Help me decide

[devalsam]

We are going to WDW the first week in December with our very large family. Staying offsite so no dining plan. H has agreed to no more than three table service meals. I would like to work in at least one or two character meals. We've got 6 kids, oldest will be 17, youngest will be 6, all girls. Two oldest have been before, first time for everyone else. We plan on spending time in all four parks. Which table service/character meals would you recommend?

 

[Nancyg56]

For a character meal, I would suggest Tusker House in AK> I think that of all the experiences, this one makes the most sense because you have to eat while in a park, and the buffet here is really good. I also like 1900 PF for dinner in the Grand Floridian. The food is good, and the interaction with the Tremain Family is fun for the whole family.

One character meal I have not done but that seems to be getting good reviews is Minnie's Holiday and Dine at H&V. I peeked in the window when we were there in December, and the interactions looked very good and not rushed, and the characters in their Holiday finery were really cute. This one, or Mama Melrose (If it is still open) in DHS makes sense because you can get Fantasmic vouchers if you book the package, and you can have a nice meal in the studios.

You are going in December, so will you be seeing the Candlelight Processional while at Epcot? If so, consider the package. It is a little pricy, but it includes an appetizer, entree, dessert and beverage. WE ate at San Angel Inn, and it was delicious, and we got nice seats to enjoy the show. If your consider cost, Garden Grill (another character meal, but an all you care to eat, rather than buffet) is an option, and it is outstanding in terms of character interaction and setting. It is in The Land, and cost wise is one of the less expensive choices for the package. I think Spice Road Table was as well, but have no experience there at all.

I would book Be Our Guest Breakfast for a pre park opening in the MK. You can share breakfast there so disregad the cost per person, and figure two or three meals for 4 to six people. They do bring a pastry plate and if you are sharing it should be plenty. Then you get to see the Castle, which is well worth the visit.

ANother CS meal in MK that we likes was the new menu at Pecos Bill. It is tex mex, and we shared there as well. Two meals for three people was plenty of food.

 

[ChasingLeslie]

If your girls like the princesses, I'd recommend a pre-park breakfast at Akershus. It has the (possible) advantage of early access to the new Frozen ride and/or M&G, if the Norway pavilion opens earlier than the rest of the WS.

I also love the Crystal Palace. The Pooh characters are classic and a lot of fun for all.

 

[Nancyg56]

If your girls like the princesses, I'd recommend a pre-park breakfast at Akershus. It has the (possible) advantage of early access to the new Frozen ride and/or M&G, if the Norway pavilion opens earlier than the rest of the WS.

I also love the Crystal Palace. The Pooh characters are classic and a lot of fun for all.

My girls loved this breakfast. WE liked the advantage of early entry, but the food was really good and fresh. The service was excellent and the interaction was also nice. I was afraid we would be rushed, but the only time that occured was in the foyer with Belle. Boy, were they trying to move the herd! LOL!

 

[pumba]

We loved the breakfast at Epcots, Akershus...the kids and ADULTS loved it as well.. Ohana for dinner..if you are at MK ..just leave and go up the ramp and take the monorail to the Poly and there it is...good food and love the atmosphere.. CS at MK ..love Cosmic Rays ..good food and selections..I get the half chicken, mashed potatoes and beans and it is quite a bit of food.. At Epcot for dinner...also thinking of Biergarten for the large group and there are normal foods as well as German foods.Epcot for CS, Sunshine Seasons....Ak, everyone enjoyed CS Yak and Yeti as well as sit down....

 

[kastoney]

I'm not a big fan of most of the character meals, as I don't like buffets in general, but the one exception is Tusker House. They have the usual breakfast offerings, but also some unique options that really set it apart. Plus you get Mickey, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy in their safari gear which is a ton of fun

 

[raddisneyfan]

Here are some of my favorites:

Characters--1. Tusker House (AK), 2. Crystal Palace (MK)
Table Service--
Magic Kingdom (Skipper Canteen is my favorite--went 3 nights during my week in December! ADRs were not accepted when I went because it had just opened--not sure if that will change and you will need to make reservations. I really liked the much more cozy atmosphere compared to the enormous dining rooms at Be Our Guest)
EPCOT (Via Napoli, La Hacienda de San Angel, Spice Road Table)
Hollywood Studios (Hollywood Brown Derby)
All venues at the Animal Kingdom Lodge (BOMA buffet and Jiko--both at Jambo House, and Sanaa at Kidani)

Maybe I'll see your large group at WDW since I will be there in December as well.

 

[Jhjones]

I'm not a big fan of most of the character meals, as I don't like buffets in general, but the one exception is Tusker House. They have the usual breakfast offerings, but also some unique options that really set it apart. Plus you get Mickey, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy in their safari gear which is a ton of fun

Is the dinner buffet also a character dining?

 

[Hopefully]

Yes

 

[eastendlights]

With six daughters how could you not eat in the castle-LOL! Our first meal there during our first trip many years ago remains one of the most memorable out of hundreds of dining experiences. I can't think of a more special meal for your girls. We especially enjoy the breakfast but lunch and dinner are great too. It is not inexpensive but IMO absolutely worth it.

 

[devalsam]

With six daughters how could you not eat in the castle-LOL! Our first meal there during our first trip many years ago remains one of the most memorable out of hundreds of dining experiences. I can't think of a more special meal for your girls. We especially enjoy the breakfast but lunch and dinner are great too. It is not inexpensive but IMO absolutely worth it.

The castle is out of our price range with 8 of us. Plus, I've been before. The experience cannot be beat but we weren't super impressed with the food.

I do think we are going to plan a meal at Akershus for the princess experience.

 

[Stefecatzz]

It's nice to see more good reviews for Tusker House. I'm excited to try it for the first time in a couple months. My ADR is for 10:30am so I can try some food from the breakfast & lunch offerings (hopefully!).