my birthday dinner - what would you do?

[ibela]

A few days ago I decided to book a last minute birthday for me! Our dates are 2/3-2/6 and 2/3 is my actual birthday. Before checking for resort availabilty (we're DVC) I actually checked dining options quickly. Here's the long story in my attempt to make it short:
I really want to see Spectro, this will be our 3rd trip and I've yet to see it. The only day we can see it is on my birthday, but I also wanted a good meal. We have 2 young children (ages 1 and 3) so in addition to it being travel day, I can't feed them dinner at 9pm. I considered dining at Tony's so we could see Spectro, but reviews are always so mixed (and earliest available time is 7:15) and I don't want to have a horrible birthday meal.

My question is this, should I -
1. Eat at Tony's, hope for the best, look forward to Spectro
2. Try to get an earlier time for Narcoossee's (right now earliest is 5:40) and hope to make it over to MK in time
3. Try to get a later time for Narcoossee's (right now latest we can manage is 7:40), feed the kids a late afternoon snack and hope they don't get too cranky and fall asleep
4. Keep the 5:40 and plan on Spectro for another trip.

Also, I'm completely open to suggestions. I did think about going for a nice lunch that day instead and then having CS for dinner but wasn't sure what the options are...? We're travelling that day and should be at WDW about noonish.

DH thinks I overplan everything and doesn't get it, I know my fellow DISers will.

 

[KateMW]

If you really want to see Spectro, I would do that and save your birthday dinner for the next night. That way you get to celebrate two days! If you really don't want to do that, I would do the early dinner then try to make the parade, but that's asking a lot of really young children.

 

[1971DBday]

My kids are older now, but what if the 1 and 3 year olds don't cooperate at dinner no matter what time, that would make it miserable no matter where you choose to eat. Your in Disney...grab something to go and get your seats for Spectro Magic. One of my fondest memories of my one trip to WDW as a child was this. Make a little picnic out of it and enjoy the magic around you!

 

[ibela]

Thanks for the feedback. I think that since it's our travel day and there's no real way of knowing how the kids will be in the evening (sometimes they nap, sometimes they don't), I'll grab CS and watch Spectro. At least that's a guarantee. I'd be upset if I miss Spectro for the 3rd time in a row AND dd doesn't cooperate during dinner and that's ruined too.

It's been difficult getting ADRs a few weeks out so I think I'm going to downgrade to the QS meal plan and focus on rides and attractions only with the kids this trip. I guess I'll just have to get to Narcoossee's next time.

Thanks!

 

[Pooh&OurHunny]

On our traveling day, I rarely book an ADR b/c I'm not sure how my son will be that night...he is usually tired so we try to go to a CS, walk to a restaurant or room service. We have been doing hit since he was 1 yrs old traveling anywhere. Its your birthday and celebrate it the whole time you are there...I would not go to Narcoosee's your traveling day. We did go to that restaruant when my son was 2yrs old and went back the following year but we did it on our 3rd night...he did well. But our first night he just wants to ride the rides and see the characters...I would not be able to have him sit down for 2 hours meal when he is too excited.

 

[UGAFan0829]

Hi, ibela!! While I don't have any advice for ya...I just wanted to wish you an early Happy Birthday! It's great seeing you around here, and I miss our little cruise group! It seems like it's been forever since we all sailed together. I hope you and all the little ones are doing well. And good luck on figuring out your game plan...I hope you get to eat somewhere cool and still see Spectro!

 

[djp0630]

My kids are older now, but what if the 1 and 3 year olds don't cooperate at dinner no matter what time, that would make it miserable no matter where you choose to eat. Your in Disney...grab something to go and get your seats for Spectro Magic. One of my fondest memories of my one trip to WDW as a child was this. Make a little picnic out of it and enjoy the magic around you!

I totally agree. We went in Sept and dinners were harder than lunch/breakfast. Personally, I would definitely do Spectro, it's awesome!! Then I would do a nice (early) dinner the next night. I would book a later lunch on your actual birthday, maybe 1:30 or so (enough time so you know you will make it). That way you can celebrate, but still do Spectro. Try Narcossees for the next night.