Help me Narrow Down my Dining Choices!

[DisneyFansInNYC]

I would not do CRT - if you want a princess meal - I would do Akershus. We did not like the food at CRT - so we did it once and that is fine for us. Yet we always enjoy our meal at Akershus.

I also would not do California Grill - as others have stated - it is a long meal.

We ate breakfast at Chef Mickey's last August and really enjoyed it. We were a party of 10 and was afraid due to the horrible reviews but it was very enjoyable. We also had a late breakfast time and they ended up changing the food towards the end and so many of us got lunch foods as well.

If I had to get rid of another I would cancel Rose and Crown - it is enjoyable but would rather eat at San Angel Inn instead or get rid of BOG. We enjoy the place but don't love the food. The last time we were in the West Wing room and it was loud at times and hard to hear everyone - we were a party of 11.

 

[littledebbie335]

We liked Sci Fi but not sure it would work well for your family. If you sit in the car booths, it's usually two people per row and everyone faces forward towards the screens. Might be tricky with kiddos. There are non-car tables, but then you're just eating at a picnic table in the dark.

 

[Kellykins1218]

I haven't been to Chef Mickey's, but every single review I have ever read is negative. Apparently the food is horrendously bad.

I totally disagree. We go to Chef Mickey's every trip and have never had bad food. I just set up our next ADRs today.

 

[Kmv2899]

I would get rid of San angel and BOG

 

[raddisneyfan]

Of all you've listed, I like 3. #1 California Grill, #2 BOG, #3 Yak & Yeti. Have fun trying some new things!

 

[leebee]

A little background-- I will have two 3yo and 7yo girls at the time of our trip. I'm trying to narrow down our ADRs to 7 total for our trip, one per day. We will be in Universal one day of our 8 day trip. We are staying at the CR.

I'd like to MAYBE narrow our list from 9 to 7 ADRs and like the appeal of both CRT and Chef Mickey's for the character interaction... here's our list.. which two would you eliminate?

We will also be doing BBB so having a fun themed meal after that is a must (was thinking either CRT or BOG). Here's my picks:
Ohana- dinner—must do—our favorite
CRT- breakfast—have done
BOG- dinner—have done
Rose and Crown—dinner—haven’t had in over 10 years
50’s Prime Time or Sci Fi—dinner
San Angel Inn—dinner—haven’t had since a child
California Grill—dinner- never tried
Chef Mickey’s—breakfast
Yak and Yeti—dinner—never tried

OK, you are going to definitely keep Ohana and Rose&Crown (the sentimental favorites, LOL!). I'd skip both CRT and BOG (you've done them, no princesses at BOG) and go with Akershus (better princess interaction... but it's in Epcot). If you want a princess meal at MK, do 1900 Park Faire at the Grand Floridian for dinner. The meal is "hosted" by Cinderella, Prince Charming, Lady Tremaine (stepmother), and Esmerelda and Drusilla (stepsisters). The food is good and the character interaction is priceless. Also, it wouldn't matter when your BBB appointment is, as you'd be booking dinner. I'd choose 50s Prime Time over SciFi, because we like the food better and we aren't fans of the seating arrangement at SciFi. Regarding Chef Mickey's, it gets lots of deserved criticism, but little kids love it. Normally, I recommend people stay as far away from here as possible, but I think if you make your ADR as early as you can, you should be OK; the food will be fresher, the restaurant less messy. With kids, you might want to skip California Grill. It is a LONG meal. We love it, and people do take their kids there. While many are well-behaved, I've also seen kids crawling under the tables, roaming around, crying, etc. Yes, I know this is what kids do... but it makes for a tense evening for all. If you are looking for a TS meal at the Contemporary, how about The Wave? The food is really, really good. Is there a reason for Yak and Yeti, or just because it's at Animal Kingdom? My aversion to it is that it's typical Asian/Chinese food that I can get here at home. Have you considered Boma or Sanaa, at Animal Kingdom Lodge? The food at Boma is really good, and if you are worried about the kids not liking it, there is also a kid-section with chicken fingers, pasta, mac-n-cheese, fries, burgers, pizza, etc. They can have anything else they like from the buffet- not just restricted to the kids section. At Sanaa, the restaurant overlooks the savanna, so you can see the animals. Book an early supper for the best daylight viewing. If you can get an ADR for as soon as they open for dinner, you'll more than likely get a window table! Kids might like this!

SO... I'd say Ohana, Rose&Crown, 1900 Park Faire, Chef Mickey's, 50s Prime Time, Boma/Sanaa, and The Wave (so you have a dinner at your hotel as a substitute for California Grill). Good luck making your decisions!

 

[mala55]

Oh my...your list is so similar to mine. Decisions, decisions, decisions. I guess I would drop California Grill. I've never eaten there, but I think it would be tough to keep the attention of a 3 and 7 yr old there. Then, I would try to keep the other 8. Just drop the one. Maybe you could have a table service breakfast and a dinner all in one day to get them all in.

I know Chef Mickey's doesn't get a good review here, but we took my DD to Disney for her first trip when she was 6 (now 10). We were also staying at the CR, so it was very convenient. We went for dinner the night we arrived. It was a fantastic way to start our vacation. The vibe was so fun. Everyone was standing, cheering, and twirling their napkins as the characters entered. All the main characters were there and visited with every single child and chatted for a short bit. My DD was in awe! Priceless! The food was ok, not bad at all. Typical buffet. My DD still talks about how excited she was that night.

Also, we like the Rose and Crown a lot. I like British food (DH is British). We have been twice. I liked it better the first time when we were seated on the patio, but inside was ok, too. My DD liked being outside more. We purposely go there to see Illuminations. The view is spectacular!

 

[rosiebean]

Ohana for dinner is a no brainer, as it's one of your favorites.

Likewise, Rose and Crown seems to be something you want to do.

CRT and BOG are both experiences you've done, so I'd pick whichever the kids wanted more (or whichever I could get a prime ADR for) and drop the other one.

50s Prime Time or Sci Fi is a take or leave to me with kids. It really depends on your kids' tastes. If they like comfort food, keep it! Otherwise, drop it.

San Angel Inn is a really lovely spot to dine, and my family enjoyed our meal there. But, like with 50s, if you and your kids like the menu, keep it, otherwise, drop .

California Grill is also a lovely spot to dine. And our meal (an extended family meal with 8 adults) did not take anywhere NEAR 3 hours! It was closer to an hour and a half to be seated, get drinks, order and eat. We had apps and an entree and shared a few desserts. We weren't rushed at all. But it wasn't an overly lengthly experience either. The food was fantastic, too. I made the reservation hoping to be at CG long enough to see the fireworks without leaving, but we spent just under and hour milling around the gift shop and bar downstairs before heading back up. So the meal isn't something that necessarily takes huge amounts of time.

Chef Mickey’s is convenient for your family as you're staying at CR. I personally would eat elsewhere for this meal (Crystal Palace, The Wave's buffet, 1900 at GF), but if your kids will love the characters, then go for it.

Yak and Yeti is amazing (IMO) and is about as close as a 'must do' for my family as a restaurant gets. We love having late lunch there. We also love Asian food, and find the meal at Y&Y really satisfying.

 

[Nancyg56]

A little background-- I will have two 3yo and 7yo girls at the time of our trip. I'm trying to narrow down our ADRs to 7 total for our trip, one per day. We will be in Universal one day of our 8 day trip. We are staying at the CR.

I'd like to MAYBE narrow our list from 9 to 7 ADRs and like the appeal of both CRT and Chef Mickey's for the character interaction... here's our list.. which two would you eliminate?

We will also be doing BBB so having a fun themed meal after that is a must (was thinking either CRT or BOG). Here's my picks:

Ohana- dinner—must do—our favorite

CRT- breakfast—have done

BOG- dinner—have done

Rose and Crown—dinner—haven’t had in over 10 years

50’s Prime Time or Sci Fi—dinner

San Angel Inn—dinner—haven’t had since a child

California Grill—dinner- never tried

Chef Mickey’s—breakfast

Yak and Yeti—dinner—never tried

We generally book CM for our arrival dinner if we have kids with us. WE like it a lot adn the character interaction is fun. I have never had a bad meal there, breakfast or dinner.
I would skip CRT. I like it but if you want a great Princess breakfast and are going to Epcot, I would second Akershus.
I think the kids wold like SAI. OUr dinner was really good, but the atmosphere is awesome!

Yak and Yeti is a must. Amazing food and was in and out in under and hour.

Chec Mickey I haven't done but have only read awful things about it. My aunt wants to do it but I'm pushing for Ohana.

BOG breakfast was awful. Haven't tried dinner. It's on the list though.

50s Prime Time Cafe- I don't like. I'm the only one that has issues with this place. My family loves it though. But I personally wouldn't suggest eating here. We are going to try the Sci Fi Dine In Theater next time we go though.

The rest I haven't been to. Sorry

Our worst Disney meal ever was at 'Ohana on our last family visit. I never have left CM saying I would never return again. I suggest you try restaurants you may like and judge for yourself.

 

[Lucys dad]

Ohana- dinner—never been

CRT- breakfast—Done this one several years ago and thought it was very poor.

BOG- dinner—Decent - quite loud but the food was quite good. Not exactly a relaxing meal though

Rose and Crown—dinner—never been

50’s Prime Time or Sci Fi—dinner - had not been to either in years but on our visit last month I was pleasantly surprised at Sci Fi - excellent burgers and service was good.

San Angel Inn—dinner—Never been

California Grill—dinner- Always a favorite but was a little put off by a visit 2 years ago, average food and tiny portions. However, tried it again last month and loved it. Back on form, food was superb

Chef Mickey’s—breakfast - would never go back. Poor quality food and lukewarm at best. Extremely expensive for a poor quality breakfast. Cape May character breakfast vastly superior

Yak and Yeti—dinner—Went once a few years ago and enjoyed it. Although, I ate at the quick service last month and it was poor

Have a good trip.

 

[Liviluv]

OK, you are going to definitely keep Ohana and Rose&Crown (the sentimental favorites, LOL!). I'd skip both CRT and BOG (you've done them, no princesses at BOG) and go with Akershus (better princess interaction... but it's in Epcot). If you want a princess meal at MK, do 1900 Park Faire at the Grand Floridian for dinner. The meal is "hosted" by Cinderella, Prince Charming, Lady Tremaine (stepmother), and Esmerelda and Drusilla (stepsisters). The food is good and the character interaction is priceless. Also, it wouldn't matter when your BBB appointment is, as you'd be booking dinner. I'd choose 50s Prime Time over SciFi, because we like the food better and we aren't fans of the seating arrangement at SciFi. Regarding Chef Mickey's, it gets lots of deserved criticism, but little kids love it. Normally, I recommend people stay as far away from here as possible, but I think if you make your ADR as early as you can, you should be OK; the food will be fresher, the restaurant less messy. With kids, you might want to skip California Grill. It is a LONG meal. We love it, and people do take their kids there. While many are well-behaved, I've also seen kids crawling under the tables, roaming around, crying, etc. Yes, I know this is what kids do... but it makes for a tense evening for all. If you are looking for a TS meal at the Contemporary, how about The Wave? The food is really, really good. Is there a reason for Yak and Yeti, or just because it's at Animal Kingdom? My aversion to it is that it's typical Asian/Chinese food that I can get here at home. Have you considered Boma or Sanaa, at Animal Kingdom Lodge? The food at Boma is really good, and if you are worried about the kids not liking it, there is also a kid-section with chicken fingers, pasta, mac-n-cheese, fries, burgers, pizza, etc. They can have anything else they like from the buffet- not just restricted to the kids section. At Sanaa, the restaurant overlooks the savanna, so you can see the animals. Book an early supper for the best daylight viewing. If you can get an ADR for as soon as they open for dinner, you'll more than likely get a window table! Kids might like this!

SO... I'd say Ohana, Rose&Crown, 1900 Park Faire, Chef Mickey's, 50s Prime Time, Boma/Sanaa, and The Wave (so you have a dinner at your hotel as a substitute for California Grill). Good luck making your decisions!

I agree with The Wave. They have excellent food... and your girls might like the tie-dyed grilled cheese. Keep CG. They have two observation decks, so if your girls get antsy, you can walk with them out there. You have two great restaurants at your resort, use them. You can't go wrong with anything at AKL... Sanaa is a favorite of ours, too.