Help with one meal idea

[Nikciburd]

Ok, let me start by saying I’m a Disney novice. I decided to book Disney 6 months and 3 days prior to our trip which gave me 3 days to figure out our Dining. I had no clue what I was doing so I have many regrets. That said, it is what it is, and I’m moving forward.

Our trip is from 8/23-8/30. We are a party of 7 (4 real adults), 1 10 year old, and 2 children. We have the Disney regular dining plan. I have reservations booked at Crystal Palacce, Ragland Road, Turkey House, Biergarten, BOG, Sci-Fi Diner and HOllywood and Vine. I need one more Table Service. Currently, I have a Spice Road booked at 5:30 on 8/28 but I’m not sure about this one based some reviews on TripAdvisor. Also, it doesn’t seem to be a Big Bang for the buck but neither is Sci-Fi cafe.

So my question is what do you recommend that I could likely get on short notice. There are other options available. I’d like to keep it around 5:30 but am slightly flexible (we are eating lunch at Sci-Fi at 11:55). We have Park Hoppers so can go anywhere for the evening. I really don’t think I’ll want to go back to Animal Kingdom so I’m primarily loooking at monorail locations. I almost booked the Hoop-de-hoop show but after thinking about all the transportation required from staying at Coronado and the two credits, I decided to back out. If you think it’s a must-do then I probably could rebook it and pay OOP at Sci-fi. I’m not sure it’s worth it. I’ve also considered a Garden Grove (I think that’s what it was called) ADR that’s available. Also, it’s worth mentioning that it’s a Halloween Party Night and we do not have tickets. So it looks like Epcot or Epcot resorts nearby are the best bet. What do you think? Oh and one final thing, we are not Signature dining people. Well, actually the adults would be but our kids can be kids and I don’t even want to bother with that headache. So things that have entertainment built in for the kids are always welcomed.

You guys rock if you read that all and decided to respond. Many thanks in advance.

 

[KenHutch]

Do you have a touringplans.com dining search set up? I would suggest my girls favorite place Ohana. I can be hard to get but many people here have recorded success with the touringplans finder. And I feel your pain about Sci-Fi. Its one of my favorite restaurants but I refer to it as a CS impersonating a TS. But the theming is incredible and the food is good.

 

[Nikciburd]

Thank you for your reply!!!! I don’t have a touring plans dining search BUT I DO have tourinplans so I can probably do that. I guess I just have no idea what a good choice would be at this point. I can try the Ohana. Is that animal kingdom lodge?

The sci-fi cafe was too good to pass up when I read about it 3 days before our trip (before I knew we would get free dining successfully) because my 10 year old LOVES old tv shows and movies.

 

[KenHutch]

Thank you for your reply!!!! I don’t have a touring plans dining search BUT I DO have tourinplans so I can probably do that. I guess I just have no idea what a good choice would be at this point. I can try the Ohana. Is that animal kingdom lodge?

The sci-fi cafe was too good to pass up when I read about it 3 days before our trip (before I knew we would get free dining successfully) because my 10 year old LOVES old tv shows and movies.

Ohana is in the Poly and we eat at least one breakfast and 2 dinners there each trip. And you will love the Sci-Fi. I started going there because I love the old drive-ins. I have drive in speakers on my office wall and pictures of classic driveins. When you go to the Sci-Fi ask about their specialty burger for the month. And if you want bang for your buck they do serve a steak there as well.

 

[ShirikiUtundu]

What kind of regrets? There are so very few restaurants that need to be booked at 180 days, even for 7 people.
I recommend Via Napoli if you want to stay in Epcot, Cape May Cafe at the Beach Club if you are seafood fans, or Beaches & Cream (also Beach Club) if you just want some no fuss food and sundaes.

 

[sharonabe]

Well, actually the adults would be but our kids can be kids and I don’t even want to bother with that headache. So things that have entertainment built in for the kids are always welcomed.

Coral Reef might be a good compromise for this part. You're eating "inside" the aquarium, so there's entertainment for the kids and the menu has some interesting things for the adults and regular kid fare for the kids. It's in EP.

 

[Nikciburd]

What kind of regrets? There are so very few restaurants that need to be booked at 180 days, even for 7 people.
I recommend Via Napoli if you want to stay in Epcot, Cape May Cafe at the Beach Club if you are seafood fans, or Beaches & Cream (also Beach Club) if you just want some no fuss food and sundaes.

Thank you! 3/4 of the adults like seafood and 1/3 of the kids. We are from New England though and I worry my seafood afficionado family members won’t be impressed. I hate to sound snobby because I’m the one who doesn’t like it so what do i know. Lol I just know our area is known for its sea food.

My main regrets are that I wish I could move some of the days around because I didn’t know about Halloween parties and such plus i missed a few good restaurants that I probably could have got reservations to if I had had the time to really research (I’m a teacher so I was working and didn’t have the time to obsess like I do now.haha). But I think I still did alright by what I’ve read. I know Hollywood & Vine might be sketchy but I’m getting the fantasmic package.

 

[Nikciburd]

Coral Reef might be a good compromise for this part. You're eating "inside" the aquarium, so there's entertainment for the kids and the menu has some interesting things for the adults and regular kid fare for the kids. It's in EP.

I thought of that. Their only opening is at like 3:30 or 4:00 or something so far, which is probably too early since we are going to have a TS lunch that day too. But see my above post for concerns about Disney seafood.

 

[sharonabe]

I thought of that. Their only opening is at like 3:30 or 4:00 or something so far, which is probably too early since we are going to have a TS lunch that day too. But see my above post for concerns about Disney seafood.

Well, there is that.

If you're okay with another character meal, 1900 Park Fare would be fun. The step-sisters are hilarious. It's a Grand Floridian, so you could take the bus from HS directly there.

 

[MomOTwins]

I feel you, Disney reservations can be tough for large groups. If you are not finding a lot of dinner availability, one option could be to book a table service lunch another day and just have counter service for dinner on 8/28.

Garden Grove does not accept the dining plan, so don't go there.

On 8/28, I see a 5:30 reservation for 7 people at San Angel Inn at Epcot, which is not the world's greatest mexican food, but the ambiance is second to none and really fun for the kids it is inside the pyramid in Epcot, with a view of the "volcano"--which my kids are convinced is real--and the indoor river ride, and it is designed to feel like a outdoor patio restaurant at night, so is really pretty with strings of lights overhead.

If you could eat a bit earlier, there is a 4:50pm reservation open now for Chefs de France in Epcot, which is family friendly but good french cuisine.

A little later that night, there is also a 6:25pm at Tusker House which is a great 1-credit value and a really fun and tasty character buffet in Animal Kingdom.

 

[MomOTwins]

What kind of regrets? There are so very few restaurants that need to be booked at 180 days, even for 7 people.
I recommend Via Napoli if you want to stay in Epcot, Cape May Cafe at the Beach Club if you are seafood fans, or Beaches & Cream (also Beach Club) if you just want some no fuss food and sundaes.

Yes, but OP is less than a month away now and looking for 7 people. I have had a touringplans reservation finder for both beaches and cream and cape may cafe for 3 months and no luck except one 9pm reservation at Cape May that is way too late for us--I think those are harder to get that you realize. Nor have I seen any availability at via napoli for dinner, although it does seem to be easier to get at lunchtime, so that is an option.

 

[CraigInPA]

Have you considered The Wave at the Contemporary?

Note that while you're about a month away, people's plans change seemingly up to the minute. Load the Disney app onto your phone and check it during the week you are there for last minute dining availability. I've been able to snag hard to obtain ADR's at 'Ohana and Be Our Guest at desirable times a day or two before.

 

[sponica]

Speaking from experience, I wouldn't do much earlier than 530 with a noon-ish lunch.

I've never done Garden Grill dinner, but their breakfast is fun. I know the odds are low of moving the sci fi to dinner and doing a breakfast at Garden Grill. If that was doable, that would be my choice.

I second @CraigInPA . When I went a few months ago, I logged in around 10 PM and was able to move my Ohana breakfast the next morning to a more desirable time.

 

[Nancyg56]

I also looked at 8/28 and saw Coral Reef for 7 people. I have not dined there in quite some time however I think the kids will really like it. I am from CT and know good seafood too, and I do nto expect our New England flavors to be the same when in any Disney restaurant. I love our own here.

I also saw Trattoria a Forno, on the Boardwalk. It is a family favorite, good food, service and located on a fun place to visit after dinner.

I am not a fan of Whispering canyon Café in the Wilderness Lodge, but it does have a large following of folks who do like it. There is availability there as well. The place is known for is rustic food and antics rom the wait staff.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Based on current availability for 7 on 8/28, here are my suggestions:

Trattoria al Forno - it's on the Boardwalk, an easy boat ride (or walk) from DHS. The food is good and, after dinner, you can watch the jugglers and entertainers on the Boardwalk, play carnival games, even rent a surrey bike. You could even walk into EP for a stroll since you have PH. It makes for nice evening. After dinner, either take a bus back to your resort via DHS or, if you've gone through EP, from there.

Whispering Canyon Cafe - lots of fun, good food, WL is gorgeous. After dinner, take a boat over to Ft. W to see the stables and play on the playground. You can then boat back to MK and take a bus to your resort from there.

Splitsville - dinner and bowling!

Spice Road Table - we've had good meals there, but there isn't much of an entertainment factor for the kids.

Kona Cafe - food is good, Poly is gorgeous! try getting into Trader Sam's prior to 8 pm with the kids. Not on the DDP, but the "mocktails" are only $4.99 and you can sit and watch the effects and antics while others order the exorbitantly priced beverages!

 

[Nikciburd]

Well, there is that.

If you're okay with another character meal, 1900 Park Fare would be fun. The step-sisters are hilarious. It's a Grand Floridian, so you could take the bus from HS directly there.

Nothing that night but thank you!! I’ll keep an eye out for it. I’ve heard that mentioned a few times so I’ll see if I can snag one.

 

[Nikciburd]

I feel you, Disney reservations can be tough for large groups. If you are not finding a lot of dinner availability, one option could be to book a table service lunch another day and just have counter service for dinner on 8/28.

Garden Grove does not accept the dining plan, so don't go there.

On 8/28, I see a 5:30 reservation for 7 people at San Angel Inn at Epcot, which is not the world's greatest mexican food, but the ambiance is second to none and really fun for the kids it is inside the pyramid in Epcot, with a view of the "volcano"--which my kids are convinced is real--and the indoor river ride, and it is designed to feel like a outdoor patio restaurant at night, so is really pretty with strings of lights overhead.

If you could eat a bit earlier, there is a 4:50pm reservation open now for Chefs de France in Epcot, which is family friendly but good french cuisine.

A little later that night, there is also a 6:25pm at Tusker House which is a great 1-credit value and a really fun and tasty character buffet in Animal Kingdom.

Thanks. I actually had a reservation at La Hacienda San Angel (which I believe is different but again I get confused since i’m A newbie). I cancelled it when I didn’t see many people talking about it here so I thought it wouldn’t be worth it plus boring for the kids. I also heard mixed reviews for the San Angel Inn but if the theming is nice I could be game.

 

[Nikciburd]

Have you considered The Wave at the Contemporary?

Note that while you're about a month away, people's plans change seemingly up to the minute. Load the Disney app onto your phone and check it during the week you are there for last minute dining availability. I've been able to snag hard to obtain ADR's at 'Ohana and Be Our Guest at desirable times a day or two before.

Yes! Thank you! I figured that I might have more luck the week I’m there then now when most people probably aren’t making changing (unlike me who keeps obsessing and changing things....Disney is probably going to shut down my account for all the reservation changes I keep making and moving).

 

[Nikciburd]

Based on current availability for 7 on 8/28, here are my suggestions:

Trattoria al Forno - it's on the Boardwalk, an easy boat ride (or walk) from DHS. The food is good and, after dinner, you can watch the jugglers and entertainers on the Boardwalk, play carnival games, even rent a surrey bike. You could even walk into EP for a stroll since you have PH. It makes for nice evening. After dinner, either take a bus back to your resort via DHS or, if you've gone through EP, from there.

Whispering Canyon Cafe - lots of fun, good food, WL is gorgeous. After dinner, take a boat over to Ft. W to see the stables and play on the playground. You can then boat back to MK and take a bus to your resort from there.

Splitsville - dinner and bowling!

Spice Road Table - we've had good meals there, but there isn't much of an entertainment factor for the kids.

Kona Cafe - food is good, Poly is gorgeous! try getting into Trader Sam's prior to 8 pm with the kids. Not on the DDP, but the "mocktails" are only $4.99 and you can sit and watch the effects and antics while others order the exorbitantly priced beverages!

Thank you for taking the time to look it up! I will consider them all for sure.

I think it’s worth mentioning that we are going back to Coronado around 2pm and probably stay there for at least a few hours to recharge. It is August after all. So I actually just booked the Maya Grill at Coronado. Does anyone have experience with this? We don’t really have much time at the resort scheduled other than a few hours in the afternoon each day so maybe one night where we don’t have to rush out would be nice. I got it for 5:45 and then maybe we could go out after to Epcot or Animal Kingdom if we didn’t melt there the Saturday before. Maybe I’ll just leave it as Maya grill and maybe change it if something awesome comes along later when we’re there. That way I can get a feel for how tired we all are. I might even be able to convince my in-laws to use that reservation with the 3 year old while we take on another park. They might be tired of touring by then. Ahhh so many choices and it’s all on me. Too much pressure. Haha

 

[LBlovesM&WDW]

We love Hoop Dee Doo and think it's worth the effort to get there. You can go to MK and then take a boat to the resort. It's really not that hard. We have stayed at CS before and eaten at MG. It was fine, but nothing spectacular. Sci-Fi is a really neat atmosphere with good burgers and shakes, so keep that.