Last minute ADR's

[jajarino]

Our trip to WDW is in 2 weeks. I didn't realize the importance of ADR's. Now I am confused and overwhelmed. It's been 13 years since we have been to WDW and besides the Crystal Palace, don't know any of the other places to eat.

We are visiting 4 days, staying off property and visiting MK, EP, and MGM/DS. The fourth day, we are letting my 6 y/o decide which park she liked the best and go back to that one.

I know everyone has their preferences and I've read alot of posts on the different places to eat, but I am on overload. I'm pretty sure we'd like a character meal somewhere, but not sure where to go and with 2 weeks left I'm sure the pickens are slim.

We usually are just go with the flow folks, but I'm sure this dining thing is gonna be less enjoyable like that.

So any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[Christine]

Okay, here are a few places that may having openings:

Try the Cape May Character Buffet for breakfast. It is a good character meal and one of the "less requested." Personally, I think it is one of the best character breakfasts.

Hoop Dee Doo Review. This one is pricey but I think your 6-year old would love it. It is a popular show and, at this point, you may not get in, but the fact that is *is* expensive and a lot of people on the dining plan don't want to give up that extra credit, might help. Try for the 5:00 p.m. show. This is a good one to go to on your Magic Kingdom day because you can take the boat right over there from the Magic Kindgom.

At Epcot it is pretty easy to get into Marrakesh. This is a love or hate it meal. Just depends on your taste. The kabobs are okay here, the belly dancer is entertaining, and the Morrocan servers are extremely nice.

I don't care for most of the restaurants at MGM so I won't comment on that. Try a resort meal that day.

For Animal Kingdom, just having counter service at Tusker House or Flame Tree is VERY good.

 

[Luv4Disney]

Well, besides the Crystal Palace in MK, there's Tony's (Italian), Cinderella's Royal Table (you're probably not going to get this two weeks out, but it's possible, however it is very pricey now), or Liberty Tree Tavern (DBF and I love this-it's like Thanksgiving family style and they have characters!). The ones I listed are all table service.

Epcot-every country has a table service restaurant except America (go figure). We like Le Cellier (meat and potatoes, more specifically mostly steak), Alfredo's (Italian, mixed reviews on this by other DISer's), and Teppanyaki (hibachi). Characters are all around Epcot all the time, but the Garden Grill hosts character meals. Akershus hosts a princess breakfast in Norway which is easier to snag a table at than CRT (which may change soon since CRT's price skyrocketed). It may be booked, but you never know.

MGM-no character meals. There's Sci-Fi Dine-In (think burgers and milkshakes while sitting in a "car" and watching clips of sci-fi movies on the screen-it's very cool), Prime Time Cafe (homestyle food-be sure to mind your manners or they'll make you stand in the corner-I'm serious!), Hollywood & Vine (buffet), Mama Melrose (Italian with a California twist), and the Brown Derby (slightly more upscale with slightly more risque dishes).

Phew. I think that's it and hope it helps! There are also good restaurants that are in the resorts as well which are easy to get to. i.e. Chef Mickeys (Contemporary-character meals), California Grill (Contemporary), 1900 Park Fare (Grand Floridian-character meals), etc. PM me if you have more questions.

 

[Luv4Disney]

I don't think you'll have a problem doing the Hoop-Dee-Doo. Our vacation is in 12 days - yay - pretty much the same time as yours. We go this time every year and always do the HDDR. It's never full and the top floor is always open. I don't think it comes close to being booked. Plus, you have your choice of 3 shows times a night.

 

[jajarino]

Thanks so much for the quick replys and ideas.

Since we are staying off property, can I still make an ADR at a resort? I'm guessing we leave from the park via monorail, head to the resort of our ADR, eat and hop monorail back to the park we left. Just wanted to be sure.

And how does a breakfast ADR work for off property guests?

 

[Luv4Disney]

Thanks so much for the quick replys and ideas.

Since we are staying off property, can I still make an ADR at a resort? I'm guessing we leave from the park via monorail, head to the resort of our ADR, eat and hop monorail back to the park we left. Just wanted to be sure.

And how does a breakfast ADR work for off property guests?

Yes, ADR's are open to all. If the ADR is at a resort, it depends on the resort. I listed all MK resorts, so yes, you could just hop on the monorail and head back. With breakfast, depending on the place, you can either go directly to the resort (if it's there), or park your car and head early. If you have an early breakfast at the park (before it opens) head over about an hour before your time and they'll let you in the park early. Pretty nifty!

 

[jajarino]

What are resorts that are close to MGM for resort dining on that day? The sci-fi diner and 50's place sound interesting, but food fair not so appealing.

 

[kcashner]

The "EPCOT area resorts" are also very convenient to MGM (by boat). So, you have Spoodles at Boardwalk, Cape May Cafe and Beaches & Cream at Beach Club, etc.

As to panic over no ADRs 2 weeks ahead, unless you are a bif group you probably don't have to worry. I made some ADRs for May 12 days before travel. Got my "first choice" restaurant for every one, and within 30 minutes of the time I wanted.

As to where you want to eat....go to allearsnet.com and check out the menus for all the WDW restaurants. Of course, menus are subject to change, but most of these are pretty current.

 

[westcliffemom]

If your flexible about your times and possibly your locations, you'll be okay. I've called many times for the same day, and got what I wanted.

 

[bigbabyblues]

We really enjoy 50's Prime Time Cafe. The portions are huge, the food is good, and it's fun. We've never had a server who was over the top with it though, that suits us just fine!

'Ohana at the Polynesian is also a good dinner. Just a hop over on the monorail from MK. They have a character breakfast there now with Lilo and Stitch, we haven't been there for that yet.

There is the Plaza Restaurant at MK also, I've read that you can usually get in there without too much trouble, not sure about the menu.

At Epcot, we like Marrakesh (already mentioned, in Morrocco), the San Angel Inn (Mexican, but not tex-mex like most people are used to), and the Garden Grill. Garden Grill is a character meal in the Land pavillion.

Hope this helps!

Steph

 

[the Fidge]

Just came back Friday and can suggest a few, Loved LeCellier my whole picky family of eaters loved it! Location in Epcot

Whispering Canyon at Wildnerness Lodge another success story there with lots of fun!

Had Tuskers and Flame Tree and all were pleased in Animal Kingdom!

 

[jajarino]

We really enjoy 50's Prime Time Cafe. The portions are huge, the food is good, and it's fun. We've never had a server who was over the top with it though, that suits us just fine!


Steph

What is the smore's dessert like at the 50's cafe? I love smores.

And yes all those suggestions have helped. I think we're close to a plan.