Need Opinions / Advice!

[rodeo65]

We've just added an extra day on to our June trip and I've pretty much decided on the ADRs I want to try for. We added an extra day plus dining but skipped another park pass because I wanted us to be able to poke around Downtown Disney without feeling like we were wasting a park day. We're now staying 8 nights with DDP and 7 days park hopper.

Here are the hoped for reservations:

Whispering Canyon dinner
Tony's Town Square dinner
Boma dinner
Garden Grill dinner
Mama Melrose (with Fantasmic, so I understand we have to eat pretty early)
Akershus breakfast (OOP)
Le Cellier * dinner
Chef Mickey breakfast (OOP)
'Ohana dinner
1900 Park Fare *
Crystal Palace breakfast (OOP)

Ok, so the astericks are where I'm having trouble. I've heard great things about Le Cellier but have recently heard it hasn't lived up to the reputation and maybe is overhyped. Also that it is very hard to book. My second choice that night would be Tutto Italia, which I have read some great reviews for.

1900 is a dinner on the night that we are not entering a park, we'll be Downtown Disney that day. I think I'm getting confused about which characters are at that meal but that either way it is different at dinner than breakfast. We'll have already had several character meals, so would be ok with skipping it. My other choice that night would be Raglan Road.

Of the ones I'm having trouble with and seeing the others we're trying to book, which of the choices would you all recommend? Tutto Italia over Le Cellier? Raglan Road over 1900? TIA!

 

[Uncle Remus]

We've just added an extra day on to our June trip and I've pretty much decided on the ADRs I want to try for. We added an extra day plus dining but skipped another park pass because I wanted us to be able to poke around Downtown Disney without feeling like we were wasting a park day. We're now staying 8 nights with DDP and 7 days park hopper.

Here are the hoped for reservations:

Whispering Canyon dinner
Tony's Town Square dinner
Boma dinner
Garden Grill dinner
Mama Melrose (with Fantasmic, so I understand we have to eat pretty early)
Akershus breakfast (OOP)
Le Cellier * dinner
Chef Mickey breakfast (OOP)
'Ohana dinner
1900 Park Fare *
Crystal Palace breakfast (OOP)

Ok, so the astericks are where I'm having trouble. I've heard great things about Le Cellier but have recently heard it hasn't lived up to the reputation and maybe is overhyped. Also that it is very hard to book. My second choice that night would be Tutto Italia, which I have read some great reviews for.

1900 is a dinner on the night that we are not entering a park, we'll be Downtown Disney that day. I think I'm getting confused about which characters are at that meal but that either way it is different at dinner than breakfast. We'll have already had several character meals, so would be ok with skipping it. My other choice that night would be Raglan Road.

Of the ones I'm having trouble with and seeing the others we're trying to book, which of the choices would you all recommend? Tutto Italia over Le Cellier? Raglan Road over 1900? TIA!

Maybe this could help you decide:
Disney Menus

 

[Allboysandme]

You might want to check the prices of the meals you are paying out of pocket. We booked Chef Mickey's and it is pretty expensive. I would check to see what the lowest price meals are and pay those out of pocket.

We'll be at CBR in June, too (6-13).

 

[KatMark]

We've just added an extra day on to our June trip and I've pretty much decided on the ADRs I want to try for. We added an extra day plus dining but skipped another park pass because I wanted us to be able to poke around Downtown Disney without feeling like we were wasting a park day. We're now staying 8 nights with DDP and 7 days park hopper.

Here are the hoped for reservations:

Whispering Canyon dinner did not care for at all--bad service, mediocre food
Tony's Town Square dinner have always enjoyed
Boma dinner never done
Garden Grill dinner it's been years--okay, but not the best of the character meals
Mama Melrose (with Fantasmic, so I understand we have to eat pretty early) we always do Mama Melrose--we've been able to get a 5:00 dinner with the package
Akershus breakfast (OOP) did lunch, I think breakfast is a better choice
Le Cellier * dinner our FAVORITE
Chef Mickey breakfast (OOP) always a good time
'Ohana dinnertrying this year
1900 Park Fare * never done--I've seen good and bad reviews
Crystal Palace breakfast (OOP) our other FAVORITE

Ok, so the astericks are where I'm having trouble. I've heard great things about Le Cellier but have recently heard it hasn't lived up to the reputation and maybe is overhyped. Also that it is very hard to book. My second choice that night would be Tutto Italia, which I have read some great reviews for.

1900 is a dinner on the night that we are not entering a park, we'll be Downtown Disney that day. I think I'm getting confused about which characters are at that meal but that either way it is different at dinner than breakfast. We'll have already had several character meals, so would be ok with skipping it. My other choice that night would be Raglan Road.

Of the ones I'm having trouble with and seeing the others we're trying to book, which of the choices would you all recommend? Tutto Italia over Le Cellier? Raglan Road over 1900? TIA!

Our thoughts in red

 

[rodeo65]

Maybe this could help you decide:
Disney Menus

Thanks so much - I had looked at the menus on the allears site but this link is great since it gives a description as well as being able to link to related threads. Wonderful information!

 

[septbaby]

Here are the hoped for reservations:

Whispering Canyon dinner
Tony's Town Square dinner
Boma dinner
Garden Grill dinner
Mama Melrose (with Fantasmic, so I understand we have to eat pretty early)
Akershus breakfast (OOP)
Le Cellier * dinner
Chef Mickey breakfast (OOP)
'Ohana dinner
1900 Park Fare *
Crystal Palace breakfast (OOP) TIA!

1900 Park Fare has Cinderella, the step family and Prince charming at dinner
1900 Park Fare has Pooh, Mary Poppins and the Mad Hatter at breakfast.

Just try for both LC and TI, go with the one you actually secure.

As for not adding an extra day to your ticket. You can always add it while you are there. You're only saving $5 or less by not adding an 8th day. So even if you just go in for fireworks its money well spent.

If you really expect to have all of those TS meals take a look at the Deluxe plan. I'm not sure of the math for you, but it feels like you'll be close to it being a good deal and you'll get appetizers if you want them at the non buffet or breakfast meals.

 

[rodeo65]

1900 Park Fare has Cinderella, the step family and Prince charming at dinner
1900 Park Fare has Pooh, Mary Poppins and the Mad Hatter at breakfast.

Just try for both LC and TI, go with the one you actually secure.

As for not adding an extra day to your ticket. You can always add it while you are there. You're only saving $5 or less by not adding an 8th day. So even if you just go in for fireworks its money well spent.

If you really expect to have all of those TS meals take a look at the Deluxe plan. I'm not sure of the math for you, but it feels like you'll be close to it being a good deal and you'll get appetizers if you want them at the non buffet or breakfast meals.

Thanks sept - I thought 1900 had different characters for breakfast and dinner but wasn't sure who was when. DD would love that dinner. If you think it's that close, maybe I'm getting bad info on the upgrade to DxDP. I calculated we would spend about 225 OOP for the three breakfasts we're looking at. Our CAA agent quoted us an additional 700 for the four of us to upgrade to deluxe for the week.

 

[GatorLady]

Just so you know, for the restaurants you have as paying OOP, Disney will be implementing their "Holiday Surcharge". This is from allears.

"The holiday surcharge for buffet and character meals around the World is returning, as previously announced. Prices for meals during these dates will be several dollars more per person than at other times of the year. The dates affected are April 5 - April 18, 2009, and May 24 - July 11, 2009. For example, at the Magic Kingdom's Crystal Palace, prices will be as follows:

Breakfast: $22.99/Guest (10 and older)--$12.99/Guest (3-9) (regularly $18.99/$10.99)
Lunch: $24.99/Guest (10 and older)--$13.99/Guest (3-9) (regularly $20.99/$11.99)
Dinner: $34.99/Guest (10 and older)--$16.99 Guest (3-9) (regularly $28.99/$13.99) "

 

[DisneyDreams21]

You have some great choices on your list! I have done the DDP 4 times so far with kids and it has been plenty of food--even leaving us with a snack pile up at the end of the trip. I would still try for Le Cellier on the DDP if you can get it. You picked some fun restaurants for the kids.

 

[septbaby]

Your TA is probably correct, its about $30 more per adult for DxDP, so that's $240/adult for your trip.

The meals you've selected for OOP are good choices to. Because they are breakfast they will probably be your least expensive TS meals for the ADULTS. You always want to use TS credits for a child buffet. A buffet will cost you at least $12.99, more than the daily DP rate for a child. I TS child meal is just under $8, so pay cash at Tony's, 'Ohana and TI or LeC. If they don't order the skillet the same would apply at WCC.

 

[pta-mom]

Of the ones I'm having trouble with and seeing the others we're trying to book, which of the choices would you all recommend? Tutto Italia over Le Cellier? Raglan Road over 1900? TIA!

Le Cellier over Tutto Italia, hands down!! And Raglan Road over 1900, unless I was desperate for another caracter meal.

 

[drakes]

Whispering Canyon dinner - Breakfast was good- but how can you mess that up?never did dinner
Tony's Town Square dinner - loved it, we sat in the Solarium by the server station- that was my only complaint, but the food was good- this was my most "dreaded" ADR based on reviews. We would go back!
Boma dinner - did after our AK day, would not go back. too dark, too busy and the food looked "gross" so i hardly ate
Garden Grill dinner LOVE IT - the best character interaction in both 2007 and 2009
Mama Melrose (with Fantasmic, so I understand we have to eat pretty early)- never been but is on our list for next trip
Akershus breakfast (OOP)- just went and loved. Princesses rush thru there at breakfast. Our dinner here in 2007 was better characters and the food was good as well. we had 8 am ressies, were seated late, but loved epoct that early!
Le Cellier * dinner- just went for lunch (jan 2009) and loved it, this was our best meal all trip! that was 10 day on DXDP and this was the best, and we're Canadian so tought to skip it. I strongly recommend going to LC
Chef Mickey breakfast (OOP)- dinner on our last day in 2007 and 2009. Breakfast looks yummy and would be our next choice
'Ohana dinner - OK, would not do again unless just a DH and I trip.
1900 Park Fare *- we had dinner here and liked it. Characters were Cinderella, Prince Charming, Lady T and the step sisters. Felt boxed ion as there were no windows
Crystal Palace breakfast (OOP) Always a must do. LOVE this place for breakfast- try the Pooh breakfast lasagna!

Depending on who you are travelling with decide. DD9 loves characters more than rides and attractions - I think this last trip we did as many character meals as we could ! We did 1900 Park Fare to dine with Cinderella as we had heard bad things about the castle dining.
I think you have made some great picks, but like another poster said watch your OOP meals. Enjoy yourself !

 

[rodeo65]

Whispering Canyon dinner - Breakfast was good- but how can you mess that up?never did dinner
Tony's Town Square dinner - loved it, we sat in the Solarium by the server station- that was my only complaint, but the food was good- this was my most "dreaded" ADR based on reviews. We would go back!
Boma dinner - did after our AK day, would not go back. too dark, too busy and the food looked "gross" so i hardly ate
Garden Grill dinner LOVE IT - the best character interaction in both 2007 and 2009
Mama Melrose (with Fantasmic, so I understand we have to eat pretty early)- never been but is on our list for next trip
Akershus breakfast (OOP)- just went and loved. Princesses rush thru there at breakfast. Our dinner here in 2007 was better characters and the food was good as well. we had 8 am ressies, were seated late, but loved epoct that early!
Le Cellier * dinner- just went for lunch (jan 2009) and loved it, this was our best meal all trip! that was 10 day on DXDP and this was the best, and we're Canadian so tought to skip it. I strongly recommend going to LC
Chef Mickey breakfast (OOP)- dinner on our last day in 2007 and 2009. Breakfast looks yummy and would be our next choice
'Ohana dinner - OK, would not do again unless just a DH and I trip.
1900 Park Fare *- we had dinner here and liked it. Characters were Cinderella, Prince Charming, Lady T and the step sisters. Felt boxed ion as there were no windows
Crystal Palace breakfast (OOP) Always a must do. LOVE this place for breakfast- try the Pooh breakfast lasagna!

Depending on who you are travelling with decide. DD9 loves characters more than rides and attractions - I think this last trip we did as many character meals as we could ! We did 1900 Park Fare to dine with Cinderella as we had heard bad things about the castle dining.
I think you have made some great picks, but like another poster said watch your OOP meals. Enjoy yourself !

Hi drakes, Pooh breakfast lasagna? That sounds interesting!

This is our kids' first trip and I think they will probably be MOST interested in the characters. I'd love Raglan Road, but I think they'd prefer 1900. Just not sure I want that many character meals. On the other hand - don't want to line up for the characters either. I figured for the dinner it was a good way to see Cinderella without having to go through the pain of trying to get an ADR for CRT - not to mention 2 TS credits. I figure I'll have a tough enough time getting Le Cellier.

And wow - we're right next door - born and raised in Burlington

 

[septbaby]

On the other hand - don't want to line up for the characters either. I figured for the dinner it was a good way to see Cinderella without having to go through the pain of trying to get an ADR for CRT - not to mention 2 TS credits. I figure I'll have a tough enough time getting Le Cellier.

Characters are an emotional experience. Yes they will see, hug and get autographs at those meals, but don't delude yourself, you will be in lines to see those same characters. Sorry to throw reality into your plans. We went to Chef Mickey's Saturday AM and Sunday night we were at MK EMH. We got in line for Pluto and Goofy at EMH. It was time well spent as those character interactions made him soooo happy. He had just selected his ears so these were the "with ears" photos. Goofy actually smackedhis ears off and the CM put them back on, it was a wonderful exchange for him to "goof around" with Goofy. By the way we nabbed one of my favorite shots of the trip with Goofy too. So alas, just know you'll need to be very patient and accomodating. At least you'll know you won't be alone.

 

[rodeo65]

Characters are an emotional experience. Yes they will see, hug and get autographs at those meals, but don't delude yourself, you will be in lines to see those same characters. Sorry to throw reality into your plans. We went to Chef Mickey's Saturday AM and Sunday night we were at MK EMH. We got in line for Pluto and Goofy at EMH. It was time well spent as those character interactions made him soooo happy. He had just selected his ears so these were the "with ears" photos. Goofy actually smackedhis ears off and the CM put them back on, it was a wonderful exchange for him to "goof around" with Goofy. By the way we nabbed one of my favorite shots of the trip with Goofy too. So alas, just know you'll need to be very patient and accomodating. At least you'll know you won't be alone.

Thanks sept. I didn't realize that. I was figuring that the characters would make their way around to our table at some point. Oh well, my kids eat fast - guess that will have to do.

 

[mousibility]

thanks

 

[Colleen27]

Ok, so the astericks are where I'm having trouble. I've heard great things about Le Cellier but have recently heard it hasn't lived up to the reputation and maybe is overhyped. Also that it is very hard to book. My second choice that night would be Tutto Italia, which I have read some great reviews for.

1900 is a dinner on the night that we are not entering a park, we'll be Downtown Disney that day. I think I'm getting confused about which characters are at that meal but that either way it is different at dinner than breakfast. We'll have already had several character meals, so would be ok with skipping it. My other choice that night would be Raglan Road.

Of the ones I'm having trouble with and seeing the others we're trying to book, which of the choices would you all recommend? Tutto Italia over Le Cellier? Raglan Road over 1900? TIA!

I'd try for Le Cellier, but Tutto Italia is an excellent back-up plan and you shouldn't be disappointed at all if that's how it works out. We've not yet made it to Le Cellier. Invariably, I get the ADR and then we change our plans or they're running behind and the kids are too hungry to wait or something and we wind up going elsewhere. I had it for our May trip and ended up rescheduling when we added a tour to that day which changed all our meal times around. We loved Tutto Italia, though, so I'm more than pleased with our back-up choice for that night's ADR.

Personally, I'd go with Raglan Road on your Downtown Disney day. The character interaction with the stepsisters at 1900PF gets rave reviews, but the food is just buffet food and it is quite a ways from where you plan to be that day. I tend to book my ADRs in such a way as to minimize travel time, and DTD to GF is fair bit of travel time. Plus if you go with Raglan Road, there's no pressure to be done with DTD by dinner time. If there's some place you didn't get to or something you decide you want to go back and buy, you're still right there.

 

[Tink&Belle's Mom]

Thanks sept. I didn't realize that. I was figuring that the characters would make their way around to our table at some point. Oh well, my kids eat fast - guess that will have to do.

You are correct--at the character meals they will make their way around to the tables. I think what septbaby was saying was that when your kids see a character out in the park, they are going to want to line up and meet them, even if they have already met them at a meal. Just be prepared that that is really important to a lot of young kids/first time visitors! It really is as important to meet their favorite friends as to ride the rides!

 

[Faldred]

You are correct--at the character meals they will make their way around to the tables. I think what septbaby was saying was that when your kids see a character out in the park, they are going to want to line up and meet them, even if they have already met them at a meal. Just be prepared that that is really important to a lot of young kids/first time visitors! It really is as important to meet their favorite friends as to ride the rides!

Yeah... a co-worker went (for the first time) with her DD2 in November, and spent a good part of the time going to see Goofy over and over (sandwiched in between repeated rides in the Indy cars, Teacups, and Dumbo) because her DD2 kept wanting to see him.

 

[septbaby]

You are correct--at the character meals they will make their way around to the tables. I think what septbaby was saying was that when your kids see a character out in the park, they are going to want to line up and meet them, even if they have already met them at a meal. Just be prepared that that is really important to a lot of young kids/first time visitors! It really is as important to meet their favorite friends as to ride the rides!

Thanks for clarifying. By the way it is more endearing than irritating when they ask, so just have the camera ready and roll with it.