Need help picking out a PS place!

[TradersMom]

My DD has a friend whose parent works at Disney and they have invited DD and me to join them this weekend at MK. I would like to pick out a restaurant and make a PS to surprise them to say "thanks". It would be 2 adults, 2 children (6yo - one boy, one girl).

I'm not sure if they are fans of Disney dining, but I thought this would be a fun way to unwind and also say thanks for their generosity, so I'm going to go out on a limb.

Any suggestions as far as a fun, casual place where we could end our day (probably late afternoon, so a late lunch/early dinner)? Characters would probably be cool for the kids, and I'd like it to be something other than counter service.

We can *probably* park hop, but is there anything in MK (or does Chef Mickey's do a late lunch?). If not, any other suggestions would be great!

Thanks in advance!
Sheila
(TradersMom)

 

[Forever42]

My favorite place in Magic Kingdom is Liberty Tree Tavern. If you go there for an early dinner, it's a family style dinner with characters. You can find their menu here. It's great comfort food, and is one of our favorite dinners at WDW. Character interaction was good, and we were seated in a back room, which was relaxing as it was much quieter than the rest of the restaurant.

I think you'll find a lot of people recommend this restaurant as well.

Edit: the dessert has been changed to apple crisp with ice cream (terrific!!) and green beans for the vegetable.

 

[disneyag]

Chef Mickey's doesn't do lunch, but dinner could be fun. Ohana's in the Poly is also fun -- no characters, but coconut races and hula hooping for kids.