Need first night help...

[ktbugsmom]

I have booked a "mini trip" at CSR for May (4 nights). We arrive at about 1pm on Friday. Since it is too late to use a day on our park passes, I thought would plan a dinner at one of the monorail resorts so we could watch the Wishes fireworks after dinner.

It will be me, my DH and my DD (4). My husband and I love sushi, so I was thinking maybe the California Grill. We have done Chef Mickey's already, so I thought I would pass on that this time. However, we have never tried O'Hana, and I thought that might be fun for my daughter. Narcoose's seems a bit stuffy for a 4 year old (who will have been traveling since 6am...)

Or is there any place else with a less pricey menu we could try? Not very familiar with the monorail resorts. We normally stay at BCV or BWV - so I know that area.

Any suggestions? Also, what time should I book dinner for? Can you see the fireworks from California Grill or O'Hana? Or will we have to eat and go elsewhere?

Sorry for all the questions! Thanks for your help.

 

[TiggMan]

We ate at CG and it was wonderful! We made PS for about 1/2 hour prior to fireworks, and the view is tremendous! They lower the lights and pipe in the music. If you're looking for sushi and fireworks, CG is the place.

O'Hana's is also a nice place, just a little more casual. The kids will like it, especially the coconut races. I think you can also see the fireworks from the restaurant as well, including the music. If you have PS before the show, you can walk out after dinner to the beach for the fireworks. Either way, I'm sure you'll have a great time.

Enjoy!

 

[linda_pizzuro]

This is our favorite place. The food is wonderful and the decor is great. We usually try to get a PS an hour to an hour and 15 minutes before Wishes starts. We request a window table in the main room. There is a little ukalalie (sp?) show, coconut races and hula hoop contests. We are usually just starting desert when they dim the lights, pipe in the music and Wishes starts. You really get a great view of the show - I don't know if you hae seen it yet but it is so large and takes up so much of the park you get a great view from a distance away. There is also the Electric Water Pagent. This usually passes around 9:00 but check the time. We have not seen Wishes from the beach at the Poly but if you decide to do this make sure they pipe in the music. The music and naration really adds to thi show.
Linda

 

[kandmwedding]

My husband and I are going in May, and for our first night we're going to eat dinner at the Kona Cafe at the Poly and then walk down to the beach to watch the fireworks from there. We choose this option because we wouldn't have to worry about getting a seat near the window.

 

[kkar]

We saw Wishes from the CG, and it was a great view! You can walk out onto the observation deck, where they also pipe the music. Although pricey, we also love the food at CG. If you make a PS, request Ron as your waiter - best waiter we've had at any WDW resort! Enjoy!!

 

[snoopy5386]

my husband loves ohanas so we always go there. it is a casual atmosphere, good food (lots of meats), fun stuff for the kids (coconut races, hula hoop contests) and yes you can see the fireworks from the windows. Instead of stressing over trying to get a window seat though, try finishing up dinner right before the electric water parade starts at 9pm and go out to the beach. watch the parade and wait for the fireworks. You are guaranteed a great view, and there are cozy hammocks and swings to sit on and your daughter can run off some steam (if she has any left at that point!). We have seen the fireworks from both inside the restaurant and out on the beach and I would pick the beach any day.

 

[ktbugsmom]

Thanks to all for the great thoughts. Maybe I will just toss a coin to make my decision because they both seem great. I have never eaten at either place, so I am sure both will be wonderful.

Now - any thoughts getting back to CSR? Probably just get a bus from MK, right? Thanks again!

I am soooo excited. I thought I was going to have to cancel this trip, but my husband told me to book the plane tickets, so that means no canceling!