Looking for fun/interactive dining experiences

[nightbird1103]

Hi. I'm new to all of this, and we're planning on going to WDW next February on the DDP. I'd like to use our dining plan for some fun and interactive dining experiences. From lurking, I noticed there are character meals, and a bbq, and the Hoop De Doo Review. I also noticed that there was mention of Animal Kingdom closing early or just being a 1/2 day thing- not sure if there are any must-do dining experiences there. I am clueless, don't know where any of these restaurants are located, and was hoping for some suggestions. We'll have park hoppers, and three children ages 5(boy),5(girl), and 7(girl) by then.

Tia.
Michele

 

[JoePa4Ever]

First, just wanted to say:

Hoop Dee Doo Review is very fun - you all should love it - it's located at Ft Wilderness Campground - very easy to get to after spending a day in MK - there is a boat that will take you to Ft Wilderness & then it's a short walk to Pioneer Hall.

Mickey's Backyard BBQ is seasonal so it won't be available for you in Feb.

As for character meals -there's quite a few - here's a link that may help: http://www.wdwinfo.com/Just_for_kids/character_dining.cfm. FWIW, our favorites are:

Crystal Palace brkfst (MK) Pooh, Tigger, Eyeore, Piglet
Chef Mickey's brkfst (Contemporary) Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, Donald
Ohana brkfst (Polynesian) Mickey, Pluto, Lilo, Stitch

You might want to consider Sci Fi located in Hollywood Studios. Sci Fi is where you eat in a car-table while watching old movie clips - very fun atmosphere. Coral Reef in Epcot also has a great atmosphere with the aquarium view - you get to eat while watching all kinds of different sea creatures like sharks & giant sea turtles swim by. There is also Teppan Edo in Japan/Epcot - the chef cooks the food right in front of you - very entertaining.

We really don't eat at any of the restaurants in AK - there is a Rainforest Cafe there if that would interest you.

 

[dopeynme]

Ohana for dinner is also fun. It is located in the Polynesian hotel. Just take the monorail from the MK. They teach the hula (often to men with overgrown bellies) and there are coconut races for the kids (where they have to push the coconut around the restaurant with a broom). Very fun even for DH and I (we don't have kids but enjoy watching other people's). We enjoyed the food here.

Whispering Canyon cafe is also fun. They have stick pony races during dinner and be careful to NEVER ask for ketchup.....WCC is in the Wilderness Lodge, a boat ride from MK. The food gets mixed reviews here.

Have fun planning and EATING!!!!!!

 

[m_fancher]

My family loved Hoop Dee Doo, my boys are 4 and 6, and I thought they may not enjoy it, but they had a great time. They want to go again on our next trip.

The kids also liked Chef Mickey, not my favorite, but have to go for the kiddies.

Sci-Fi has a great atmosphere. Mixed reviews on the boards regarding the food, I personally think it is good. Lots of fun.

I haven't tried Biergarten yet, but would like to on our next trip.

Have fun planning!

 

[mistee]

we had a blast at whispering canyon,, daughter still tells ketchup stories!!

1900 park fair is fun

crystal palace in MK
chef mickeys

there is just sooooo much!!!!

 

[lllGurulll]

What do they do in case of rain at Mickey's backyard BBQ?

 

[offtoseemickey]

Welcome!
I am on the DDP too.
I will tell you what I do to narrow down my choices of restaurant.

Here is a link to the DDP brochure.
It will tell you every restaurant which is included on the plan.
You could print this out and cross off any which you know you aren't interesting in doing - use allears.com for menus and reviews.
Then you have a shortlist - I keep narrowing down my choices until I am left with the winners!

My personal recommendations - Teppan Edo is located in Japan. Your food is cooked on a grill infront of you. We really enjoyed this meal - it was interesting to watch the chef cook with their knife skills and she was telling silly jokes.
I would also recomment 'Ohana to you too.

Feel free to ask any questions, and do let us know how you're getting on!

 

[heatherandnick]

We also enjoyed 50s PT Cafe in Hollywood Studios. It's a lot of yummy comfort food in a very fun atmosphere. In our photos, we have the biggest smiles on our faces.