need help planning Ps's for our family of five

[lmhall2000]

I would love opinions of those with children close to our children's ages (4,5,8) The youngest two are daughters and our oldest is our son. I had planned Hoop-de-do- but after reading the post from another mom who did not think it was worth $$$ I'm rethinking which meals would be great fun for our kids. I'd like to try "new" things so here's where we've been before..
Liberty Tavern, Chef Mickey's, Donald Breakfastsaurus, Hollywood & Vine, and Brown Derby.

Curious about the Alice Tea Party- is it worth it- and any others you would not miss on a 7 night stay. Is Hoop really entertaining for my kids ages or wait until they're older?
Thanks a lot- these choices seem daunting!!
Tara

 

[LAWalz23]

While I don't have any kids of my own, I have gone to WDW the last three years with my sister and her twins. They are now 5 1/2 yo, a boy and girl. They have enjoyed Chef Mickey's, it is our first nighter, and also Donald's Breakfastasourus, we tried it for the first time this year.

 

[BCV23]

I think your children are certainly old enough to enjoy Hoopde Doo. Our eldest had just turned three when we went the first time and he couldn't stop laughing. Some ladies at another table took a picture of him and promised to send it to us because he was laughing so hard!

At least you would still be paying children's prices. Some of Belle's boys are old enough that they are charged adult prices. I feel badly for her but most people really love the show. The food is just OK IMHO.

Be sure to try Kona for breakfast while you're at the Polynesian. Tonga Toast and Mickey pancakes...yum!

 

[Dana49]

This is just a suggestion but try the "Trail's End Buffeteria." You don't need a PS, there's a great variety to choose from, and it's reasonable. Your children will love it. It's located beside the Hoop-Dee-Doo and most of the items served at the Hoop-Dee are served at the Trail's End. Enjoy!

 

[>>^..^<<]

Hi..

My daughter was 8 last summer when we saw hoop dee doo.... it was her FAVOURITE thing about the whole trip... she wants to do it again this year (I booked the luau instead) she still sings "Hoop dee doo..doop dee doo" around the house.

I think your kids would love it too..


Also Donald's restaurantasuarus was a big hit with her.

>>^..^<<

 

[April in Disney]

I took my DD to Hoop Dee Doo when she was 6. She loves corny jokes so I thought that would be a big hit with her. It really wasn't. We have already heard most of the jokes in Dimond Horse Shoe by the same CM appearing in Hoop Dee Doo. I thought the service was not good. Your tips is included in price so they do not even try. We were sitted on balcony and the CM came to us and asked where we came from which was more than what the people around us got. The food was good.
The same trip we had dinner in 'Ohana and she did enjoy that a lot. The coconut race, the hola hoops and then watching the electric water pageant was very nice. We arrived just in time for Torch Lighting Ceremony which at that time was done every Tuesday Around 7 PM. Our reservation was for 8 PM and I have requested a table next to the window which we got. The dinner and service was very nice.
Another suggestion I have is to make a reservation for BOMA in AKL and arrive just before the story telling. Let the kids hear that and than go have dinner and than walk around and watch the animals. I stayed with my DD last NOV in AKL and if it was up to her we would have been back to resort every night just in time for story telling.

 

[Harambe]

I think your kids would really enjoy the Garden Grill at EPCOT. The restaurant revolves (very slowly, you don't feel it) so you can see parts of the Land boat ride.

There is Farmer Mickey and Chip & Dale. We loved the food which is family style (ya know, the skillet!). For an early dinner, there are no crowds and character interaction is great.

 

[Alice28]

Our 5 year old son LOVED Whispering Canyon Cafe- he thought the Lincoln Log table and the pony races were awesome. He also liked the hula hooping and coconut races at 'Ohana. He loved the food at WCC- esp. the biscuits. He passed on most things at 'Ohana---we were able to get him a hot dog though, so he was happy. I think he would have loved the Sci-Fi, but instead we ate at Pizza Planet- he thought that was great. He really thought it was the real Pizza Planet from Toy Story. He liked the food at Cape May Cafe a lot----however there isn't really anything entertaining there- he loved playing on the beach while we were waiting for our PS time to come around.

 

[AZKathy]

We love the Garden Grille in Epcot. How about Crystal Palace for the Pooh Characters? Also, with two DD at those ages, a Princess breakfast would be wonderful for them. My DDs are so excited about having breakfast at Cindys.

(I am one of the few who thinks Hoop De Doo is not worth the money...I would rather do a few character meals for the price of Hoop De Doo)

Have fun planning and making those phone calls!

 

[RobinMarie]

We've gone to WDW pretty often the last few years. My dd will be 6 this summer and has some definite favorites:

Chef Mickeys - she enjoys riding the monorail and looks for Chef Mickeys each time we pass through. We all usually enjoy this place for the prime rib, dessert and plethora of characters. We have enjoyed doing this on our first night, it really gets things going for us! I never feel like I have to wait in line to meet Mickey after this kickstart dinner.

CRT - I love the atmosphere, my dd loves the princesses and he loves the food. We're all happy here when we get a PS.

1900 Park Fare - We plan on having dinner with Cinderella and Friends this trip but have enjoyed the breakfast many times. Alice and Mary Poppins are here and always seem to have a positive affect on children's behavior. Pretty surroundings, characters and good food.

O'hana - contests & races, views of Cinderella's castle, gummy worms and the monorail - how can you go wrong?

Trails End - the food is fine, the prices reasonable but the atmosphere keeps everyone happy. Fort Wilderness was a nice spot to decompress after a hectic day at MK. There was a playground, petting zoo and felt peaceful. After dinner we enjoy sitting on the porch rocking in chairs. If your timing is right, you can do the marshmallow toast/movie/sing along after dinner.

Enjoy your planning!