Need advice from the expert foodies!

[momma2kiddos]

We've finally decided we're doing the dining plan for our next trip. It's me and my 2 kids and my BFF and her 4 kids. My sis is opting for QSDP. We've got 8 days of eating to do and I've only picked out a few definites. I'd like advice good and bad on some others.

We've definitely said yes to breakfast at CP, Tusker House, and Boma.

The ones we want to try but are unsure of are:
Ohana (lunch or dinner)
Kona (dinner)
Le Cellier (lunch)
Garden Grille (lunch)
San Angel (lunch)
Akerhus (breakfast. BFF's 5 yr old is a certifiable diva princess!)
Coral Reef (dinner)

What would you pick? Mind you I'll have a 2 1/2 yo in tow and BFF will have a 2 yo so I don't know. I really want to try Le Cellier but I don't want to take my son there if it's like a quiet type environment, kwim?

Advice advice advice!

 

[hoverpumpkin]

Here's a few tidbits about the restaurants on your list that I'm familiar with.

Honestly, Le Cellier is a hot ticket and it's ALWAYS full of people and usually lots of kids, too. It's not very quiet in there unless you go in for a dinner on the later side. You wouldn't be out of place with your kids. That's my favorite of the restaurants on your list, I've never had a bad meal there. You'll love it.

San Angel - I am sure you know there is a bit of controversy over this one, some people say it's the worst TS on property, some people just love it. Me, I actually just booked a lunch ADR myself because I just can't stay away. The volcano is TOO COOL. I think it's worth compromising on the quality of the food a bit just for the awesome atmosphere. It's also kind of a nice cool, dark environment to take a break in in the middle of the day. (I also gather that it seems to be improving a little, so your mileage may vary on the food.)

'Ohana - great for kids. Really loud, fun, casual environment. Can't go wrong there.

I have never been to Kona for dinner, only breakfast, but breakfast was delightful! Your list looks really good and you'll be trying a ton of different things.

 

[cbg1027]

Breakfast at CP was wonderful! Great choice!

Le Cellier was good, but I wasn't impressed with my steak. It was just average - Outback/Longhorn type of deal. I would go back for the other items though - Cheese soup, pretzel bread, tomato stack, and maple creme brulee!

I haven't been to the Garden Grill, but fyi, they only serve dinner.

Coral Reef was pretty good. The setting is definitely cool, and will likely keep the kids entertained.

Any of the places you listed are perfectly acceptable for a 2 yr old. Le Cellier wasn't quiet, but it wasn't too noisy. You'll see lots of young children at any of the restaurants you listed.

 

[shawnh199]

You have a lot of great places picked, many are the same as ours back in Dec. Our kids are 2.5 and 6 and were just fine at Le Cellier. It was wonderful and the kids will love the bread.

Tusker House - our favorite character breakfast - huge buffet (also love the lunch buffet here as well.)

CP - loved being in MK before opening - good buffet and delicious made-to-order omelet station.

We did Ohana for dinner, but it was a late ADR and my kids slept through most of it. Good food though. Our service was good too, but for some reason it took almost 2 hours to get out of there (although it didn't seem that long).

FYI - our kids loved the Ohana breakfast. Fun atmosphere and the family style food was really good. The Hollywood and Vine had a tasty buffet as well and my 2.5 YO loves the Little Einsteins. They have mini sing & dance sessions at H&V for the little ones.

We did Garden Grill for dinner (dinner only). It was my least favorite character meal mainly because we didn't care too much for the food. But we love, love, love Chip and Dale!

Princess Breakfast - a must for our two girls! We love the family style food (yummy potato casserole!) and they have a small cold/fruit/pastry buffet. We have done this for both trips we have gone on and will do every trip (even if our girls don't want to - I love it too!)

We wanted to eat at Coral Reef but couldn't get ADR's (We found out the night we were at Epcot was booked by a large wedding party). Next Time!

Have an awesome trip!

 

[momma2kiddos]

Thanks! I'll definitely add Le Cellier and Ohana! H&V sounds good too! Geesh and I was looking at Whispering Canyon too. Decisions decisions! LOL We'll keep Coral Reef on standby. I can't imagine doing a TS lunch and dinner so we'll see!

 

[jennylyn_b]

I know I am probably in the minority on this one, but I wouldn't recommend Coral Reef for food. It was the single worst meal we have ever had at Disney. That said, the atmosphere is beautiful and will keep the kids busy with all the fish, sharks and divers swimming around.
Definately agree to add Le Cellier. Its delicious and the kids will not be out of place there. Most of the diners the times I have been there are families.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

First of all your breakfast choices are great, Crystal Palace and Tusker House are my two favorite breakfasts on property, and I've read nothing but good things about Boma, and can't wait to try it myself on my next trip.

Ohana - Is only open for dinner, so lunch isn't an option. I like dinner, it's a lot of food, so a good deal, and the food is tasty.
Kona - Food is comparable to Ohana, but a bit better IMO, though the atmosphere is really dull.
Le Cellier - Always very crowded, but the food is good, and it's always loud there, so no worries about your kids.
Garden Grille - Decent food, but nothing special. Very Thanksgiving type menu, that I compare to LTT's dinner. LTT is better food.
San Angel - I like San Angel, and plan to eat there again in the fall. I love the atmosphere there, and the margaritas from the tequila bar, (which I believe you can get at San Angel,) are wonderful.
Akerhus - Good character interaction and food. The potatoes are awesome.
Coral Reef - Great atmosphere, decent seafood, but I've been spoiled by the signature restaurants to really recommend the food there.

 

[momma2kiddos]

Thanks guys! We decided to add Ohana for dinner, Kona for dinner, and Le Cellier for lunch. We also are adding H&V for the Fantasmic dining plan. Don't know if the show will do the little ones in or not (2 and 2 1/2!) but it is something we all want to see.

We have 1 TS credit left and honestly my family has 8 full days (me, dd12, and ds 2 1/2) and everyone else is 7 days. So I'll try to pick something special for me and DD since the first night there will be our ONLY time where it's just the 3 of us!

Thanks for your honest opinions!