Need help planning the 16th birthday special meal :)

[Kitka]

I have been to WDW a dozen times, and we have done the dining plan and been to every character meal, dinner show, and most of the restaurants in WDW. But man, I'm at a loss as to where to take a first-timer for her 16th birthday!

She's a great kid, still loves spongebob and is young at heart but also plays guitar and is really into music. My 14 year old daughter says every girl should get the Cinderella Royal Table meal, and my 9 year old son says Ohana because it was good food and fun.

First time at Magic Kingdom, first meal at WDW, 16th bday... what would you pick???

 

[kendzee94]

I second 'Ohanas. She will get the birthday lei, be serenaded, close to MK, great food, what could be better?

Unless, is there any specific character she adores? I would possibly choose a character dining experience with that character (if she would like what's on the menu).

Or if you have a girl like mine: Dale is her favorite, loves Garden Grill, but wants to eat breakfast with the Mad Hatter at 1900 Park Fare for her 12th birthday (you know... "Very Merry Unbirthday" but it will be her actual birthday) So, with that being said, I stick with my 'Ohana choice, because we love the food. Unless there is the love for a specific character.... let us know what you choose!

 

[Quin]

First time at Magic Kingdom, first meal at WDW, 16th bday... what would you pick???

If the timing would work out, can you make an ADR at Ohana's 1 - 1.5 hours before Wishes? If so, when you check in, explain the situation (1st time, 1st meal, 16th b-day) and ask for a table with a good castle view. Then just as you are winding down from your meal, she'll get the full impact of Wishes. And I'd let it be a surprise, too.

ETA: this recommendation ONLY applies if you are also going to have a second night at the MK. I think the impact of Magic, Memories & You can be as great or even greater than Wishes, and she really needs to be on Main Street for that.

OR - again, depending on your trip timing - have a large mid-afternoon lunch at the MK (CP, I would say, for some classic characters) and schedule the Dessert Party that night. She wouldn't get as much of a special individualized birthday celebration as she would at a TS like Ohana, but she'll get a nice character meal plus TONS of desserts AND have her first viewing of MM&Y and Wishes be totally unobstructed. That might be worth a lot. Bonus points if it's an evening EMH at the MK, too - nothing like the sugar high from the Dessert Party to keep you going until the wee hours of the morning.

 

[OhThePain]

I'd listen to the 14 year old daughter over the 9 year old son when it comes to what to do for a girls sweet 16 (I think she might have a better idea). She might not like everything that goes on at 'Ohana as much as your son does. CRT is a different experience, especially if it is her first trip.

 

[River Country]

16 is a tough one, i personally did not like Ohana for dinner, i am giving it another shot this time for breakfast.

I always believe that you have to eat at CRT at least once and especially if it is her first trip. So there is my vote.

 

[ars0525]

I know it takes the surprise element away, but what if you let her look at all the places & pick herself? She might see something she really wants to try that you would have never guessed.

 

[minnie mum]

I can't think of anything more special for a 16 year old girl on her first trip to WDW than dinner at CRT folowed by watching Wishes. Especially if you make a note on the ADR about the birthday celebration!

I hope she has a truly magical day.

 

[mommycrawford]

I'm with your son!

...if you are going Tuesday through Saturday, Lipoa is the entertainer....You can email her about your special birthday girl and when you are dining, and I am sure she will make her feel very special! I did this for DH's 50th, and we had a great time!

her email is Lipoaloha@aol.com

 

[Kitka]

Finally decided!

After much back and forth I mentioned some of the possibilities to Alex, and we decided on Crystal Palace breakfast because she's a Pooh freak. But we're still doing Ohana for dinner because, well, it's awesome <3

Thanks everyone for the ideas!!!

 

[Gina35]

You made an amazing decision. CP for breakfast is THE BEST. The food is very good, the characters/parade, etc., were fun, and the best part is that you can get into MK early, before everyone else, and have Main Street basically to yourselves. Since it's a buffet, you can go right out to the rides and there is just about NO wait time. Then you still get to go to 'Ohana for dinner and enjoy that delicious food! Very smart choice. Enjoy both!!

 

[Agri]

Finally decided!

After much back and forth I mentioned some of the possibilities to Alex, and we decided on Crystal Palace breakfast because she's a Pooh freak. But we're still doing Ohana for dinner because, well, it's awesome <3

Thanks everyone for the ideas!!!

I'd do Ohana another day if you can, tbh. I would let the breakfast be the surprise meal and let her pick out the dinner. Like someone else said, she might pick something that would totally surprise you. The other factor in Ohana is that she might not want to leave the park if its her first time and you likely won't be able to see the fireworks in the park, which would be a real bummer if its her first time.

Personally, I'd pick CRT or let her choose another EARLY dinner, so you can make it to the dessert party. The first time I did the dessert party, it was so magical being able to have a perfect view of the castle and the fireworks and everything.

 

[TiggerTrigger]

Finally decided!

After much back and forth I mentioned some of the possibilities to Alex, and we decided on Crystal Palace breakfast because she's a Pooh freak. But we're still doing Ohana for dinner because, well, it's awesome <3

Thanks everyone for the ideas!!!

Funny- I'm booking my friend's ADRs for her younger daugthers' 1st trip and older daughter's Sweet 16. We also went with 'Ohana for dinner for her sweet 16. I was pushing Crystal Palace, but they don't like Pooh and the bday girl's first character meal was Cape May- so her bday breakfast will be there.