If you could choose a meal for a first timer...

[vital]

At each of your favorite places to eat, what would it be? We, me (35), ex-mother in law (50, long story) and DS (6 1/2) are going the first time in June. I LOVE steak, MIL is vegetarian, and DS eats everything but oranges. I'd like to eat steak a couple of nights but am really interested in expanding my horizins . I don't like lobster and rarely fish, but am interested in the cedar plank salmon at artist point. I'd appreciate all input. Oh, which would be the best character meal for us? I've learned so much here already! You guys are great!

 

[Yensid_MD]

We just ate at Le Cellier for the first time last week and it was incredible! If you can get ADR there do it. We each had one of the Filet offerings and they were both great. It is a small restaurant with growing popularity so it might be difficult.

We think Chef Mickey's is the best evening Character meal. We usually go prior to our first day so that the kids have seen Mickey and Minnie and it is not a quest at MK the first day to see them.

 

[disnut8]

Boma at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. You'll get a good buffet and be able to see a very pretty resort. Something for everyone. My carnivore husband sat side by side with our vegetarian friend and had a great time (he turned veggie for a while, she refrained from the meats). I've had picky eaters here and they've rolled out. The desserts (especially the zebra domes) are incredible.

For a character meal, you might want to check into 1900 Park Faire. Chef Mickey is good but maybe not for your group (quite noisy with kids and you only have one of them).

Those are ideas for outside the parks.

 

[ashresiren]

We, me (35), ex-mother in law (50, long story) and DS (6 1/2)

We've got time...

Seriously, though, my mother-in-law wouldn't take a long trip with me unless she thought it was a good opportunity to hide the body--and I'm still married to her son!

 

[jimmiej]

Boma is a great experience and wonderful food.

I would suggest 1900 Park Fare for a character meal. The setting is beautiful, a wide assortment of characters, and the breakfast is delicious! The bread pudding is sinful!

1900 Park Fare - Grand Floridian

Breakfast - Supercalifragilistic Breakfast with a variety of characters. Currently there are Mary Poppins, Alice in Wonderland, and the Mad Hatter. Breakfast items include omelet bar, pancakes, fruit, breads, meats, etc. Cost is $18.99-A and $10.99-C.

We saw Pooh there also.

 

[nigel-bigel]

While I have never tried Boma (it's on the list), I love love love Jiko - and it would easily fit all of your menu requirements. It is a pricey and leisurely meal, however, and I don't know if your little one will get squirmy.

My experience is that all of the character dinners are crazy and noisy (except CRT, but that's a whole other discussion). Personally, I have found Crystal Palace and Park Fare to be the most unpleasant.

If you can change it to a breakfast, however, head over to Cape May Cafe at the Beach Club. We go every trip! Quiet (well, quieter and relaxed, with lots of unhurried character interaction.

 

[spaceacewannabe]

We're all vegetarians, and we loved Crystal Palace (and I think they had some carved meats?). We thought 1900 Park Fare was only okay, but the boat ride to the GF was nice.

Never been to Le Cellier, but obviously it's a steakhouse. My cousin just went (she's also a vegetarian)...she generally doesn't like squash, but decided to try the butternut squash risotto anyway (they offered to make her something else, btw)...which she described as "very good." For a squash dish to get a "very good" from her, it's got to be pretty great---so we're looking forward to trying their vegetarian selections!

Good luck! (I'm also wondering about your ex-MIL...although I think it's lovely that you guys have a good enough relationship to share Disney with your son/her grandson!)

 

[shondad]

Well Sept 2005 was our first trip, me, DH, DD6, DS2 (at the time). Our first meal was whispering canyon cafe, which was a great experience, (but I will probably not visit my next trip as to be able to try other things). Chef Mickey's the day after that was a wonderful way to be introduced into the "spirit of Disney". We enjoyed our 1030 ADR on a Saturday morning there with no complaints, the kids loved it and the singing and napkin twirling, as well as the character interaction, the food was good, fresh and plentiful. We never felt rushed, and will definitely go again on our next trip!

 

[phyllis1966]

Don't shy away from Chef Mickey's because people say it's noisy - you have a young son who'll probably love it there (we really prefer the food at breakfast the most)!! If you like steak, try Le Cellier - good steaks, delicious Cheddar Cheese soup (as per DH), pretzel bread, and something for everyone. We also like (for breakfast) 1900 Park Fare, Boma (a must for us) and Crystal Palace (DH must have the Puffed French Toast on every vacation!). We skip lunch and have early dinners at Liberty Tree Tavern (like a Thanksgiving feast), Whispering Canyon Cafe (good barbecue and shenanigans), and Restaurant Marrakech (yummy food and a belly dancer!).

Have fun!