Help with first trip - ADRs?

[UsNew2Disney2008]

I am taking my DS who will be turning 4 for both our first trips to WDW. This is what I am thinking but curious if you think we need to do other places? Do you think dining at the same place twice is not worth it? His fav char are Tigger and Pooh right now. Thanks!

Arrival - Dinner at Crystal Palace at 5
Day 2 - Tusker House at 10, Chef Mickey's at 8
Day 3 - Crystal Palace at 8, Whispering Canyon at 5 or 7??
Day 4 - Breakfast at CM at 10

Should I try to change one of the duplicates for Garden Grill? We weren't planning on doing anything in Epcot, but could I just take the monorail over to eat or is it not worth it?

Thanks in advance!

 

[MickeyNicki]

I think they sound great!!

 

[TruBlu]

I think I'd drop Whispering Canyon and replace it with Coral Reef.

WCC is fun, but Coral Reef is just beautiful. It was DS6's favorite place when he was 4. They give you a fish guide when you are seated, and he had a blast the entire time looking for the fish. We requested a table beside the tank. It was definitely worth the wait.

He was mesmerized by the sharks, rays, etc. AND, while you are in Epcot you could go on the Finding Nemo ride and Turtle Talk with Crush. We are not huge Nemo fans, but DS loved Crush so much that we did it 3 times last year. He wanted to keep going back until he got to ask a question. He was finally picked on the third try. He asked Crush what he eats. The interaction was so funny! Crush told him that seaweed gave him "the bubbles", and bubbles floated up from the back of his shell.

It is definitely worth a trip to Epcot (especially if you have park hopper tickets.)

 

[Paparazzimama]

I think your choices are great! I definitely agree that replacing Whispering Canyon with Coral Reef would be a great idea! I like that you have Crystal Palace for a dinner and later for a breakfast since Tigger is your son's fav. I don't think you'll be disappointed with this repeat. I'm so excited for yall on your first trip! You must do a trip report so we can see how the both of you enjoyed it!

 

[GatorLady]

Hope you have a great first trip!! For us Garden Grill is a must do since my DD5 is a huge Chip and Dale fan. The restaurant also revolves and she thinks that is pretty cool too! I do agree with the OP that you should go on the Finding Nemo ride and Turtle Talk with Crush. We must have gone on the Nemo ride a dozen times last year and both my DD and DH were picked to talk to Crush. It was lots of fun!

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

Okay, the reason I picked WC was that ds is, well, a ham. He loves to interact with adults, especially if they are teasing him. SO... when you add that corn on the cob and BBQ are his favorites, that is why I picked this. Still think I should change it to a different spot?

Oh= and I forgot to list we had a 1:30 lunch at Hollywood & Vine one day. I'm on the fence about canning this one though. He really isn't THAT into Jo Jo, and the Little Einsteins are okay, but not big on his list. Thoughts?

 

[Lovemy3babes]

I'd stick with WC if you think your son would like it. The food looks awesome too!

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

is there a point where you are overdoing the TS meals with a little one?

 

[dgagnon519]

Well I am not sure what you meant by you were not planning to do in anything in Epcot, but you need park admission to get into coral reef or garden grill.
I have never been to WC. Chef Mickeys is great and I consider it a not to miss experience. Crystal Palace is wonderful especially if he is a fan. My kids are not even fans of Winnie the Pooh and loved it anyway.
Hollywood and Vine also has Handy Manny. I also want to retouch on what I said earlier. Even if it not their fav characters he might just enjoy the interaction and fun that the characters provide.
I have not tried Garden Grill as of yet but will be on our December trip.
As far the questions is there a limit with ts meals. I think it depends on your child. You would no best. My kids love to eat out at restaurants and they love character meals at Disney. Our last trip, we were there 9 days and we did 7 TS they did fine with it. They actually were upset that we had a quick breakfast. They wanted sit down breakfast like at home. Some of the CS places seem to much like fast food depending on where you go.

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

Great points to consider. We eat out a lot. DS hasn't been to Disney, but we've done a lot of Sesame Street Live shows and he LOVES the characters, so I'm thinking the meals will do well with him. The wallet might not, but the kiddo will be

 

[debit34]

is there a point where you are overdoing the TS meals with a little one?

I disagree with this comment. My dd is about the same age and she LOVES TS meals. It all depends on the kid. Our schedule is full of character meals too, it's basically our life at DW.

To the OP, I think your schedule looks great! You won't be disappointed with the places you've chosen to repeat. On the other hand, GG has great character interaction though (food is not so hot) but I would say it's one of my dd's favorite places because of Chip and Dale. They are a riot at GG.

 

[milton2]

where is the Coral Reef?

 

[septbaby]

Arrival - Dinner at Crystal Palace at 5
Day 2 - Tusker House at 10, Chef Mickey's at 8
Day 3 - Crystal Palace at 8, Whispering Canyon at 5 or 7??
Day 4 - Breakfast at CM at 10

Consider switching to 1900 Park Fare or the Playhouse Disney meal at the Hollywood Studios; both are character breakfast options. As it is also your first trip to WDW you owe it to yourself to see the Grand Floridian; it truly is a Grand and beautiful resort. Even if you just take the monorail ride there and get off and walk around, it's worth the time.

I'd also look to make a ressie at Coral Reef. He'll enjoy the Nemo and Crush attractions and the restaurant is in the same complex and features a full wall aquarium. This was actually the hardest ADR for me to lock down. We booked lunch and it was a great break after an early morning at the Magic Kingdom.

Our 5 turning 6yo loved Chef Mickey's and would have loved going twice. However, we chose not to repeat, but will head back there on this years trip.

Before the trip our 5yo told me the PH Disney characters were cute (ie. for little kids); well you would have thought they were his best friends with he met them. We're all little kids at Disney. Maybe your 4yo will have some new favorites from this trip.

Just keep repeating to yourself during the trip: "we can't do it all" and you'll be fine. Congrats on your plans and making your Dream come true!