Help plan our meals-revised on #11

[dr&momto2boys]

We want to do one sit down meal each day. It's DH, me, DS(3) and DS(2). Even though my boys are young, they are very experienced with traveling and eating out. So we can even do nice sit-down restaurants with no problems.

Here is what I was thinking, but am open to suggestions:

Mon Oct 6th: Breakfast with Minnie & friends
Park opens at 10. What's the earliest time possible? What time would you suggest? First thing or late breakfast? This is our first day at the parks.

Tue Oct 7th: Lunch at Blue Bayou
Looking for suggestions on time. This is an early entry day and we plan to take advantage of that. I want to try the Monte Cristo. Is it just as good at the other restaurant that serves it? If so maybe we'll pick other food here and then could make this a dinner time choice instead of lunch.

Wed Oct 8th: Dinner at Goofy's Kitchen
What time? DCA closes at 6. DL closes at 8pm.

Thurs Oct 9th: ???
Our last day at the parks. Early entry day and we do plan to do that. Where should we have our sit-down meal?

Fri Oct 10th: Chip & Dale Breakfast at Storyteller's
We fly home today at around 1:30pm. Thought it would be nice to have one last Disney experience, plus we're staying at GCH so it's convenient even with having to pack up.

What else should we do before we head to the airport? Downtown Disney?

By the way, we will arrive at GCH Sun night after going to Legoland all day. I was thinking about trying to go to Mrs. Knott's restaurant at KBF before checking into GCH. Any other suggestions?

Thanks for the help!

BTW, feel free to fill in the gaps around the sit-down meals with suggestions for counter service for the rest of the day.

 

[Mommy2PrincessAbby]

We want to do one sit down meal each day. It's DH, me, DS(3) and DS(2). Even though my boys are young, they are very experienced with traveling and eating out. So we can even do nice sit-down restaurants with no problems.

Here is what I was thinking, but am open to suggestions:

Mon Oct 6th: Breakfast with Minnie & friends
Park opens at 10. What's the earliest time possible? What time would you suggest? First thing or late breakfast? This is our first day at the parks.

--I don't think you can get in before the park opens... maybe do FL for an hour right when the park opens, and schedule an 11:15 brunch??

Tue Oct 7th: Lunch at Blue Bayou
Looking for suggestions on time. This is an early entry day and we plan to take advantage of that. I want to try the Monte Cristo. Is it just as good at the other restaurant that serves it? If so maybe we'll pick other food here and then could make this a dinner time choice instead of lunch.

--I'd say 11:30 if they make lunch ressies that early (or do the 1st seating at least!), beat the lunch crowd, plus you'll be hungry by then!

Wed Oct 8th: Dinner at Goofy's Kitchen
What time? DCA closes at 6. DL closes at 8pm.

--We always do dinner at normal eating times... so I'd do 5 pm, you'll be done by 6:30 and can (after walking time) enjoy a little more than an hour at DL in the evening

Thurs Oct 9th: ???
Our last day at the parks. Early entry day and we do plan to do that. Where should we have our sit-down meal?

--Carnation Cafe for lunch is my suggestion... or a nice dinner in DTD.

Fri Oct 10th: Chip & Dale Breakfast at Storyteller's
We fly home today at around 1:30pm. Thought it would be nice to have one last Disney experience, plus we're staying at GCH so it's convenient even with having to pack up.

--I'd eat early, and give yourself 1.5 hours before the park opens if you can... then you can be at RD and enjoy the last morning!

What else should we do before we head to the airport? Downtown Disney?

--We hit DTD and shop at World of Disney after lunch before we have to head to the airport, and get Haagen Daz ice cream too, oh and request a late checkout... you may be able to get them to move it to 1 which is sooo helpful!...

By the way, we will arrive at GCH Sun night after going to Legoland all day. I was thinking about trying to go to Mrs. Knott's restaurant at KBF before checking into GCH. Any other suggestions?

Thanks for the help!

BTW, feel free to fill in the gaps around the sit-down meals with suggestions for counter service for the rest of the day.

 

[dr&momto2boys]

Thanks Mommy2PrincessAbby!

We weren't planning to go to the parks the night we get there (tired enough from Legoland and still have to drive, eat dinner, and check-in) or on the morning we leave (DTD time and pack.) So we planned on four day park hoppers. Should we change our minds on this? DH thinks thinks 4 days is MORE than enough. I don't think there is such a thing as enough. I'm inclined to go to DL in the morning the day we leave and maybe hit DTD one of the other evenings? The ticket price difference for us would be $30. Of course I could justify buying 30 extra dollars of souvenirs if we don't go to DL the last morning and just do DTD instead.
What do you all think?

 

[Mommy2PrincessAbby]

I think you should relax the night you get there, there is a station on the tv that plays old Mickey cartoons, and Disney Princess bedtime stories, so order up some room service dessert and relax... but I would definately go to the parks on your last day... the kids can re-ride their favorites a couple more times, and then you can eat some lunch and head over to World of Disney (the only shop dd likes in DTD, so we skip the rest...) and shop for awhile before you have to leave... With a 3 and a 2 year old I think you'll prefer to maximize your park time, and minimize your DTD time... its just a big open air mall with lots of restaraunts... not much fun for little ones... Maybe do dinner in DTD the night you arrive, my dd LOVES Rainforest Cafe and we don't have them here, so its a must for us... and then you can see what shops are there on your way back to the hotel to rest!

Have a great time!!

--Lisa

 

[dr&momto2boys]

I'm thinking we'll have to leave the Disney area around 11am to make a 1:30pm flight from SNA. Is it really worth going to the park that day? Sorry to ask twice. I just want to be sure.

The other option is a character breakfast and a little DTD shopping. My DH can play around with the kids outside while I pick up any items I MUST have.

If we go the park on the last morning, I figure we'll spend one of the evenings in DTD for dinner and a little shopping. But it would cost an extra $30 this way (adding one more day to three park hoppers.)

Honestly I'm not set on it one way or the other. I just want to be sure I'm painting a clear picture.

 

[Mommy2PrincessAbby]

Ahhh... I understood that you had to leave for the airport at 1:30... not catch a 1:30 flight... hmmm... the parks open at 8 that morning, and if you want to do Storytellers before RD, you'd need like a 6:30 ressie... I dunno, between 8 and let's say 10, you could probably do all of the rides in FL, and don't forget Pooh and Buzz... and then wander back to the hotel to get ready to checkout... Is your hubby comfortable taking the kids, and letting you go to DTD to shop on this morning? Or if being up at 6, to be down at a 6:30 breakfast sounds like too much... then maybe skip the parks that day and sleep in...

We always got up early, and hit the parks, and didn't skip any days!... my other thought, is one afternoon while your boys are napping with your dh, you could go shopping (you do have planned nap breaks from 1-4ish right??)

--Lisa

 

[dr&momto2boys]

(you do have planned nap breaks from 1-4ish right??)

DS (almost 4) takes a nap maybe once a month. DS (2) usually takes a one hour nap every day. I figured I'd be the one to take him back to the hotel because I could use some rest too (being 6 months pregnant then.) Maybe one of the days, I'll take DS (almost 4) with me to DTD while DH takes DS (2) for a nap.


Good idea!

 

[JadeDarkstar]

you can get in before it open
30mins before it opewns we have the same days as you and monday is when were doing minies.(9.30)

Sunday 5th our first night were doing goofys. for sons bday.
Then we are going to the park to see the fireworks probley.

BB you should call and get the time for 11.40 and check in twn mins early if you want the waterside seats.

we do take brakes in the afternoon and will each day.

 

[Queenbillabong]

Mon Oct 6: The earliest reservation for Minnie's is 9:40 a.m., so you can get into the park slightly early for that. There is a sign out in front of a fruit cart for the breakfast and a greeter who will take you to the restaurant (through the stores, etc., to get around the crowds waiting for rope drop).

Tues Oct 7: For Blue Bayou, 11:30 is the first reservation time (always). FYI - the Monte Cristo is tasty, but VERY rich and filling. I could never eat a whole one - we share now!

Weds Oct 8: We did Goofy's at 6 p.m. and just walked through the lobby of the GCH and walked to the DLH.

Thurs Oct 9: I totally agree with Carnation Cafe for lunch or breakfast! They have great and reasonable breakfasts and the loaded baked potato soup is just amazing! You should go there, even if it's on another day. It is such a cute little outdoor restaurant - great place to relax and people watch while you enjoy an iced mocha It might be nice to try one of the DTD restaurants for dinner though.....

Fri Oct 10: I would probably just do the Storyteller's and DTD on the Friday, rather than rush around. That way you can get ready to go and still have some Disney before leaving - kind of wind down the vacation.

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

I wouldn't rush going into the park on the day you leave. Storytellers is the perfect thing to do that day. You don't want to rush yourself and feel bad later.

Since no one else answered - yes - the Monte Cristo is just as good at the Cafe Orleans and they actually offer a couple other options/varieties of it there - even a PB&J version for the kid's meal. I think the BB money is better spent at other eateries. The cost has gone up and service has gone down. It now costs almost as much as the Napa to eat there and I prefer that option if I have to spend that kind of money. (You can also eat a full meal in the Napa's lounge if the kids are crankier.) Definitely plan for a special dessert session at the Napa!

Counter service to try - definitely Pacific Wharf Cafe at DCA for salads, sandwiches, and soups in their award winning sourdough bread bowls. Request the bread on the side and ask for extra butter for each loaf - since every item comes with a bread bowl, that way you can divide one up and eat it and carry the other around for snacks! They are big and filling.

The Broasted (like fried, but healthier) Chicken at the Plaza - 2 lightly hungry people can eat off one meal. Adult and kid's meals are chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, and kid's comes with apple slices for dessert. The cobb salads there are good, too.

The Pizza Port had really great salads - 5 kinds to choose from and a kid's pasta that you can ask for the chicken alfredo sauce on.

We have had fabulous breakfast experiences at the Lilo and Stitch breakfast. I think they have the best variety of all the character meals and good food quality. They just don't have the ambiance, but the quality of the character interaction is great.

Hope that helps.
Nancy

 

[dr&momto2boys]

Revised based on suggestions so far...

Sun Oct 5th: ???
Check in hotel around 6:30 pm. Decided to go to park this night after all--just for dinner, a couple rides in FL, and fireworks. Late dinner (around 7:30pm,) but where? What time will fireworks start do you think? (No schedule posted yet.)


Mon Oct 6th: Chip & Dale Breakfast at Storyteller'sPark opens at 10. What's the earliest time possible? (I'm assuming it's earlier than Minnie's--that's why I changed it. Otherwise maybe we'll do late ressie at Minnie's. We want to be at the DL at rope drop.

Need a table service dinner recommendation for tonight. Where? Only plan to be in DL today and start our CA experience tomorrow afternoon. So should pick a DL or hotel restaurant. The ones in DTD don't excite me.

Tue Oct 7th: Lunch at Blue Bayou
This is an early entry day and we plan to take advantage of that. So we'll make this an early lunch. I want to try the Monte Cristo. Still debating if we should do Cafe Orleans instead and save our BB experience for dinner one night?

Need a counter-service dinner recommendation at DCA tonight.

Wed Oct 8th: Dinner at Goofy's Kitchen
Thinking about 6:30 after DCA has closed (at 6pm). Think we'll stick with just DCA today and no DL. Maybe even do a little DTD shopping after dinner.

Thurs Oct 9th: Breakfast with Minnie
Early entry day (8am) and we do plan to do that, then late ressie here.

Need a table service dinner recommendation for tonight. Any location should be fine. Will they have fireworks? (No schedule yet, but DL is open until 9pm.

Fri Oct 10th: no sit-down
We fly home today at around 1:30pm. Arrive at DL for RD at 8am and leave at 11am.

Also help me fill in the holes with other counter service recommendations for missing meals and snacks. Yum!

Sooo excited that you guys inspired me to add on to our park hoppers to kind of extend our Disney experience. It will be more leisurely overall. We'll do more nap time/ pool time in the afternoons and add a couple more sit-down restaurants at night.

Thanks!

 

[lapdwife]

In DTD, Naples is really good. Your kids are good pizza age. It would be a good choice after checking in- just wandering around DTD and sitting down outside for dinner. Ohhhhhh- make sure you head down towards the Lego shop and get some caramel kettle corn. Not the stuff by the tram stop. My 3 year old snacks on that the whole time we're down there.

 

[dr&momto2boys]

Oh, that remind me, I hear they have make your own pizza for kids at Storyteller's. We may have to eat dinner there one night.

Two more questions I thought of as I was preparing our itinerary...

What time do restaurants (for breakfast) and shops open up in DTD? On the days the park doesn't open until 10, is there anything going on in DTD?

And I completely forgot the other question! Pregnancy brain!

 

[dr&momto2boys]

Oh yeah, does Minnie's breakfast have any lunch-like items? We want to do a late breakfast, but DH doesn't really like breakfast food. Are there character lunches? Just Gooofy's? Princesses?

 

[JadeDarkstar]

you know i loved the potatos and meat at minnies it was like big pieces of ham. I consedered it brunch with still breakfast items avalibule

 

[Jenn1116]

I really enjoyed the French Market. We had a late dinner there in Feb. We Sat ourside near the gate to go out and were able to see the fireworks while we finished our food.

 

[lapdwife]

That's a lot of fun. The kids get chef hats, a Mickey shaped tray with sauce and fixings. They get to make their own pizza and then it magicly comes back cooked. Way cool. I've got pics somewhere, I'll dig. DTD is pretty quiet first thing in the morning. There are restaurants open, though.

Oh, that remind me, I hear they have make your own pizza for kids at Storyteller's. We may have to eat dinner there one night.

Two more questions I thought of as I was preparing our itinerary...

What time do restaurants (for breakfast) and shops open up in DTD? On the days the park doesn't open until 10, is there anything going on in DTD?

And I completely forgot the other question! Pregnancy brain!

 

[dr&momto2boys]

Maybe the French Market would be a good place for dinner our first night. After spending the day at Legoland, driving to Anaheim, checking in, and entering DL, we'll be pretty hungry and probably not want a table service meal. The kids will be anxious to ride some rides and such.

 

[Mommy2PrincessAbby]

Me again... I just LOVE helping other people plan...

Revised based on suggestions so far...

Sun Oct 5th: ???
Check in hotel around 6:30 pm. Decided to go to park this night after all--just for dinner, a couple rides in FL, and fireworks. Late dinner (around 7:30pm,) but where? What time will fireworks start do you think? (No schedule posted yet.)

--Fireworks will probably be at 9:25, at least I think they were when we were there in Oct. There aren't too many choices for sit down dinners in the park... Seems to me that we tried to do Carnation Cafe for a late(r) dinner and couldn't... so I did ressies at Cafe Orleans... which I like a lot, but is quite similar to BB, but if you can get CCafe, then do it!.


Mon Oct 6th: Chip & Dale Breakfast at Storyteller's Park opens at 10. What's the earliest time possible? (I'm assuming it's earlier than Minnie's--that's why I changed it. Otherwise maybe we'll do late ressie at Minnie's. We want to be at the DL at rope drop.

--Do an 8 am ressie here (it will open around 7 that morning probably.) Get there 10 minutes early too... Will give you plenty of time to eat (we saw 9 characters there) and then go out to line up for RD.

Need a table service dinner recommendation for tonight. Where? Only plan to be in DL today and start our CA experience tomorrow afternoon. So should pick a DL or hotel restaurant. The ones in DTD don't excite me.

--What about Rancho del Zocolo?? Haven't actually eaten there, but have heard good things on this site... Or something fancy, like Napa Rose at GCH??

Tue Oct 7th: Lunch at Blue Bayou
This is an early entry day and we plan to take advantage of that. So we'll make this an early lunch. I want to try the Monte Cristo. Still debating if we should do Cafe Orleans instead and save our BB experience for dinner one night?

--If you are going to do both CO and BB, do CO on Sunday for your arrival night... since it takes ressies. And do the 11:30 lunch at BB today.

Need a counter-service dinner recommendation at DCA tonight.

--Corn-dog castle!! or Pacific Wharf Cafe... I know 2 different things, but I can't leave without a corn dog!

Wed Oct 8th: Dinner at Goofy's Kitchen
Thinking about 6:30 after DCA has closed (at 6pm). Think we'll stick with just DCA today and no DL. Maybe even do a little DTD shopping after dinner.

Thurs Oct 9th: Breakfast with Minnie
Early entry day (8am) and we do plan to do that, then late ressie here.

Need a table service dinner recommendation for tonight. Any location should be fine. Will they have fireworks? (No schedule yet, but DL is open until 9pm.)

--Probably no fireworks... off season they are just on the weekends. Rancho if you didn't do it, or Storytellers for dinner, its quite yummy!

Fri Oct 10th: no sit-down
We fly home today at around 1:30pm. Arrive at DL for RD at 8am and leave at 11am.

--Awesome!!

Also help me fill in the holes with other counter service recommendations for missing meals and snacks. Yum!

Sooo excited that you guys inspired me to add on to our park hoppers to kind of extend our Disney experience. It will be more leisurely overall. We'll do more nap time/ pool time in the afternoons and add a couple more sit-down restaurants at night.

Thanks!

--Lisa

 

[Brady's Mom]

In DCA you could also try Taste Pilot's Grill. They have more than just burgers. My DH really likes the ribs there and he is a rib fanatic. They have to be cooked a certain way, etc., etc.!! And their kids meals include a mini burger thing that has 2 mini cheeseburgers that my 6 year old loves. And the chili fries are really good, because they put everything on there. Onions, chili, cheese, you know, the goooood stuff!