Need to pick 2 more ADRs... please

[wifisker]

Hello from a WDW first-timer! DD and I are going Oct 2 - 8 with the first and last days just being resort and pool time. We've got DDP for 6 nights and have 4 ADRs made so far.

I've been reading about all the great places to try and my problem is that I'm so indecisive! Given that it's just the two of us, our first time there, no park hoppers, and we're taking the buses (no car), we'd like to have our TS within the park we'll be at that day or within very short walking distance.

I'll list the parks and ADRs we have so far. If you have suggestions for something we NEED to do and whether we should aim for breakfast, lunch or dinner (assuming I'd be so lucky to still find an opening) I'd be eternally grateful.

Fri, Oct. 2 - Arrive mid-afternoon @ ASMo. Probably just CS in the food court for dinner to take it easy and have some pool time the first night.

Sat, Oct. 3 - AK day. No ADR yet. Since AK isn't open all that late we could either do bfast/lunch in the park OR I'd be willing to have a TS dinner off-site after closing.

Sun, Oct. 4 - DHS day. Dinner ADR at 50s Prime Time.

Mon, Oct. 5 - MK day. Lunch ADR at Crystal Palace.

Tues, Oct. 6 - EPCOT day. Late breakfast ADR at Akershus.

Wed., Oct. 7 - MK day. Late breakfast ADR at Chef Mickey's. Also, it's DD's 5th birthday!!

Thurs., Oct. 8 - No park. Flight at 5:00 PM so probably pool time, CS at resort before heading to airport.

Thank you!

 

[lorourke11]

We just ate at the Yak and Yeti in AK and really enjoyed it. Similar to Chinese fare; everyone at the table enjoyed the meal. Have the fried wontons for dessert!

 

[zddPaul]

I'd eat at the Animal Kingdom Lodge on the 3rd. You have a few options depending on budget and taste, namely Boma (buffet), Jiko (more expensive but very good) and Sanaa (Indian flavors - haven't been but I'm going next week!). Part of the attraction for me is spending a little time before or after just walking around the hotel.

For the 2nd adr I'd consider having another table service meal on the 6th at Epcot. For me the restaurants at Epcot are part of what makes the place unique. Since you are having a late breakfast you might consider have just a snack or two instead of lunch and then having an early dinner at the country of your choice.

 

[copperbrick]

I'd eat at the Animal Kingdom Lodge on the 3rd. You have a few options depending on budget and taste, namely Boma (buffet), Jiko (more expensive but very good) and Sanaa (Indian flavors - haven't been but I'm going next week!). Part of the attraction for me is spending a little time before or after just walking around the hotel.

For the 2nd adr I'd consider having another table service meal on the 6th at Epcot. For me the restaurants at Epcot are part of what makes the place unique. Since you are having a late breakfast you might consider have just a snack or two instead of lunch and then having an early dinner at the country of your choice.

I agree! I'd opt for Boma if you are looking for the most food and bang for the buck (please excuse cliche), and Jiko if you're looking for the ultimate dining experience (be sure to ask for a wine paring). I have yet to eat at Sanaa -- going this October -- so I cannot comment, although I am really looking forward to it.

 

[MerriH807]

Totally out of your way......ohana
However, on the monorail!
Have fun

 

[brymolmom]

You should do Cape May Clam Bake at the Beach Club on the night of EPCOT (short walk out of International Gateway at EPCOT). We just did it on Monday for the first time and I LOVED, LOVED it! The best buffet I've ever had. There was so much yummy food that I couldn't even have it all because I was too full before I tried everything I wanted. The clams, chowder, corn bread, salads and vegetables were wonderful! Or maybe do a DTD meal on your AK day...We just did Wolfgang Puck Cafe for the first time and it was great!

 

[Lizboo]

Maybe dinner on the 6th at the World Showcase? You may still be able to get Teppan Edo or Tutto Italia..both are excellent. Good luck

 

[Ms.Mouse]

When we go to AK, we usually take a bus to AKL and eat at BOMA. The buffet there is just huge and satisfies everyone in our group. The last time we went to WDW, we ate at Yak and Yeti on our AK day and it was good but we prefer BOMA.

 

[wifisker]

Thanks for the suggestions! Given your input, I'm leaning toward dinner at Boma on the 3rd and a dinner ADR at EPCOT, skipping lunch that day as we should still be full from Akershus. (Our Akershus ADR is at 10:45 AM and I hope they still have breakfast foods out since the lunch menu didn't look as appealing. We're going for the princesses either way.)

I'm off to see what's still available for ADRs those days. That should help narrow the choices for the EPCOT / World Showcase dinner ADR.

 

[MaumeeMom]

I would vote for the character breakfast at Tusker House at AK. DS 4yo loved it. The food and character interaction was both very good.

 

[Mom2PrincessK]

Cali Grill and Ohana are two of our must do's.

May be tough to get, but if flexible on the times maybe you can snag something.

Good luck!

 

[copperbrick]

Thanks for the suggestions! Given your input, I'm leaning toward dinner at Boma on the 3rd and a dinner ADR at EPCOT, skipping lunch that day as we should still be full from Akershus. (Our Akershus ADR is at 10:45 AM and I hope they still have breakfast foods out since the lunch menu didn't look as appealing. We're going for the princesses either way.)

I'm off to see what's still available for ADRs those days. That should help narrow the choices for the EPCOT / World Showcase dinner ADR.

That's an excellent point about breakfast . . . how late do the restaurants serve breakfast, does anyone here know?

 

[JackJack08]

Ohana!!!

 

[djp0630]

Wow, I would decide soon. I've heard great things about Boma for your AK lodge and Tusker House breakfast (but that's a hard one). As for your other one, I would try somewhere in the World Showcase. Teppan Edo or Biergarten, or Tutto Italia. See what you can get.

You could try Jiko which is 2TS and you wouldn't need to find another one.

 

[wifisker]

Okay, after I convinced myself I'd be happy with more CS meals using those TS credits (posted about it in the Dining Plan forum) I ended up spying a 5:05 PM ADR for Tutto Italia. Had to grab it! DD and I could both enjoy pasta and tiramisu is one of my all-time fave desserts.

If I end up leaving that last straggler TS and using it at one of the many great CS options I won't be heartbroken. But IF Ohana or someplace else that sounds good just happens to open up on the right day and right time then I wouldn't pass it up.

 

[MariDisney]

Okay, after I convinced myself I'd be happy with more CS meals using those TS credits (posted about it in the Dining Plan forum) I ended up spying a 5:05 PM ADR for Tutto Italia. Had to grab it! DD and I could both enjoy pasta and tiramisu is one of my all-time fave desserts.

If I end up leaving that last straggler TS and using it at one of the many great CS options I won't be heartbroken. But IF Ohana or someplace else that sounds good just happens to open up on the right day and right time then I wouldn't pass it up.

Do you have the Deluxe Dining Plan? I'm sorry, I didn't go back and look. If not, you likely will not be able to use a TS credit at a CS loction. I'm not aware of that being allowed.

 

[wifisker]

Do you have the Deluxe Dining Plan? I'm sorry, I didn't go back and look. If not, you likely will not be able to use a TS credit at a CS loction. I'm not aware of that being allowed.

No, but everything I've read is that it is allowed and others in the DP forum seemed to think so, too. My understanding is that you can use TS for CS and use CS for snacks. You can downgrade; just not the other way around with trying to get a CS meal with a snack credit or whatever.

 

[MariDisney]

No, but everything I've read is that it is allowed and others in the DP forum seemed to think so, too. My understanding is that you can use TS for CS and use CS for snacks. You can downgrade; just not the other way around with trying to get a CS meal with a snack credit or whatever.

You might be right, it is just not how I've ever understood it happening or anyone reporting success in doing it. That doens't mean it hasn't, of course. Please do report back and let us know if it worked for you.

Have a great trip!

 

[VAN]

I also thought that was an exception that was made in the past when they had too many people who couldn't get into TS restaurants. I would not assume that you can do it.

You might want to be aware of any dining plan restaurants that do not accept ADRs. The ESPN Club is one. The food has always been fine (nothing special) and is an easy walk from the International Gateway at Epcot. Something to keep in mind.

 

[tinkgurl]

For your AK day, you could eat at Yak & Yeti for dinner. It's so good!