Most Fun for Kids Non-Character Meals

[1hero2princesses]

Well if you have read any of my posts you know my 3 year old was terrified of characters. Kicking screaming terrified (pee pee'd on Daddy terrified). So for next year I think I will plan maybe 1 character meals. She will be 4 1/2 so I am hoping she is over her fear or at least able to sit in the same room as the characters as long as she doesn't go near them. The reason I want to still do 1 or 2 is I also have a DS who will be 6 and a DD who will be 2. Anyway what other meals do you most recommend for kids? She loves princesses DS however doesn't want anything to do with them. We did Coral Reef which they liked but I would like to try new things. Any suggestions? What is the most non-character fun for young kids 6,4,2. Thanks in advance.

 

[lborne]

In the MK our kids like Cosmic Rays because they like to watch Sonny Eclipse. Also, Pinocchio Village Haus if we can get a table near the window so they can wave to the IASW riders.

EPCOT - Biergarten for the entertainment

AK - Rainforest Cafe.

DHS - 50's Prime Time

 

[everylastbreath]

I would highly recommend WCC for Dinner, it's a blast- Do a search of forums on it, it's hysterical - no characters, not in costume anyway... the waitress we had "Hedda Lettuce" was the best - my 3year old GS was totally amazed with this place- yelling Ketchup! They do this bit when you ask for Ketchup you get every bottle in the place, we had a blast. Highly recommend- food so/so, if you like BBQ, not the best food but worth every penny.

 

[Neesy228]

In the MK our kids like Cosmic Rays because they like to watch Sonny Eclipse. Also, Pinocchio Village Haus if we can get a table near the window so they can wave to the IASW riders.

EPCOT - Biergarten for the entertainment

AK - Rainforest Cafe.

DHS - 50's Prime Time

All good suggestions! Sci-fi too!

 

[Cinderumbrella]

DS5 loves Teppan Edo! He starts cheering for a "volcano" as soon as the chef appears!

He also likes the Sci Fi.

 

[Jaymie]

My DS (4) loved Ohana for dinner & the Sci Fi.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

Ohana's dinner. I hear there are coconut races and entertainment for dinner but no characters. I have it planned for our next trip.

I have an 8 year old that really doesn't care for the princesses but he knows we have to do things for eachother. I told him we will be doing princess meals and he twisted his face but he said it was okay. I actually think he will enjoy it since we eat in the CASTLE!!! AND he will get a sword.

 

[kmk1180]

Whispering Canyon Cafe at Wilderness Lodge.
Every 20 minutes or so the servers play games or sing with kids
and hold a horsey race where kids get a horsey and run around
the resturant.
Participtation is optional so if he's not interested he can sit back and watch.

 

[jkearson]

I second Whispering Canyon. My kids loved it last year- the ketchup, stick pony races, and the bottomless milkshakes (although I don't think they still do this). This year we wanted to try some different places so we didn't schedule WC. About mid week my DD4 asked, "When are we going to the ketchup place?"

 

[kimbo0569]

We did Ohana and my girls loved it! They didn't do the coconut races but they did the maracas/parade and limbo dancing. And my oldest loved learning how to hula.

 

[weluvslinkydog]

Another vote for Ohana and Whispering Canyon cafe!...both are so fun --games for the kids, at WCC the waiters throw straws at you and bring pitcher size soda for the kids!...they got my 7 year old who is also the class clown part of their act too, and it was one of our best memories!...and the food is delicious!

50's prime time cafe is also entertaining and fun--my kids still talk about (4 years ago!!!) when the waitress speared all of my husband's green beans in one forkfull and shoved them into his mouth before he could have dessert!!!

Pinocchio's counter service in MK ...you can sit at a table overlooking the Small World ride--my kids think that's so cool...

Teppan Edo (Japan) is hibachi style...that's always neat, and Morocco sit down has a belly dancer...

last one...Coral Reef has the huge aquarium right in the dining room (the walls of the restaurant are the aquarium glass). excellent food, a bit upscale, but still absolutely kid friendly and the aquarium is great for the kids!

Lots of great places for her to be entertained and to have fun without having to be terrified by characters! Have fun!

 

[MickeyMomOfThree]

I would highly recommend WCC for Dinner, it's a blast- Do a search of forums on it, it's hysterical - no characters, not in costume anyway... the waitress we had "Hedda Lettuce" was the best - my 3year old GS was totally amazed with this place- yelling Ketchup! They do this bit when you ask for Ketchup you get every bottle in the place, we had a blast. Highly recommend- food so/so, if you like BBQ, not the best food but worth every penny.

I have to second this... And we had "Hedda" too and she was the best. I atually was talking to her here on DIS! We plan on asking to be at one of her tables when we go next month!

 

[LOLA2]

My kids loved Ohanas, they got to hula dance.

Sci fi is great at Sci fi.

WCC was fun also.

My kids also like plant hollywood because they can watch movie scenes and upcoming trailers.

and the obvious choice would be the upcoming T-rex.

 

[turtleclanscott]

We have 3 daughters, 1, 3, and 5.

Everyone else is right: You can't beat Whispering Canyon Cafe! My daughters still talk about the stick horse race. They also enjoyed delivering ketchup.

My middle daughter (3) saw a rabbit sitting up eating the grass outside the window, and loudly announced to the entire restaurant, "There's a kangaroo out there!"

We went to Coral Reef with the girls (when there were only 2 of them) and had a wonderful meal. We sat right against the aquarium glass. However, when we went the next trip, we were seated in the back of the restaurant. The fish didn't keep their attention from a distance and it wasn't a very good experience. (The food was still great though.)

We also always go to Mama Melroses. The atmosphere is casual and the kids like watching the open kitchen. From the table, there's nothing special to occupy the kids, except the spegetti.

 

[Abra Cat]

I agree with this! My kids look forward to going to WCC every trip.

I would highly recommend WCC for Dinner, it's a blast- Do a search of forums on it, it's hysterical - no characters, not in costume anyway... the waitress we had "Hedda Lettuce" was the best - my 3year old GS was totally amazed with this place- yelling Ketchup! They do this bit when you ask for Ketchup you get every bottle in the place, we had a blast. Highly recommend- food so/so, if you like BBQ, not the best food but worth every penny.

 

[ERMama]

Well, my oldest isnt real into participating but loves to watch. We enjoyed WCC but it was really loud and can be overstimulating to some youngsters. He didnt really enjoy it much.

 

[TammyLynn33]

OMG WCC sounds great do we need reservations? how far in advance is it??
Thanks so much
T

 

[oldbay]

Dittoing the other replies..
I have to say WCC hands down. My very scared of characters (although normally outgoing) 2 1/2 DD loved it as well as my reserved 6 yo DS. We ate there breakfast and dinner on separate days, loved the food and thought the service was the best we had all week. I highly recommend it.

Also, my DD disliked all the costumed characters, except Donald but did like face characters, so maybe a princess meal would work.

One more thing, on our trip 2 years ago we could not get reservations for WCC 4 months in advance. however, on our recent trip we were able to add our breakfast for WCC during our visit. So if you want to go, try calling within a week and see if anything opens up.

 

[kimbo0569]

Another one - and I've heard mixed reviews about this one but my kids loved Rainforest Cafe at DTD. They loved looking at the fish tanks at the entrance and the whole atmosphere of the place. We've done it the past two times we've been down there (a few weeks ago and back in 2004) and they've already asked to go back next time.

 

[MickeyMomOfThree]

Yes, you need ADRs for WCC, it has gotten to be very popular. My understanding is you can walk up at lunch time, but that the servers arn't as into it (just what I have heard, we have only been for dinner). I know Hedda said she only works dinner and she is the best. Obviously they save the best servers for dinner!