Help me plan please!

[samiet620]

Hello all. I am new to Disney...first trip in 50 days but who's counting right? Well today I was analizing my trip AGAIN( it seems its all I think about ) and got to thinking...how much more would it be to add the basic DDP. Well I called and for roughly $1000.00 I can add it on! I was soo happily surprised as I had budgeted about $1400. for the seven days not including my emergency only credit card(in case I ran out of the 1400.)
Well now the crisis begins...where do we eat?
Originally the plan was to wing it. I figured lets just go with the flo...but now seeing that I'll actually save some $ and get to relax at TS I'm thinking why not.. add it on. I'll purchase it by this monday 6/30 if we decide to do it. Here are my thoughts...PLEASE FEEL FREE TO GIVE YOUR OPINION
1. Chef Mickeys ( does this count for 2 TS ea?)
2. Sci-fi
3. 50's prime time
Thats all I have...buffets would be great but which one...we are a Chili's restaurant kind of family! I thought maybe Boma but it doesn't seem like we would like the food. Whispering Canyons, Ohanas, Tusker House... Chicken, ribs, steak thats what we eat so...help. I have chosen these b/c they seem most well talked about and we think the food would be good.

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

Chef Mickey's only counts as 1TS credit but you may have a hard time getting a reservation since it is one restaurant the books fast.

I would give Disney Dining a call with an idea of what restaurants you would like on what nights and see what is available. If they have availability at most of your choices, then go ahead and add the dining plan. It would be awful for you to purchase it and then have a hard time using the TS credits.

I think your choices all sound great although we didn't have the best experience at Whispering Canyon. I know others absolutely love it.

Good Luck!

 

[Wendy5055]

First, How many days will your family be staying? Are you staying at a WDW hotel? Also, how old are your children & are they boys or girls?

With the Basic DDP you would be alloted per # of nights for your stay (for use in any order you wish):
1 Table Service (TS) Meal per person
1 Counter Service (CS) Meal per person
1 Snack per person

Here is what my ADR's look like (only I am on Dlx DDP)

Arrival Day (Evening) - POP
Swim at Hotel
Snack from Food Court

Day 1 Magic Kingdom Day
Ohana Breakfast
Crystal Palace Lunch
Cinderella's Royal Table Dinner

Day 2 Hollywood Studios & EPCOT Day
Chef Mickey's Breakfast
Princess Storybook Lunch (Norway)
Coral Reef w/Diver

Day 3 Animal Kingdom Day
Donald's Safari Breakfast
Yak & Yeti Restaurant
Hoop De Doo Review

Day 4 Open Day & Departure
1900 Park Fare Breakfast

In the case of the Basic DDP, I would suggest a late breakfast or early lunch (CS) and then a nice dinner (TS). When we were on the DDP, we did every dinner as a character meal and skipped the 2 credit restaurants.

You might like:
Chef Mickey's Dinner
Liberty Tree Tavern Dinner (not sure if characters at dinner)
1900 Park Fare Dinner (yummy buffet)
Ohanas Dinner (non caracter meal)
Crystal Palace Dinner (character meal)
Tusker House Dinner
Coral Reef (BIG fish tanks & get FREE Diver to welcome your family & FREE personalized menus!!!!)

It also helps to coordinate your meals with whichever park you will be in for that day.

I just need more info and will be happy to help you!!!!! Afterall, I need something to fill the void now that my ADR's are set...

 

[asmit4]

I am a plain eater too- steaks, ribs, potatoes, and preferably American- perhaps Italian as long as it's "olive garden fake" (which Tutto Italia would not work for me, as it's that darn real italian food!)

We booked at Coral Reef too. They have some 'regular' things on the menu and I thought the scenery of the aquarium would be cool!

The Plaza in MK looks very 'regular' also. We also booked Sci-Fi and 50s primetime looked good also so we chose between the 2.

LeCellier looks awesome but the chance of getting a ressie so late in the game is unlikely-TRY though! It's a steakhouse

As for out of park places? Try Beaches and Cream, Planet Hollywood (the interior is AMAZING), Raglan Road, Grand Floridian Cafe, 1900 Park Fare (a buffet that is very american IMO).

 

[LuvENDisney]

We just came back from our May trip on the basic DDP. This time around, we did the Fantasmic Package where you get reserved seats for the first show. When you do the package, dinner reservations are generally earlier than usual, ours was at 4PM. We ate, for 1TS, at Mama Melrose (sit down with appitizers, entree, drink, and dessert), but you can also eat at Hollywood and Vine (american style buffet) or for 2TS at Brown Derby.

So many yummy options as shared by the PPs.

Have a great time!!!

 

[BelleLovesTheBeast]

I've heard wonderful things about Chef Mickeys but haven't tried it yet. However I hated Sci-Fi. The worst food I've had anywhere.

Raglan Road is really good. If you are looking for buffet/family style I recommend Ohana's. It is one of our favorites. You might also like Liberty Tree Tavern. Another place that I've only heard wonderful things about. I'll be trying it in Oct.

 

[samiet620]

Chef Mickey's only counts as 1TS credit but you may have a hard time getting a reservation since it is one restaurant the books fast.
I would give Disney Dining a call with an idea of what restaurants you would like on what nights and see what is available. If they have availability at most of your choices, then go ahead and add the dining plan.

Hi and thanks for helping me. I want to ask , I can call for availability, book and then purchase the plan or do I need to check availabilty,purchase the plan and then book?
See the stress level going up...why I thought winging it would be better but TS sounds too good to pass up at this price especially with three teens!

 

[samiet620]

I've heard wonderful things about Chef Mickeys but haven't tried it yet. However I hated Sci-Fi. The worst food I've had anywhere.

Raglan Road is really good. If you are looking for buffet/family style I recommend Ohana's. It is one of our favorites. You might also like Liberty Tree Tavern. Another place that I've only heard wonderful things about. I'll be trying it in Oct.

I have heard great things about Chef Mickeys as well, I honestly won't even care about scheduling as long as I can get in! I know I'm cutting it soo close but maybe there's a cancelation or something
May the fairies be with me!

 

[samiet620]

We just came back from our May trip on the basic DDP. This time around, we did the Fantasmic Package where you get reserved seats for the first show. When you do the package, dinner reservations are generally earlier than usual, ours was at 4PM. We ate, for 1TS, at Mama Melrose (sit down with appitizers, entree, drink, and dessert), but you can also eat at Hollywood and Vine (american style buffet)

Ohhh! I hope your stay was wonderful! I have Melrose as a last option. Is the package covered entirely with the DDP or is there a $ diff. I pay, it would still be worth it regardless I just want to be well prepared.If I choose this option maybe we'll do a late big breakfast and skip lunch!

 

[samiet620]

I am a plain eater too- steaks, ribs, potatoes, and preferably American- perhaps Italian as long as it's "olive garden fake" (which Tutto Italia would not work for me, as it's that darn real italian food!)
We booked at Coral Reef too. They have some 'regular' things on the menu and I thought the scenery of the aquarium would be cool!

I am soo with you on the fake italian, it just taste...better. I would never make it in Rome! I looked at Coral Reef's menu and didn't see the regular food or any that called out to us..we are very...boring shall I say As for Hollywood, I actually have ressies for there the day before we leave. I thought it would be our treat on hang out day scince we are not doing parks that day.

 

[samiet620]

First, How many days will your family be staying? Are you staying at a WDW hotel? Also, how old are your children & are they boys or girls?
When we were on the DDP, we did every dinner as a character meal and skipped the 2 credit restaurants.
You might like:
Chef Mickey's Dinner
Liberty Tree Tavern Dinner (not sure if characters at dinner)
1900 Park Fare Dinner (yummy buffet)
Ohanas Dinner (non caracter meal)
Crystal Palace Dinner (character meal)
Tusker House Dinner
Coral Reef (BIG fish tanks & get FREE Diver to welcome your family & FREE personalized menus!!!!)
It also helps to coordinate your meals with whichever park you will be in for that day.
I just need more info and will be happy to help you!!!!! Afterall, I need something to fill the void now that my ADR's are set...

You my dear are very well organized! Where were you a month ago! Well the kids are teens, 1 boy (14), 2 girls (14,15). We are staying at the Coronado for 8 days Aug 12-19. I was thinking along the same lines as you, not spending 2 TS credits...it will defeat the pupose as far as I can see.As far as coordinating the parks I'm thinking I'll have to work around whatever they can get me scince I know I'm cutting close when it comes to making my ADRs but I'm hoping for mostly dinners for TS.
I'm guessing I'll tell the CM where I want to eat and let them figure out where and if they have room, a place per day would be nice though I need to check for extra evening hours so I'm in the parks on those nights.
AHHHHHH this is stressful, Well I'll come back in a bit and tell you what I'm thinking.
Hey should I skip TS on my first day and just wing it. I'll get into MCO @ around 12:30 pm. Also can I use my DDP on my no park day in Downtown.(I'm only doing parks the first 6 days) I already have ADRs @ Planet Hollywood for the 18th.

 

[samiet620]

Well, the kids and I confrenced yesterday and am happy to say we made some decisions that have us happy. I kinda felt a little bad because they seemed soo excited about eating at these rest. especially my oldest. I mean if they had said something I would not have been planning a "lets wing it" kinda vacation. Geez, you'd think they would say something as much as I constantly ask: sooo what do you guys think! Well, they're happy so lets move on.
These are the choices :
1.Chef Mickeys- (Garden Grill as a back-up if not avail.)
2.Prime time- ( sci fi as back-up)
3.Whispering Canyon
4. Ohanas - (Don't know what can replace it if not Avail. opinions please)
5. Maya Grill
6. Planet Hollywood-Ressies are already booked for this one on the 18th.
Now I'm gonna sit down and see about the parades, illuminations and EMH so as to see what day we want to do what and then see if the CM can do some magic. Next trip I'll do this straight away...WHAT WAS I THINKING?!?!

 

[tlriv5]

Yum! Great choices, I hope you get them.

My dd's love Whispering Canyon!! Great fun and yummy food. We ate there our last trip and the girls insisted we go back! Can't wait!
We've also eaten at Primetime, lots of fun!
We have ADR's for Ohana's, Sci-fi and Chef Mickey's this trip.

Our last trip we enjoyed Coral Reef too, my dh and I had the steak and it was great! I agree about the menu choices. I like seafood, but not crazy about fish. The atmosphere is great here, but go with the steak.

Another suggestion...we are going to try Biergarten in Epcot. From what I read it sounds like a lot of fun and since it's a buffet I figure everyone can find something they'll like. Good luck and let us know what you get

 

[PrincessTrisha]

As a back up for Ohana, you can try Kona - they have great steaks and desserts. Or the Grand Floridian Cafe (again - steak and shrimp, mmm, mmm good).

Just try to be flexible with times and hope for the best.

 

[samiet620]

Happy,happy happy day!!!
Well you guys your help and advice has paid off. Those of you who private messaged me advice and ideas thaks so much, those of you who posted as well. It is wonderful how everyone pulls together to help.
Well these are my ressies:
1.Tues 12th - Garden Grill @ 3:00. Puts me @ Epcot so I won't miss Illuminations @ 9pm. I plan on calling to check on a later ressie but atleast I have a table. We land @ MCO @ 12:30- is it enough time?
2. Wed. 13-Hollywood and Vine @ 7:50. Perfect b/c it puts me near Fantasmic show @ 9pm.
3.Thurs.14 - Whispering Canyon @ 6:35. DD15 really wants a skillet
4.Friday 15 - CHEF MIKEYS!!!!She checked every one of my nights..this was one of two available when I called, both for late dinners.Even the CM said it was a lucky draw at this point! Its at 9pm but I grabbed it! I'll call and see for an earlier ressie but I'm glad to get in.
5. Sat. 16 - Ohanas @ 9:10. Another one that was a lucky draw. She checked 3 other days before we hit this vacant one so I jumped for it! As with Chef Mickeys I'll check for earlier ressies but, I'm in!
6. Sun. 17 - 50's Prime time @ 6:35. I hope we like it. It seems like fun.
Let me know what you think my friends.