Help with selecting Restaurants - First WDW Trip

[darcoops]

Hi all,

Travelling from Australia for a 10 day WDW stay in January. First trip to WDW and it's been in the planning phase for well over 12 months. We need help on where to eat as there are so many choices. We are a Family of 5 & the Kids will be 14, 10 & 8. We have the play, stay & dine offer, and would like to keep within the TS Credits - We will have 10.

Anyway this is a list of our current ADR's - just after thoughts & opinions. We intend on cutting down especially on the buffet style dining as we will be on the Disney fantasy straight after out WDW stay, don't wanna put on to much weight!!!

Anyway below is what we currently have booked and I have placed * next to the reservations we are thinking of cancelling. Buy the way any advice on QS & snacks would be appreciated also!

01/12 - Breakfast: BOG (QS)
Dinner: Trails end Restaurant *

01/13 - Breakfast: 1900 Park Fare
Dinner: Hoop Dee Doo

01/14 - Dinner: Sci Fi

01/15 - Dinner: BOG

01/16 - Lunch: Beaches & Cream (Most likely pay out of pocket)
Dinner: O'hana

01/17 - Breakfast: Tusker House*
Dinner: Whispering Canyon

01/18 - Lunch: 50's Prime Time*
Dinner: T-Rex

01/19 Breakfast: Crystal Palace*
Lunch: BOG (QS)
Dinner: CRT

01/20 Dinner: 1900 Park Fare *

 

[ConnecticutNonna]

Personally, i think BOG breakfast is a terrible waste of dining credits. If you are going to do pre park opening, i would share a meal, or get just coffee and a cupcake and eat sometbing more substantial later, just to get an early start to the day. I see you have dinner planned there, the food is fabulous and a really good use of your credits!
Are you staying at FW? I saw you had Trail's End as well as HDDR... TE is very inexpensive and if you have to pay for a meal this would be the one to do it with! Food is good and filling, but inexpensive and not memorable.
Keep TH, great characters and food, Same for 1900 PF dinner.
Good luck!

 

[darcoops]

Personally, i think BOG breakfast is a terrible waste of dining credits. If you are going to do pre park opening, i would share a meal, or get just coffee and a cupcake and eat sometbing more substantial later, just to get an early start to the day. I see you have dinner planned there, the food is fabulous and a really good use of your credits!
Are you staying at FW? I saw you had Trail's End as well as HDDR... TE is very inexpensive and if you have yo pay for a meal this would be the one to do it with! Food is good and filling, but inexpensive and not memorable.
Keep TH, great characters and food, Same for 1900 PF dinner.
Good luck!

Hi thanks for the info.

Picked TE as I had read on these boards the fried chicken is very good and my kids love KFC (which is the best we get in Australia!!!). Anyway we now intend on going to Art's Homecoming for the fried chicken, which would be the reason for cancelling TE. Just so many choices, to hard to fit it in the 10 days. Food overload!!!!!. We will be staying at POR. Still trying to workout the logistics to get to all of these also. Also yes the BOG Breakfast & Crystal Palace are purely to just get into the parks early. Thanks again for the info & tips.

 

[cassie58]

Overall, very good choices! I would not cancel Tusker House or Crystal Palace brft. - they are our faves! Just helped cousin with his family's first trip, and they raved about Tusker House. Crystal Palace works for PPO brft, and chef is there for made-to-order omelettes, beautiful restaurant w/ view of castle, and Tigger and Pooh are the best! Tusker is also a cool setting with some African items to sample along with Mickey waffles. Late brft is good, to have some lunch items when they start shifting over. Mickey and the gang are in Safari gear.

We love Sci-Fi and Whispering Canyon(don't forget to ask for ketchup!). 1900 PF dinner is a lot of fun, haven't done brft, but would only do 1, whichever has best characters for you. It is a great way to check out the Grand Floridian.

Not sure if you are aware, but CRT and Hoop Dee Doo are both two credit meals, which would take 4 credits, leaving you 6 to divide amongst the rest of your choices.

It of course depends on food and character preferences for your family, and what parks you plan to be in each day. You don't want to have to be running around leaving parks just to eat.

QS: In MK, Columbia Harbor House and Cosmic Rays are good. In Epcot, we like Sunshine Seasons near Soarin, and of course throughout the World Showcase there is lots depending on what you like. In HS, we like Starring Rolls, and at AK Flame Tree BBQ is good.

Snacks:. In MK, Sleepy Hollow has funnel cakes and other yummy items, Aloha Isle has the famous Dole Whip. Epcot has great bakeries in Norway and France. In AK, frozen lemonades and Mickey bars are cooling, although it will be Jan. for you, and at HS cupcakes at Starring Rolls are tasty.

 

[Calee]

If you are going for the fried chicken, drop either trails end or hddr. They share a kitchen and it's the same chicken.

 

[Hopefully]

Based on reviews here, I think Chef Art's Homecoming is a great idea for fried chicken. Definitely keep HDDR. It is a wonderful evening.

 

[Nancyg56]

Hi all,

Travelling from Australia for a 10 day WDW stay in January. First trip to WDW and it's been in the planning phase for well over 12 months. We need help on where to eat as there are so many choices. We are a Family of 5 & the Kids will be 14, 10 & 8. We have the play, stay & dine offer, and would like to keep within the TS Credits - We will have 10.

Anyway this is a list of our current ADR's - just after thoughts & opinions. We intend on cutting down especially on the buffet style dining as we will be on the Disney fantasy straight after out WDW stay, don't wanna put on to much weight!!!

Anyway below is what we currently have booked and I have placed * next to the reservations we are thinking of cancelling. Buy the way any advice on QS & snacks would be appreciated also!

01/12 - Breakfast: BOG (QS)
Dinner: Trails end Restaurant *

01/13 - Breakfast: 1900 Park Fare
Dinner: Hoop Dee Doo

01/14 - Dinner: Sci Fi

01/15 - Dinner: BOG

01/16 - Lunch: Beaches & Cream (Most likely pay out of pocket)
Dinner: O'hana

01/17 - Breakfast: Tusker House*
Dinner: Whispering Canyon

01/18 - Lunch: 50's Prime Time*
Dinner: T-Rex

01/19 Breakfast: Crystal Palace*
Lunch: BOG (QS)
Dinner: CRT

01/20 Dinner: 1900 Park Fare *

I would keep BOG breakfast, try for a PPO, and then share two or three CS meals among the family. It is a good use of a CS credit if getting in teh park and in position matters. I would nto order meals for all of you, just pay for additional drinks.

Skip TE if the one reason you are going is for teh chicken. I woudl add CP for lunch or dinner, especially if you are plannign on being in teh park all day. You get a good meal, it can be the large meal of the day, holding you over, and you get teh characters.

I like 1900 PF breakfast. I also like it for dinner, Look at teh experience you want in this case. The breakfast characters are fun, but do your teens want these characters, especiall since some are the Pooh gang? DInner offers the Tremaine family, and Holy Hysterical! HDDR would be off the table if you are trying to contain your TS credits. It's fun, totally DIsney, but 2 credits.

SciFi is fun.

BOG dinner is nice if you want a good meal in the MK. I would keep it.


Is your B&C lunch on a resort or resort hopping day. I woudl nto make a special trip for it, and would never use a TS credit. It is nice, and we like it. WE do nto make a trip for it.

'Ohana is a favorite for a lot of people, I woudl keep it

If you are waffling between TH and WCC< I would skip WCC and totally keep TH. The food is good, the characters awesome, and did I say the food is good? Disclaimer: we dod nto like WCC at all. I thought the food overrated, and the noise was more than we found fun.

I see two meals in DHS< so I presume you want to see Fantasmic one night. I would choose Mama Melrose for dinner on your Fantasmic night and either PTC or Sci Fi for the other. I would not skip CS in DHS< although a lot of people have problems there. I found the backlot express is a good place to eat with plenty of seating, and portions that are good for sharing. I don't like to waste foods, so sharing CS meals works well for my family. We always get the dessert and with that and a beverage, 1 meal feeds two.

I like BOG but would not go three times in one trip. There are plenty of CS restaurants in the MK that offer good lunch and that are conducive to sharing. You see how I roll? WE stretch those CS credits so we do nto toss food, and so we don't fall into a food coma. WE like CHH, and PEcos Bill, but I woudl suggest Cosmic Rays. The meals are generous and you can split one between two easily.

I would keep CRT dinner.

I have no opinion on TREX. WE have rainforest Cafe around us and I don't like it. I am not sure it is worth visiting and using a TS credit on, but you know your family. I see you chose Homecoming, and I agree, that is a good one.

I think you have a lot of buffet breakfast planned, and given a choice, I would lose one if it gives you credits for CRT.

 

[ChasingLeslie]

I would keep 1900 Park Fare dinner and Tusker House breakfast...they were two of our favorite meals last trip. Great food variety on the buffet and wonderful characters! Crystal Palace is also a favorite...I just adore Pooh & Friends! Plus the restaurant is very bright and makes for amazing pictures.

If you do BOG breakfast, go for pre-park open. This is an even "better" credit value when you factor in empty/lighter crowd Main Street photos and early access to 7DMT.

As another poster mentioned HDD and CRT are two credit meals, so you may want to reconsider if you are trying to stay within credits. Akershus is a good alternative for a princess fix.

As for QS and snacks...go to Les Halles in Epcot. You can also use snack credits for Venti Starbucks drinks, if you like coffee. The ice cream treats at the Main Street parlor are a good use of credits, as well.

 

[Sargeant Tibbs]

I actually think your choices are fantastic. You've clearly done your homework. Perhaps a touch too much BOG, but I wouldn't cancel those until you are there. After one meal, you can decide last minute if you want a second and third time there. Just an fyi, Trails End breakfast is really good. I get the impression you might be staying at FW.

 

[Bob Dolewhip]

If you are staying at Fort a Wilderness then Trails End is great. It is not worth traveling too though when you can use that time for more park touring.
Hoop Dee Doo IS worth the trip and like a previous poster mentioned, it is the same chicken. Plus Sangria

 

[senadler]

I would agree with too much BOG, and most of the other feedback as well. Unless you have your heart set on eating at the castle, I would drop CRT. For two credits, you could choose another signature restaurant for a special night out. I thought the food at CRT, particularly for dinner, was not good at all. I had a meal at Narcoossees that same trip and there was no comparison.

 

[darcoops]

Thanks for all the info, very helpful.

At this stage TE is gone. Do people prefer Tusker House or Crystal Palace.

Also just further info required - as we have already paid for HDDR and CRT - is this refunded now we have stay play and dine and of so, how do they do the refund. Thanks again for all the info.

Also I do realise 3 visits to BOG & CRT is over board but 8 y.o DD is so excited about it. But once there will change it up if she gets her Beauty & the Beast fix. Also T-Rex is a must for 10 yo DS.

Appreciate the info, keep it coming.

 

[pangyal]

With regards to the prepaid meals- once you are there, just let them know that you'd prefer to use your dining plan credits to pay for the meals and they will process a refund to your card. It usually takes a week or two to show up on your credit card, so don't be alarmed if you don't see it for a while after you get home.

 

[LovesTimone]

Hi all,

Travelling from Australia for a 10 day WDW stay in January. First trip to WDW and it's been in the planning phase for well over 12 months. We need help on where to eat as there are so many choices. We are a Family of 5 & the Kids will be 14, 10 & 8. We have the play, stay & dine offer, and would like to keep within the TS Credits - We will have 10.

Anyway this is a list of our current ADR's - just after thoughts & opinions. We intend on cutting down especially on the buffet style dining as we will be on the Disney fantasy straight after out WDW stay, don't wanna put on to much weight!!!

Anyway below is what we currently have booked and I have placed * next to the reservations we are thinking of cancelling. Buy the way any advice on QS & snacks would be appreciated also!

01/12 - Breakfast: BOG (QS) - I would skip and have breakfast at the resort, honestly it would be tastier, and after a long flight you might want a few more minutes of sleep.
Dinner: Trails end Restaurant * Cancel... Why because Hoop Dee Doo has the same food basically - I would opt for something else inside MK or one of the monorail resorts.

01/13 - Breakfast: 1900 Park Fare - Great Breakfast but I would not go twice, If I was to choose I would go for breakfast.
Dinner: Hoop Dee Doo - I really can't comment on this type of dinning, my family is really not into this.

01/14 - Dinner: Sci Fi - Best Milkshakes and really fun atmosphere...

01/15 - Dinner: BOG - Keep this... it wonderful and you get to meet the Beast.

01/16 - Lunch: Beaches & Cream (Most likely pay out of pocket) - I would pay out of pocket here.
Dinner: O'hana - Be aware that they are always running behind with ADR's a lot of people sit and sit here. Also did you look at the menu, if you have picky eater you might have a problem, my DD's would not really eat anything. So for us not worth it.

01/17 - Breakfast: Tusker House* Keeper - Great breakfast offerings, and the Characters are so cute in the Safari outfits.
Dinner: Whispering Canyon

01/18 - Lunch: 50's Prime Time* - DH will not eat here, again not our type of dinning, and with T-Rex for dinner that 2 heavy meals close together.
Dinner: T-Rex - We love to go here... really fun, and the Dino's are "cool"

01/19 Breakfast: Crystal Palace* Keep - Breakfast with Pooh and the Gang and the food is good.
Lunch: BOG (QS) Cancel - 3 times in one trip is a bit much, go for dinner and choose a spot close to were you are at when you get hungry.
Dinner: CRT - 2 table entitlements - and I really think its about the princess 1st then the food. We did it once and that was enough for us.

01/20 Dinner: 1900 Park Fare *

If you go with Breakfast I would choose something else.

You don't have any ADR's for Epcot and they offer the most in the way of dinning than any of the other parks, lots of options. I would really check out some of the restaurants over there. Chef's of France, Tutto, Teppan Edo, Corral Reef.. to many to name.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

I love your choices! All places we adore. I would consider also Beaches and Cream at the Beach Club. Either just for ice cream ( the kitchen sink? ) or for lunch/dinner and dessert. It is a small restaurant so gets quite booked up. But it's def worth the experience we love it! It's even worth paying oop for an ice cream I would say.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Sorry forget my post I see you have Beaches and Cream that is just perfect then! Plus the cruise. Sounds amazing. Have a wonderful trip.

 

[Nancyg56]

Thanks for all the info, very helpful.

At this stage TE is gone. Do people prefer Tusker House or Crystal Palace.

Also just further info required - as we have already paid for HDDR and CRT - is this refunded now we have stay play and dine and of so, how do they do the refund. Thanks again for all the info.

Also I do realise 3 visits to BOG & CRT is over board but 8 y.o DD is so excited about it. But once there will change it up if she gets her Beauty & the Beast fix. Also T-Rex is a must for 10 yo DS.

Appreciate the info, keep it coming.

TH and CP are both good, but are different.Personally, if I was choosing breakfast, I woudl look at TH. I like the location. But if I wanted dinner, I would choose CP. There is something quite magical about sitting in the Crystal Palace in the evening. It is pretty any time of day, but evenings are especially lovely. I also appreciate the break because if we are in the MK at night, it means we are staying for evening entertainment.

AS was advised above, you can now use your credits for CRT and for HDDR. I know that this is personal preference, but given a choice of only one, I think I would choose CRT, but if your goal is Princesses, Have you considered Akershus in Epcot? I prefer breakfast, it is AYCTE and is very good, It is expensive so it is a good use of TS credit, even for breakfast. Epcot has so many really nice dining options, that it seems a shame that you have not booked any there. Young people like Coral Reef. THe food and service can be hit or miss, but it is still worth considering, as is San Angel Inn, if you like Mexican. Again, the theme is pure Disney, dining in the Pyramid!

Truthfully, I would look at the buffets, think about why you are choosing them and then explore your options. If you want to do a 2 credit meal, and you know how your family eats, you can think about choosing two TS meals that have larger portions, add an appetizer or two OOP, and then split two meals for 4 people. YOu do this twice and you have one more meal included. You will need to pay OOP for the child's additional meal, but you may be able to stretch your meals and will not be ordering food that you cannot finish. You cannot do this at Via Napolui, or any buffet, dinner show or AYCTE restaurant though, so you will need to really preplan.

AS to BOG 3 times, you will need to be very careful about canceling in a timely manner if you decide you booked it too often. You do not want to be charged with a fee.

 

[Sargeant Tibbs]

Do people prefer Tusker House or Crystal.

Pick whichever characters you'd rather see. Tusker House has the edge on food, but neither one is a bad choice.

 

[ConnecticutNonna]

TH and CP are both good, but are different.Personally, if I was choosing breakfast, I woudl look at TH. I like the location. But if I wanted dinner, I would choose CP. There is something quite magical about sitting in the Crystal Palace in the evening. It is pretty any time of day, but evenings are especially lovely. I also appreciate the break because if we are in the MK at night, it means we are staying for evening entertainment.

AS was advised above, you can now use your credits for CRT and for HDDR. I know that this is personal preference, but given a choice of only one, I think I would choose CRT, but if your goal is Princesses, Have you considered Akershus in Epcot? I prefer breakfast, it is AYCTE and is very good, It is expensive so it is a good use of TS credit, even for breakfast. Epcot has so many really nice dining options, that it seems a shame that you have not booked any there. Young people like Coral Reef. THe food and service can be hit or miss, but it is still worth considering, as is San Angel Inn, if you like Mexican. Again, the theme is pure Disney, dining in the Pyramid!

Truthfully, I would look at the buffets, think about why you are choosing them and then explore your options. If you want to do a 2 credit meal, and you know how your family eats, you can think about choosing two TS meals that have larger portions, add an appetizer or two OOP, and then split two meals for 4 people. YOu do this twice and you have one more meal included. You will need to pay OOP for the child's additional meal, but you may be able to stretch your meals and will not be ordering food that you cannot finish. You cannot do this at Via Napolui, or any buffet, dinner show or AYCTE restaurant though, so you will need to really preplan.

AS to BOG 3 times, you will need to be very careful about canceling in a timely manner if you decide you booked it too often. You do not want to be charged with a fee.

"Timely manner" for BOG is the day before, exactly as it is for all the restaurants at WDW, and the no cancellation/no show fee is also the same... $10 pp on the reservation charged to your cc. No extra added fee, or charge.

 

[darcoops]

Truthfully, I would look at the buffets, think about why you are choosing them and then explore your options. If you want to do a 2 credit meal, and you know how your family eats, you can think about choosing two TS meals that have larger portions, add an appetizer or two OOP, and then split two meals for 4 people. YOu do this twice and you have one more meal included. You will need to pay OOP for the child's additional meal, but you may be able to stretch your meals and will not be ordering food that you cannot finish. You cannot do this at Via Napolui, or any buffet, dinner show or AYCTE restaurant though, so you will need to really preplan.

Thanks for that info, was unaware you could do this. This should allow us to choose another TS option.