Help with ADRs PLEASE

[pbthompson]

I don't know what my problem is. I was so excited when I booked this trip and now I am not really looking forward to it at all. We went in 2006 and had a fantastic time. I don't know if I am afraid it won't go as well as that one or what?? Has this ever happened to anyone else?

Anyway, I can call tomorrow for my ADRs and I am having a hard time getting it down on paper. We have the dining plan (as does 18 million others) and these are the places we would like to go. Does anyone have any order or time suggestions?? I am traveling with my two kids 12 and 14. I want to have a relaxed time, not stressing and running around. I know some of you may think my kids are a bit old for the character dining, but they love them.

Cinderellas Royal Table for Breakfast (2TS) prefer later in the morning like 8-9 I am not sure when the last time slot is available and if we go at the latest slot will the food be as good?

Chef Mickey's for dinner (TS) I don't care when we go here sometime after 5 I guess.

Mama Melrose with Fantasmic package (TS) Fantasmic is showing once nightly(sun the day we arrive, Tuesday and Thursday) Which day would be less crowded? Timing will be an issue here.

Tusker House for dinner (TS) Again, I don't care about the time.

Ohana for dinner (TS) we figured we would try to catch Wishes and the Electric water parade while we were there. Timing will be an issue here.

We have one more TS that I am not sure what to do with. We are flexible on the resturants as well, but these are the ones that we are interested in. I was thinking maybe Crystal Palace for breakfast?? Last time we were there we did Sci Fi, Coral Reef, Chef Mickeys, CRT, California Grill. The kids were not overly impressed with the resturants. They loved Chef Mickey's and CRT.

So anyone have any suggestions, tips, advice??

 

[mpetti]

Don't stress yourself out. You are going on vacation and you will have a great time with your children no matter what you do. Everyone in my family loves Character meals. Age isn't a factor when it comes to WDW. CRT we did for breakfast our last trip. Our time was 8am and the food is always the same. It was very good and I think you all will love it. Just the idea of being in the castle. What about Chef Mickey's for Breakfast? We always like CM more so for breakfast then dinner. Since you have an extra TS you could do both. There is a lot of character interaction at CM. I think Ohana around the timing of Wishes would be excellent. I have the same idea for our next trip. I bet if you can get a ADR's around 8pm you should be able to see Wishes. Hey you are almost at your 90 day mark that's so exciting. Just take it one step at a time. Hope I helped some. Good Luck & Enjoy.

Maryann

 

[pbthompson]

That is a good idea. We liked Chef Mickey's last time. We are staying at the Pop. I have read it is kind of a hassle to get from the Pop to the Contemp. for the breakfasts so that is why I was thinking about CP. Have you ever tried Crystal Palace? Would it be worth the trip?

 

[Sandy321]

Have a back up plan - if you cant get CRT for breakfast - do a lunch - tour the park and then have lunch then back to the resort for a break!

Crystal Palace for breakfast - again, with it being a character meal - I think it takes longer to have breakfast... or any meals, because of the anticipation of characters, the parade, etc - so keep that in mind - its going to be a relaxing slow paced meal!

We did Mama Melrose for FDP - and honestly you will have less crowds getting the earliest time - but thats like 3:30 so have a plan to buy food or bring food into the Fantasmic and eat it while you wait (the crowds at Fantasmic are reported to be high - so an hour and half before time is a good plan)

or think about getting Hollywood and Vine - its a buffet and goes a bit faster...

For a fun/different adr at Epcot, coral reef has the aquarium while you eat, biergarten has the German music - and if you havent done the Japanese (like Benihana) the kids may enjoy that as well... DD really enjoys 1900 Park Fare Dinner - the step family really they are snarky and funny - and the food is good!! Lots of dessert options - including ice cream!!

 

[Sandy321]

That is a good idea. We liked Chef Mickey's last time. We are staying at the Pop. I have read it is kind of a hassle to get from the Pop to the Contemp. for the breakfasts so that is why I was thinking about CP. Have you ever tried Crystal Palace? Would it be worth the trip?

If you and your family enjoy CM - then do it - from Pop you take the morning MK bus - and sometimes that first bus will ask if anyone is going to chef mickeys - if not - its really a short walk from MK on the sidewalk over to contemp. I think it may depend on your ressie time, and how many people are on the bus... it doesnt hurt to ask the bus driver -

 

[MGNA]

This is our first trip to Disney so I'm far from an expert! I've viewd pictures, posts, reviews for Tutto Italia and would definitely add that to the list. Unfortunately we've been unable to make reservations there because it's booked but I'll keep trying.

My boys are younger but we have reservations at Ohana for a character breakfast. I wanted a Princess breakfast but am outnumbered. The boys have told me that "Princesses are for girls".

Sanaa is a new restaurant that opened last week, I believe. I made reservations there but cancelled because I wasn't sure about the menu offering. If it were just the two of us it would be on our list. When I made the reservation the CM suggested we request a table by the window so that we could watch the animals.

Have fun deciding!

 

[pbthompson]

Oh Jez, I am having trouble coming up with my first choices, nevermind back ups!!

Maybe I could use the Crystal Palace and Chef Mickeys (lunch/dinner as a backup and vice versa).

I know it is rather odd we don't have a TS at Epcot. My kids go to Disney for the rides and atmosphere not the food. My husband isn't going with me so we are gearing the trip toward their wants (as usual)

I will go over my books again and see if I can come up with some back ups. I have never even heard of Sanna or Tutto Italia.

Do you guys normally have dinner at places that are having EMH at night or do you avoid them? What about breakfast at the parks that have EMH in the am?

 

[Sandy321]

If a park has an am EMH - I'd plan on a lunch - get to rope drop enjoy the low crowds get everything done, eat lunch go back to the resort for rest and swimming...

since you're not planning on Epcot (have you heard about the Kim Possible adventures in EPCOT? DD loves test track -fastest ride at Disney!)

I wouldnt add Saana or Tutto based on your post - its time consuming getting to Animal Kingdom Lodge - if I was to do a TS at AKL - it would be Boma - but I think your touring at AK is going to be enough - along with the adr you want there... Tutto is at EPCOT and I think its a little too high end - unless your kids really love Olive Garden/Italian restaurants...

Yes, that's what I meant for back ups -

if you cant get CRT for breakfast - what about lunch
same of Chef Mickeys - sometimes you can say earliest breakfast or just ask what's available...

for the food at CRT - I think I really prefer the Lunch menu where you order and they make it - breakfast is all you can eat type where they bring it to you - but I think no matter when your adr are is - its CRT, its fine!! so I wouldnt hesitate to take any available adr they have!

good luck!!

 

[septbaby]

Have you done CRT before? If so don't stress over it. Instead book something for you to get excited about: pick the Signature meal that most appeals to you. We absolutely loved Narcoossee's, but there are others that might also appeal to you. You kids are old enough to enjoy places like that (our 5yo enjoyed Narcoossee's) and to understand "this one is for Mom".

If you stick with the plan you have I wouldn't book that last TS meal, your kids are at a great age for Beaches and Cream or ESPN Club and you don't need an ADR to dine at either place.

 

[pbthompson]

We have done CRT before. My kids loved it.

We arrive on the 16th of August (Sun) we will be there around noon but I figured we would hit MK since they have EMH that night. Hit CS somewhere. This is one of the nights they are offering Fantasmic but I think it would be asking to much of my kids to sit for a show for 90 mins on their first day. I think we will try for Tues or Thurs show.

17th Mon

18th Tues Hang around DS for the day and then hit Mama Melrose Fantasmic pkg this will give me one extra day to catch Fantasmic in case of rain or something.

19th Wed

20th Thur

21st Fri my DD Bday Ohana for dinner (ressies around 8) to see Wishes and the Elec. Water Pag from the beach.

22nd Sat

23rd Sun Crystal Palace for breakfast then maybe a water park we are leaving late afternoon.

So where do I stick CRT (I would prefer breakfast), Chef Mickey's, Tusker House. I am a bit nervous about the Tusker House. I don't know if my kids will like it. They are into the basics. They enjoy breakfast but I don't want them to eat a big breakfast and then see it again later on the rides if you know what I mean. I also want to hit the water parks and DTD. JEZ, I have 12 hours until I can call and I am stressing.

 

[Sandy321]

We have done CRT before. My kids loved it.

We arrive on the 16th of August (Sun) we will be there around noon but I figured we would hit MK since they have EMH that night. Hit CS somewhere. This is one of the nights they are offering Fantasmic but I think it would be asking to much of my kids to sit for a show for 90 mins on their first day. I think we will try for Tues or Thurs show.I totally agree

17th MonIF you are doing a late emh - then plan to sleep in - Not sure what the park hours are - but this may be your AK day? Sounds like a Chef Mickey could go here - or if you try for CRT any day - do it for later in the morning so you can sleep in

18th Tues Hang around DS for the day and then hit Mama Melrose Fantasmic pkg this will give me one extra day to catch Fantasmic in case of rain or something.Good Plan hit it early for Toy Story...? In August I expect they'll run out of FP

19th Wed

20th Thur

21st Fri my DD Bday Ohana for dinner (ressies around 8) to see Wishes and the Elec. Water Pag from the beach.

22nd Sat

23rd Sun Crystal Palace for breakfast then maybe a water park we are leaving late afternoon.

So where do I stick CRT (I would prefer breakfast), Chef Mickey's, Tusker House. I am a bit nervous about the Tusker House. I don't know if my kids will like it. They are into the basics. They enjoy breakfast but I don't want them to eat a big breakfast and then see it again later on the rides if you know what I mean. I also want to hit the water parks and DTD. JEZ, I have 12 hours until I can call and I am stressing.

I wouldnt worry about Tusker House Breakfast - just dont plan on it first thing and you'll be fine!

Not sure what the hours are - but since you prefer breakfast ask for that first - get it out of the way - I tend to plan my park days then fit the adr's around that schedule... and when I had to do a CRT - I let the adr pick that!! (one time it was only available one day during our stay!)

Ohana - do you know when the parade is? I thought it was around 6 but that was when we were there in the winter!! We did MK then took the boat over to Poly for Ohana - and we ran into the Electric Parade! That was so cool!!

You'll do fine - you are going to DISNEY!! Prepare for the lines to be very very busy due to the first day of free dining! Lots of posts talk about not getting on and thru! Good Luck!

Go for CRT first then your Fantasmic Dining Package!

 

[septbaby]

We have done CRT before. My kids loved it.

We arrive on the 16th of August (Sun) we will be there around noon but I figured we would hit MK since they have EMH that night. Hit CS somewhere. This is one of the nights they are offering Fantasmic but I think it would be asking to much of my kids to sit for a show for 90 mins on their first day. I think we will try for Tues or Thurs show.

17th Mon

18th Tues Hang around DS for the day and then hit Mama Melrose Fantasmic pkg this will give me one extra day to catch Fantasmic in case of rain or something.

19th Wed

20th Thur

21st Fri my DD Bday Ohana for dinner (ressies around 8) to see Wishes and the Elec. Water Pag from the beach.

22nd Sat

23rd Sun Crystal Palace for breakfast then maybe a water park we are leaving late afternoon.

So where do I stick CRT (I would prefer breakfast), Chef Mickey's, Tusker House. I am a bit nervous about the Tusker House. I don't know if my kids will like it. They are into the basics. They enjoy breakfast but I don't want them to eat a big breakfast and then see it again later on the rides if you know what I mean. I also want to hit the water parks and DTD. JEZ, I have 12 hours until I can call and I am stressing.

How about the water park on your arrival day, its open til 7pm. Then dinner at Chef Mickey's?

Hope you get CRT breakfat for that first morning in the park, Monday. If you can't get it then, try for Wed or Thu.

If you want the food you'll find at Tusker House, try Boma for Dinner after the your day at AK. AKL is only about a 5 min bus ride to AKL.

If its another character meal you want to fit in then consider 1900 Park Fare, I read the step family is really fun.

 

[SilverL]

If you're dining in the AM, the earliest time slots are usually the best. Food hasn't been out long, crowds haven't had time to form, and the characters are not beat.

Lunch and dinner times are usually dependent upon each other. Make SURE that you leave plenty of time in between meals! If you have a late lunch, have a very late dinner. Also, if you intend to catch something like a parade in the park after your meal, I would try to schedule your meal 2 hours before the start time. Then you have lots of time and won't miss anything. If you're dining at a resort and intend to get back to the park to catch something, you'll probably want to eat 3 hours before so that you have plenty of time to wait, be seated, have your order taken, eat, and get to the park without having to worry about what time it is.

I let those things guide me in making my reservations.

Also, when I've scheduled one meal it gives me a better idea of what time to eat again. I know that we're eating at 5pm one day, so we are intending to have a counter service lunch early - around noon. On another day we are not dining until 7:30, so lunch will be a little earlier.

Think about what time you normally eat and how long you typically wait in between meals if you have no time constraints to factor in. That's your best guideline.

 

[pbthompson]

So how do you plan your park days? I know this is a bit off topic here, but if my ADRs is based on that plan I was wondering how you do it. I have read too many posts. Some say hit the EMH others avoid it.

We arrive on the 16th of August (Sun) we will be there around noon but I figured we would hit MK since they have EMH that night. Hit CS somewhere. This is one of the nights they are offering Fantasmic but I think it would be asking to much of my kids to sit for a show for 90 mins on their first day. I think we will try for Tues or Thurs show.I totally agree DONE We could switch out and hit a water park too. Good idea.

17th Mon DS EMH morning and AK EMH evening We are not going to DS this day because we are going on Tues. So I am leaning toward AK for the day. Where would we eat? I was thinking the Flame Tree.

18th Tues Hang around DS for the day and then hit Mama Melrose Fantasmic pkg this will give me one extra day to catch Fantasmic in case of rain or something. Good Plan hit it early for Toy Story...? In August I expect they'll run out of FP DONE

19th Wed AK EMH morning, DS EMH evening. Open day since we hit AK on Monday and DS yesterday. Maybe DTD. I want to hit Disneyquest during the day since we have never been. Maybe this would be a good day for CRT since DTD doesn't open until later.

20th Thur BB/MK EMH morning and EP EMH evening. Thinking BB and Epcot, my kids LOVED BB. Epcot not so much but we want to see Illuminations.

21st Fri my DD Bday Ohana for dinner (ressies around 8) to see Wishes and the Elec. Water Pag from the beach. According to the site the pagent should pass the Poly around 9pm, Wishes are at 10. So what to do during the day? DS EMH morning and MK EMH evening.

22nd Sat AK EMH morning, no EMH listed evening Free day, hit whatever we want.

23rd Sun Crystal Palace for breakfast then maybe a water park we are leaving late afternoon.

I don't want to overbook myself. I want to relax and have fun. Thank you all for your input. I really appreciate it. I feel you are dragging me through this kicking and screaming. I am getting a bit more excited now.