Here's what I have planned , any comments/suggestions?

[patsal]

This is going to be a very child centered trip. DH and I went in May alone and the kids still have no idea that we are going on June 25th. That being said, I have picked restaurants based on the "child appeal".
Whispering Canyon (have never been)
Donald's Breakfastasaurus (loved it at Easter time)
Hollywood and Vine (never been, but my parents thought the kids would enjoy it)
Crystal Palace (we've tried this before for lunch and enjoyed the respite from the crowds and sun)
Sci-Fi ( have been before and the kids really love this place--It is safe so long as we stick to Burgers, fries and shakes)
Cape May Clam Bake (the kids loved this at Easter time as well)
Since we are staying at OKW and BCV we will have the fridge and microwave so the "other meals" are covered. Occasionally the kids like to venture off property to Jungle Jims so there is room for thatin the itinerary as well. I'm still thinking I might want to add one great meal into this since I won't be visiting again until August 2004. I figure maybe something at Epcot or on the Boardwalk--Flying FIsh or Spoodles? My kids are very well behaved so that is not a concern, I just want this trip to be as child centered as possible--DS starts Middle School in the fall so needless to say he is getting older
.

 

[MHopkins2]

How about one special evening out for the grownups, and the kids can go to the BW Kids Club? Or maybe the Neverland Club at the Poly, to make it convenient for you and DH to go to one of the MK resort restaurants? I don't have kids, but have heard rave reviews from folks who do about those clubs (esp the Neverland), so it wouldn't be taking away from the "kid centered"ness of your trip.

 

[DISNEYFAMILYOFFOUR]

Just to let you know, the charactor meal at H & V was cancelled in April. We had reservations then they called us in April to tell us that it was no longer going to be a character meal venue. We were dissappointed.

 

[patsal]

MHopkins2- we have let the kids go to the Peter Pan CLub on our other vacations, mostly so they could get away from us--two weeks in the same room and at the parks, etc. I thought they'd need a break. But this is just a quick six day trip on a budget so I'd ratehr take them with me to eat than pay $80. on top of the dinner price to keep them entertained! Great suggestion though if it were a longer trip.

DISNEYFAMILYOFFOUR-Thanks for the information,but I booked the Fantasmic Dinner package so they wouldn't have to stand in line so long. As far as characters that would have been nice, but not a biggie for us since we have Breakfastasaurus and Crystal Palace planned. I thought they only had characters at H&V at breakfast and lunch--both of them were discontinued also (I found out when I tried for a lunch PS rather than the Fantasmic Pkg.)
Anyone know about the atmosphere at Spoodles and/or Flying Fish--are they ok for a well behaved 8 and 11 year old? I have been to CG and I know that I could have taken them there with no problems except that there wasn't much on the menu they would enjoy.

 

[MHopkins2]

Originally posted by patsal
I'd rather take them with me to eat than pay $80. on top of the dinner price to keep them entertained!

*gulp* Holy potatoes! I had no idea it was that expensive! Ouch!! Moving on...

Anyone know about the atmosphere at Spoodles and/or Flying Fish--are they ok for a well behaved 8 and 11 year old? I have been to CG and I know that I could have taken them there with no problems except that there wasn't much on the menu they would enjoy.

Atmosphere at the Flying Fish is pretty similar to that of the CG, if even a little more frenetic - but you might have the same menu problems. Spoodles is more like a huge family dining room in the country - big rough hewn wooden tables and chairs, with a good amount of kids the night I was there in March. Both would be fine atmosphere-wise, but I have to say that I personally was not a big fan of the food at either one. I know the FF is on a lot of people's Top 5 list, though, so YMMV. My favorite restaurant in that neck of the woods is Palio at the Swan, but that's more of an adults place. (Kids allowed certainly, but it's semi-dark and pretty quiet, so they might be bored.)

 

[patsal]

MHopkins2-Thanks so much. That will help out with the plan to take them along. I guess I'll just "wing it" with either of those two--maybe I will check out menus on wdwig for both. Since we are staying at BCV the last two days I guess walking over to the boardwalk wouldn't be a bad idea if time permits this dinner happen! On a alighter note for the $10.00 per child per hour the Peter Pan club is really a great facility and the kids do get great attention. It is just a little steep to do every trip tagged onto the "expensive adult dining option!"

 

[Terk-1]

I would recommend the following places:
Magic Kingdom:
1. Crystal Palace -- this is a sit-down character buffet meal. This is a great place to dine.

2. Liberty Tree Tavern -- this is a sit-down, family-style character meal. Good meal (like a Thanksgiving meal).

3. For a quick meal, I like Casey's on Main Street (next to the Crystal Palace).

EPCOT:
1. Garden Grill -- this is a sit-down, family-style character meal. Very good. The room slowly (very slowly) around some of the areas of The Land attraction.

2. For a quick meal, I like the Seasons Foodcourt in The Land pavilion. Different things to eat.

MGM Studios:
1. 50's Primetime Cafe -- this is a sit-down menu meal. The decor is cute and the food is good.

2. Sci-Fi Theater -- this is a sit-down menu meal. The tables are actually in cars with a drive-in movie screen showing clips from all the B sci-fi movies & some cartoons. The food is good and the atmosphere is great.

Animal Kingdom:
1. Tusker House -- this is a nice counter-service place to eat and the food is very good. You can sit inside or outside on the patio.

Resorts:
1. 1900 Park Fare @ Grand Floridian -- this is a character, buffett meal and is very good.

2. O'Hana's @ Polynesian -- this is a family-style dinner with games for the kids to play. Food is very good.

3. Beaches & Cream @ Beach Club -- this is a menu meal, but alot of fun. It's like being in an old-fashioned ice cream parlor. Food is tasty. Check out the "Kitchen Sink."

4. Spoodle's @ the Boardwalk -- this is a menu meal. I dined here for the first time on my last trip and it was fantastic!

5. Chef Mickey's (Breakfast ONLY) -- this is a buffet, character meal. Breakfast is good. I'm probably part of the Minority, but I thought dinner here was AWFUL! IF I went back it would be for breakfast only.