Help Pick Epcot Dining with Kids

[Wondrmom]

For some reason I am struggling with picking our Epcot sit down meal. I keep changing my mind and second guessing myself. The trip will include our 3 kids (DS- just turn 4, DS-11, and DD-14). Our youngest DS does not do well sitting at dinner (like most preschoolers), so I’m willing to compromise my top choices in dining for his enjoyment (and my sanity). Although it would be really nice to order off a menu for a meal. Which is one reason I was thinking Coral Reef. I was also thinking Garden Grill, but we already have 4 other character meals scheduled (Chef mickey’s, crystal palace, H&V, and Tusker house). Or perhaps schedule Akershus since we have no princess meals scheduled(we still have Mom and teen daughter and I’m sure the boys would still secretly enjoy). Or schedule something around the world? What do you think would make everyone happy? Thanks

 

[quandrea]

I’d pick Via Napoli or Biergarten. Teppan Edo is fun too. Both lots of fun. Good food. The character meals get old really fast. I’d limit yourself to two tops. There are so many fun places in Epcot that a character meal doesn’t have to be part of the plan.

 

[ENJDisneyFan]

GG is my favorite character meal in all of WDW for both food and character interaction. But it sounds like you already have characers covered with your other meals. That said, my kids really liked both Biergarten and San Angel Inn. The show at Biergarten really kept them entertained throughout the meal and even being German food they had some simple kid friendly choices available. They also enjoyed the atmosphere at San Angel. They liked watching the boats from the ride go by.

 

[Figmentmommy]

For some reason I am struggling with picking our Epcot sit down meal. I keep changing my mind and second guessing myself. The trip will include our 3 kids (DS- just turn 4, DS-11, and DD-14). Our youngest DS does not do well sitting at dinner (like most preschoolers), so I’m willing to compromise my top choices in dining for his enjoyment (and my sanity). Although it would be really nice to order off a menu for a meal. Which is one reason I was thinking Coral Reef. I was also thinking Garden Grill, but we already have 4 other character meals scheduled (Chef mickey’s, crystal palace, H&V, and Tusker house). Or perhaps schedule Akershus since we have no princess meals scheduled(we still have Mom and teen daughter and I’m sure the boys would still secretly enjoy). Or schedule something around the world? What do you think would make everyone happy? Thanks

Teppan Edo. Good food and the cooking show put on table side is fun too. We've been eating there since our boys were 9 & 7 - they're now teenagers and it's still a must do every trip.

 

[Beckyb3]

I think Biergarten is a buffet even for dinner but maybe I am wrong but like others have said, that’s great for kiddos and we all loved the food. We liked Coral Reef too but the food is just ok. Not sure I would do another character meal. I think too many makes it lose the specialness. Not sure it would help at all but we bring small toys (like little Disney characters) for sit down meals so the kids can play with those and we can enjoy our meal.

 

[mcurran]

I’ve done coral reef 2x and None of my family enjoyed the food either time (why we thought to go back a second time is a question only my wife can answer lol). As a kid I remember enjoying San angel - boats were fun to watch as noted above. Via Napoli also mentioned above is a loud fun pizza place - but google pics to see if their brick oven pizza is your thing.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I think Akershus is a good pick if you want to do a princess meal. If you'd rather not do another character meal, I agree with the PP"s - try Biergarten (there is a band and dance floor so a place your youngest can move around if need be) or Via Napoli (the pizza is good and it's not a long, drawn out meal).

 

[piglet1979]

Akershus is good. My DD and DS liked it. I think the Princesses do a good job engaging the boys.

Teppen Edo is a great place but it might be tough with your younger one. It is entertaining but he may not think so. The stove/grill is in reach so if you feel that he would have a hard time with this then it may not be a great option.

Biergarten was great because the kids could dance on run around on the dance floor however I think the food is not good. Take that with a grain of salt as DD and myself are very picky eaters.

Garden Grill is great. We loved meeting Chip and Dale they are just so fun. The kids had a great time here too.

Chef De France has good food but the seating is very tight. Like we were barley able to move our chairs tight.

Another good option would be the boardwalk. We ate at Trattoria al Fornoa. The food is great but you would have to leave the park. It is not far from the international gateway.

 

[rg35]

Give the kids some options and let them rank their choices. Show them the menus and venues online.

 

[kboo]

Another vote for Akershus (we went with a 4yo boy and you should have seen the look on his face in all the pictures) and GG. If you feel overloaded on character meals, I might ditch Chef Mickey's because the food is pretty bad and it's too loud there. We love Garden Grill.

Spice Road Table is good too, because it is on the water and has some entertainment/distractions for your 4yo.

 

[kboo]

Another option, if you're willing to leave the park, is to go to the Boardwalk and eat there. (Trattoria al Forno or Flying Fish) Lots of space for the kids to run around before or after dinner, too.

 

[gharter]

Given the kids ages, it seems you need to find a restaurant that will keep the youngest occupied.
My suggestion is Coral Reef, most kids are mesmerized by the tank.
Via Napoli is another good choice
Teppan Edo if the kids like Japanese food. Not as showy as Benihanas, but still fun to watch and the food was good.

 

[DLgal]

Via Napoli

 

[mickeymom22]

I would trade H&V for Garden Grill. Hands down our kids favorite character meal when they were your youngest age. We told my daughter that the characters only stopped at tables where everyone was waiting patiently!

Also, I like Biergarten. The dance floor is a great place to let your four year old blow off some energy! I believe it is a buffet so lots of movement to and from the table.

Looks like you are going to have a great trip!

 

[crabbygal902]

With your situation, I'd choose Biergarten. It is lively and fun, the 4 year old would love the entertainment. Warning: you may be doing the chicken dance with your kid! We really enjoy the food, my DH for the meats and beer. I love their tomato basil salad and make it at home when the veggies are in season.

 

[TravelingTotMom]

My almost four year old sounds a lot like yours... so I would vote for Biergarten.

It's one of the few (non-character) TS meals we can easily get through with him, and he requests it. There's enough food choices to make everyone happy, the show and atmosphere are entertaining, and when he can't sit still anymore, he can go down to the dance floor with the other kids.

 

[Minnesota!]

Biergarten, definitely!

 

[ktlm]

Biergarten is our must do on any WDW trip. DD has ranked Biergarten up there with princess meals since she was 3. It is a must do for DH as well. I also enjoy it. It is a buffet, but we like the food. There is a German band that puts on a show. The kids can go dance on the dance floor. You can send the 4 year old out with the older kids to dance and burn off some energy if he is not doing well sitting at dinner. DD was a really picky eater as a pre-schooler. When we went to Biergarten when she was 3, she ate more there than I, at that time, had ever seen her eat at a meal in her life.

Teppan Edo is fun and we have been there a few times, but it would have stressed me out to be there with an active pre-schooler. It is a typical Hibachi restaurant. The table/stove is in reach and I would have been constantly worried that DD would reach over and burn herself. We saved that one for when she was over 5 years old.

 

[jacknsally19]

Just going to suggest Marrakesh... assuming you can handle slightly adventurous food. They have live music and a belly dancer at night... the dancer brings up all the kiddos to dance. Personally, I think the food is pretty good and no buffet. (I find buffets a bit stressful so I think you are wise to forgo another one!) The only downside is that the kids menu is a little boring.

 

[Elizabeth Smith]

I don't know what the kid's menu is like at Akershus, but the Adult's menu is a little bit too unique for my American taste buds and usually I am not picky at all! Just flavor combinations I am not used to, but the food quality was noticeably good. So I would not recommend Akershus for kids for the food. Princess interaction is pretty good, and I imagine even better for smaller kids.

I vote Teppan Edo. Flavors that are palatable to everyone and pretty entertaining. Very high quality food as well. Two thumbs up from me for it!