Late lunch on arrival day

[princess33]

Looking for some ideas...

We are arriving at the airport around 11:30am then need to get the car rental. We are staying off site at Windsor hills so can't check in until 4pm.

We will not be adding a park day, but I was hoping to have a causal lunch at one of the resorts. Yes, We could go to Disney springs, but I thought I'd look into the resorts as well. Nothing fancy, but something my kids (ages 4 and 8) would like.

 

[Figmentmommy]

Looking for some ideas...

We are arriving at the airport around 11:30am then need to get the car rental. We are staying off site at Windsor hills so can't check in until 4pm.

We will not be adding a park day, but I was hoping to have a causal lunch at one of the resorts. Yes, We could go to Disney springs, but I thought I'd look into the resorts as well. Nothing fancy, but something my kids (ages 4 and 8) would like.

Whispering Canyon Cafe at Wilderness Lodge
Beaches and Cream Soda Shop at Beach Club

 

[jdisnut]

Plenty of options at the resorts you could consider!

Kona Cafe at the Polynesian comes to mind, as does Beaches and Cream at the Beach Club. Grand Floridian Cafe and The Wave at the Contemporary are also nice lunch options.

 

[GeorgiaHoo]

Beaches & Cream might be the best option for a resort meal for young kids (at least of the places we've been). But you'll need reservations.

 

[Cinderella94]

Regardless of where you choose, I would do a counter service option because if anything happens to delay your arrival, you don't want to be a no-show for a table service meal and have to pay the fee. (That is, assuming you want to make a reservation. I never advise doing a TS meal without a reservation, either)

 

[Chrelaine]

I like all of the previous ideas. Also, you could go to AOA, eat at the food court and take the kids to tour the character statues all over the property. Definitely not fancy, but the kids might enjoy it.

 

[princess33]

These are all great ideas! Thank you. This is my 8 year olds 5th time to Disney and we would really like to do some different things. We've tried NONE of these places before. Usually we just do a few character meals.

Is it acceptable to go somewhere like AOA and wander around without being a guest? I know the pools are off limits.

 

[Cinderella94]

Is it acceptable to go somewhere like AOA and wander around without being a guest? I know the pools are off limits.

Absolutely! Resort hop all you want to (and you're right about the pool, too! )

 

[scrapquitler]

Looking for some ideas...

We are arriving at the airport around 11:30am then need to get the car rental. We are staying off site at Windsor hills so can't check in until 4pm.

We will not be adding a park day, but I was hoping to have a causal lunch at one of the resorts. Yes, We could go to Disney springs, but I thought I'd look into the resorts as well. Nothing fancy, but something my kids (ages 4 and 8) would like.

Have you considered just eating at the airport?

 

[GeorgiaHoo]

Have you considered just eating at the airport?

Noooo!!! I say that simply because I travel a lot for work, and I can count on 1 hand the times that an airport meal did not disappoint. Although I'm not a huge fan of all the QS resort meals I've had, I'd much rather have a mediocre meal at a Disney resort than a mediocre meal at the Orlando airport.

And no hard feelings intended with my disagreement.

 

[LaBelleVie]

We're doing arrival day dinner at Whispering Canyon.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I agree with many of the PP's. Either do QS at a resort that interests you - AoA is cute, but the food isn't great IMHO, Poly might be fun! (Capt. Grille) - or check the MDE app when you land and see what TS are available and make a reservation then. At least then you know when you'll arrive at the resort and won't risk being a no-show for the ADR.

 

[Hopefully]

We're doing arrival day dinner at Whispering Canyon.

I don't understand - Sorry. How does this help the OP?

OP I would probably focus on the MK resorts. Park at the TTC and take the Monorail around the loop You will get to see the MK from the Monorail. I would choose to eat at Gasparilla Island Grille at the GF. The menu looks very good and the setting is beautiful. Alternately, You would probably (not definitely) be able to park right at the GF and avoid the TTC
Have Fun

 

[princess33]

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate these ideas.
I looked up Beaches and Cream and I think my kids would love it! Me too! But I'll also mention some of these other ideas to my family.
I think we'd like to eat at one of the resorts just for a different Disney experience, of course it will all depend on timing of our flight!

 

[anniemae]

If you are looking for something quick, I would definitely go to POR. Their food court is very good and they have interesting option like a pasta bar. Great resort to walk around too.

If you want sit down, I would do the Wave.

 

[BalooFan]

I recommend the Mara at AKL. While there, you can also visit the Marketplace and the overlook to watch the animals on the savannah.

 

[LaBelleVie]

I don't understand - Sorry. How does this help the OP?

It was mentioned upthread. That was my way of seconding the suggestion. The OP was looking for a casual, kid-friendly meal at a resort for arrival day. I mentioned the casual, kid-friendly meal at a resort that we're doing on our arrival day.

It seemed relevant to me.

 

[Hopefully]

It was mentioned upthread. That was my way of seconding the suggestion. The OP was looking for a casual, kid-friendly meal at a resort for arrival day. I mentioned the casual, kid-friendly meal at a resort that we're doing on our arrival day.

It seemed relevant to me.

I see.
But your way of recommending it wasn't clear. You stated what you were doing, not that you were recommending it

 

[LaBelleVie]

I see.
But your way of recommending it wasn't clear. You stated what you were doing, not that you were recommending it

I assumed it was easily inferred. I apologize that my intent wasn't clear. Next time I'll be sure to clarify.