Need ideas for DS's bday dinner alternatives

[My2Qtz0205]

We are celebrating DS's 7th birthday while on our trip in October. I would like to get reservations for an early dinner at Chef Mickey's, but if that is unavailable, what are some good alternatives? He said he wants to eat with Mickey. I think he's too old for Crystal Palace, or that would be my back-up. Maybe T-Rex in DTD? We're planning on spending our evening there anyway so DS can spend his bday gift card. We have a 3 y.o. daughter as well. Would T-Rex be too intense for her?

I am open for suggestions!

 

[KatMark]

I don't think you are ever too old for Crystal Palace (DH and I are 50+ and we still go and we took oldest DS and his "then" girlfriend when they were 18 and 17 and we had a great time with Pooh and friends). If you can't get CM and don't want Crystal Palace, how about Garden Grill at Epcot?

 

[My2Qtz0205]

Chip & Dale are at Garden Grill, right? Any other characters?

The only thing about Garden Grill is that we do not have park hoppers, and I wanted to spend DS's birthday at MK. It is also our last park day.

 

[TruBlu]

My 7 and 10 year old boys love the buffet at Crystal Palace. It has been on our "must do" list for 4 years now, and it is always fantastic. The characters interact great with the boys. Tigger had them stand up on either side of him and cross their arms. It made a great picture. We plan to go back again next year when they are 8 and 11. I don't think you are ever to old.

 

[TruBlu]

BUT - if he wants to eat with Mickey, I think your only choices are:
~Chef Mickey's breakfast, lunch or dinner
~'Ohana breakfast
~Garden Grill dinner
~or Tusker House breakfast

 

[My2Qtz0205]

I guess we could do CM lunch if we can't get in for dinner. I played around with the online reservation system yesterday, and tried to see what was available for CM on 9/11 (the last day you could book as of yesterday), and there were no availabilities for dinner! That freaked me out a bit. Hopefully everything will be just fine and we will get in for our early dinner.