Help Me Please!

[jenny-d]

hi there, you all seem like incredibly helpful and knowledgeable people! Here is my story: my family and I will be making our first trip to WDW in June 8-15, 2006 and I'm pretty much clueless! We have reservations at the Port Orleans French Quarter (hopefully a good choice after MUCH research! and also purchased the dining plan and park hopper tickets. Now I know it's time to start making dining reservations and that is where I need HELP! My children are 6 (girl) and 4 boy so I was thinking of doing 2 or 3 character breakfasts or dinners. I know my daughter would love to dine with Cinderella--but for those of you who have done this--is it worth the cost? I just don't know where to start! I don't know if it's best to go to MK first and do two days there or split days or how to plan it! I know my kids and realize this is going to be a lot for them and they won't last past 9pm or so. I want to get to see the fireworks at least one night. Here are some ideas of restaurants I think we would enjoy:
Cinderella's Royal Table
Chrystal Palace
Rainforest Cafe? at AK
Sci Fi Diner
Le Cellier Steakhouse
?Chef Mickey

Now I just need help figuring out when/how to do them! We arrive in Orlando at 3pm so I'm assuming we probably won't get checked in until dinner or after--is it safe to say we won't make it to any parks that day and just plan to get an early start Friday morning? Do we do the major CRT breakfast for the first thing on Friday morning? I'm pretty sure my kids will be anxious to head to MK first.
So if anyone can help me with this crazy planning--I'd be so grateful! I'm trying soooo hard not to get stressed about it.
thanks in advance!
Jen

PS complete side-note: has anyone booked their package with Southwest Vacations? I just wondered if it's normal not to get any documents in the mail until 7-10 days prior to departure. this is what they told me and you don't get any WDW stuff tickets until check in? I need my nerves to be calmed!

 

[thelionqueen]

I think going to Cinderella's Castle for breakfast would be a treat for any young girl, but it does cost 2 TS credits per guest. So that would be 8 credits off your dining plan.

I personally would skip CRT just because it is not it's all hyped up to be IMO. I would try Akershus (sp?) in Epcot, about the same experience but easier and cheaper. If the cost doesn't bother you, go for CRT.

I would also suggest Ohana, Crystal Palace, Liberty Tree Tavern and Chef Mickey's for character meals, all great.

I personally would plan a character dinner on your arrival day. The excitement is great that first day and a great way to bottle up the magic is a character meal. We always go to Chef Mickey's on arrival day, it is a wonderful tradition. Then we get back fairly early and get ready for the next day.

Have a great time, you will need to make your ADR's asap though, good luck!

 

[Nikki_Mouse]

We did CRT with my DD4 and DS7- he hated it and sat with his arms crossed the entire time! She LOVED it and still talks about it daily! I thought it was enchanting, sitting in the castle and seeing all of the characters. It was one table credit when we went, but for two I just do not think we will return. If it is your first time- which I assume it is- it is well worth the experience! The food was preplated- but very good! There was plenty on the plate the first round. OJ was fantastic and I do not like oj.
Chef Mickey's was also fantastic! Both my kids loved it! I did too! It was my favorite meal of the vacation! We went for breakfast and I am not even a breakfast eater. Good luck with your choices!
Another place is in Animal Kingdon- Donald's Breakfastasaurus. Breakfast again- but delicious and characters were great! Service was excellent.

 

[Mike N Kathy]

Another alternative for CRT u can do the 1900 Park faire dinner at the grand floridian it is 1ts credit and cinderella and prince charming is there....Crystal palace is great for breakfast ....I would pass on Rainforest cafe if i was you they have locations all over the us and the food isnt all that good...Instead maybe after ur done at the AK u can go over to the AKL and go to either Boma or Jiko both great places ! We love Le cellier great choice ! Sci Fi is OK if u are ordering burgers or something if you want a lil bit of better food and also a really cool atmosphere check out the 50's ptc

 

[jloz]

Our children (S8 & D5) LOVED 50's Prime Time in MGM. Uncle Tim was our waiter and was great. They liked the fact that M, D, Aunt and Grandmother got in "trouble" and not them. My sister in law actually got put the corner after her third time being caught with elbows on the table. The food was very good for the kids and adults.

Another favorite was Whispering Canyon at Wilderness Lodge. They could have a lot of fun including pony races around the restuarant. Don't forget to ask for kethcup.

We ate at Cindy Breakfast for my daughter's 5th birthday. We paid for it instead of using the 2TS credits. She loved it especially the time with Cinderella and other princesses & fairy godmother. My son pouted about going until he was handed the knight sword. The food was very good.

Chef Mickey's was also good. The food was hot and plentiful. We asked for pasta with butter for our daughter which was not on the buffet and they brought a special dish to the table for her. The dessert bar is great!

The best part of character dining is the time that the kids get to spend with the characters without having to wait in the LONG lines in the park. We got great pictures and the autographs they wanted.

I would not recommend the Garden Grill in the Land for character dining. The food was ok and the service was SLOW.

Good Luck, hope it helps.