How does a first timer even begin to plan?

[tguz]

The dining plan may still be ok for you. The qs and regular dining plans only provide 2 meals per person per day plus 2 snacks. You could still eat breakfast in you room either by food you brought, food you ordered and had delivered (grocery store), or you could use a snack credit on muffins or something like that from the food court and take them back to your room. There are lots of possibilities.

 

[DharmaLou]

Disney Food Blog, friends who go there frequently, and our TA.

 

[alltwelve]

As others have stated, I'm in agreement that as a first-timer, don't really worry too much about TS dining. Sure, food is part of the experience, but if its your first time, being worried about getting into any particular restaurant isn't going to help, and also TS restaurants tend to take up a lot of time.

The majority of the QS locations are indoors in air conditioning and offer great options. If you feel as though you're missing out on not doing a TS experience, I would suggest booking just one, and put the rest of your focus into having a great time with your 8-year old

 

[CynBeth]

I would keep the 2 days at MK and Epcot but instead of a rest day with such a short trip do AK.

 

[_19disnA]

You should first decide where you want to stay based on your budget/availability & which parks you will spend the most time at. Disney is HUGE and there is no one hotel nearest to every park. Honestly, ADR's are no big deal since people can (and often do) cancel them 1 day before the reservation, so places that seemed sold out open up all the time. If your first Disney trip, you won't have any idea how long it will take to do popular rides at various parks and/or how much time you will spend at each park. Excessive planning will just be a waste of time until you have some actual experience at Disney. Even a travel agent won't know your specific preferences for such things.

Also depends if you are one of the 'go go go' types at Disney or prefer a more relaxed and unstructured approach. What works for some other family make not be right for you.

The last thing you want to do is have meal reservations at the opposite side of the park from where you will be and spend too much time zig-zagging all over the place (also true for Fast Passes). I would relax and enjoy your trip and not worry about planning every minute of your visit.

 

[JennyDrake]

Disney's quick service restaurants have really improved over the last few years, but it is a great idea to read thru the menus and have a few names in mind so when hunger hits you are prepared.

You should, however, make an ADR for a great table service place on your resort day, right at beach club or yacht club if you plan a lazy day pool side. It is wonderful to have a nice meal, then a short walk home to cap off a relaxing day.

I'm going to echo this. Your budget is the first and foremost consideration.

Given that this is your first time and as PPer noted about the amount of time and money to eat, _I_ would plan only ONE sit down on your rest day -- for now, You can always try to add more later once you are there and get your bearing--IF you so choose.

_I_ am a Hard Core Foodie but even I have dropped to 0-1 ADR per trip. I simply can't justify the cost.