulders and have a great view.

Wishing you lots of fun planning... and as a side my favorite character dining would be the Crystal Palace at MK... Yummers!

 

[maddiesmom0116]

Hi-

I have been to a couple of these, so I will try and help.
Flying Fish is amazing
Teppan Edo - MSG Heaven - I get ill from MSG and no matter what they say, I ate there and by the time we made it to Mexico I was getting sick on the street. I never get sick except for MSG, so I am pretty sure that was the issue.
Le Celliar and Coral Grill are awesome too even though they are not on your list.
Princess's in Norway- most of the food an average American has never seen before, a excitong place if you like to try new things- not my cup of tea- but the princess interaction is amazing - better than Cindy's dinner or lunch by far
Chef Mickey's has food ( good food) for everyone. Very nice.

I hope this helps.

 

[squirrel]

I have only eaten at Kona and The Wave. Both were good.

TS meals are usually 1.5 hrs. I think The Wave was more like 1 hr, which was nice as I had my niece and some of the meals were more like 2 hrs. They weren't very busy as it was new.

Both these are on the monorail so travel time to MK is fairly fast. You can walk from The Wave.

 

[GatorLady]

You said you were on the basic DDP. Just want to make sure you know both the California Grill and Flying Fish are 2TS credits per person.

 

[TruBlu]

We've never tried California Grill, Flying Fish or the Wave.

1) Teppen Edo (Fantastic!!!!)
2) Kona (Very good)
3) Marrakesh (Very good - great service)


Character Meals: (Never tried Norway)

1) Chef Mickey (A must do for us!!!)
2) 1900 Park Fare Dinner (We've done it once, and it was good.)

I would highly recommend Crystal Palace.

 

[My Grandpa]

DW and I had dinner on our last trip at both California Grill and Flying Fish. We were disappointed with CG and had our best meal ever in the World at FF. In April, we're going back on our "Grams" night out. Also, if the 3 year old is coming for dinner, the activity on the boardwalk is fun. At CG, you do get a great view of the fireworks at MK ... even if your table is not close to the MK side, folks are very understanding as most of the guests walk over to the MK side. But for food ... and that is why you're there: Flying Fish.

Not to be missed is Boma at AKL for dinner buffet. The selections are incredibly varied - if I had to select one entree off the menu, I'd still be there trying to decide - fortunately the buffet allows you to sample ,,,, and the tastes are wonderful.

For a character breakfast ... Restaurantosaurus!!! We took the DGS (age 4) there last trip with the other “kids” (his parents) and had a blast. Wonderful buffet. A huge group of characters … and you are right inside AK and basically get an early entry. We booked well enough in advance that we had an early seating.

And over at Downtown Diseny ... for the one night we go on our "Shopping Ride" ... the Earl of Sandwich (twice last trip) made for a fun lighter dinner and the quality was outstanding. Then go around the corner later to Ghirardelli for an ice cream - or better yet, a sundae.

Hope this helps in some small way. Enjoy your dining!!!

 

[bunkkinsmom]

Of everything you have listed, I have only been to two:

Teppan Edo - Have you ever been to a Japanese Steak House? If so, then skip it. Biggest waste of a TS credit EVER! If you don't have a Japanese Steak House in your town, then it might be a treat, but my local Sushi/Steak place is not only better, but nicer and cleaner.

Akershus - We did the breakfast and it was FANTASTIC!!!

Also, you should consider: Wolfgang Puck Express at DTD and my favorite evening of the trip was Ohanas for dinner and then we walked the beach at the Poly and watched "Wishes" across the lagoon!

 

[MinnieLee]

Not to be missed is Boma at AKL for dinner buffet. The selections are incredibly varied - if I had to select one entree off the menu, I'd still be there trying to decide - fortunately the buffet allows you to sample ,,,, and the tastes are wonderful.

For a character breakfast ... Restaurantosaurus!!! We took the DGS (age 4) there last trip with the other “kids” (his parents) and had a blast. Wonderful buffet. A huge group of characters … and you are right inside AK and basically get an early entry. We booked well enough in advance that we had an early seating.

Agee with you on BOMA. Always have a great dinner there.
I thought the character breakfast at Restaurantosaursus at AK was moved to Tusker House?

 

[october4mom]

I just booked CM for the last morning we are at Disney. It appears you can still book it 180 days out. However in talking tot he CM she indicated my 90 day is monday. So annoyed when I booked I was told my 90 day was tomorrow. I was ready and now I have to wait another day.

 

[Dizneydaz]

Agee with you on BOMA. Always have a great dinner there.
I thought the character breakfast at Restaurantosaursus at AK was moved to Tusker House?

It has.

We love Kona and try to go twice each trip (for dinner) What I usually do is schedule our ADR early enough to leave us time to eat and then go out on Poly's beach to watch the fireworks from MK. Your 3 y/o will love playing on the sand while waiting. My DD9 still does!

You can usually get a seat and if you sit close enough to a speaker you can hear the music.

Here's one of my fav pix from last Sept. We watched the Halloween FW that night after dinner.

Of the others you mentioned, here's my thoughts:
Marrakesh-haven't been there yet.
Teppen Edo-I really like it here. Food is good, and always hot. Alot will depend on your chef as far as how fun it will be.
California Grill-Good, sometimes great. Awesome view of FW from Deck (no guarantee on window seat)
Flying Fish-haven't been there yet.
Kona-see above
The Wave-haven't been there yet.
1900 Park Fare Dinner-loved it before the change. Haven't been back since due to (our) plan changes.
Chef Mickey-haven't been there yet.
Norway Princess Lunch-Great, especially if your 3 y/o is a princess. Just be ready when the princess come around. They only visit once each, for a short time.

I would also like to rec. Boma-I really enjoy this buffet and there will be something for everone. Don't let the african food scare you off. And they have a special table with kid's favs.

 

[daisygirl902]

Stick with Marrakesh - it's fantastic. Le Cellier if you can get in...Whispering Canyon is great (but very loud and boisterous). We also really enjoyed Brown Derby (signature dining, so 2 TS, but worth it!).