Never Been to WDW, looking for feedback on ADRs and recommendations for QS places

[ruthie_]

I am planning a family vacation for 2016 and I have made my ADRs - I am just wanting feedback regarding my selections as we have never been to WDW - ever! I tried my best to do some solid research to try to make educated selections based on our family. I have a son who is 8, a daughter who is 5. My son is not really adventurous with food - my daughter is more flexible but really likes standard fare (chicken nuggets, fries, salads but will try and enjoy curry, spicy foods, unfamiliar foods). My husband is pretty flexible but doesn't like too spicy or too exotic and I will be able to eat anywhere - pretty adventurous when it comes to food.

So my ADRs...

Day 1 - MK - QS lunch (looking for recommendations on QS places - please help!), going to HDDR for supper
Day 2 - MK - breakfast at BOG, looking for a snacky type lunch (Gaston's Tavern?) and going to BOG fo supper (other people in our party are eating there and not eating there for breakfast).
Day 3- AK - looking for QS (thinking Flame Tree?), Tusker House for supper.
Day 4 - Epcot - lunching though the International Showcase, going to Akershus for supper.
Day 5 - HS - lunch at Pizza Planet (is this a good choice? Thinking my son, a toy story fanatic, would like it here), supper at 50s Prime Time Cafe.
Day 6 - MK - breakfast again at BOG, supper at CRT.
Day 7 - I am unsure of where we will be in the daytime with regards to parks (based on our other selections is there any recommendations as to where we should spend this day?), and then it is our 10th Anniversary Dinner so we booked supper at Le Cellier and are going to get a babysitter for the kids in the hotel room (has anyone used this service? Is it good? I see there are a couple companies that offer this service).
Day 8 - unsure of where we will be in the day (probably MK as it is our last day), but planning on eating at Ohana for supper before we pull out of WDW.

I want to make sure that this trip is the best possible trip. We live in Canada (the exchange rate is killing me, btw...) and don't know when we will be able to have another trip - and we have never been to WDW and I have no idea about these restaurants except from what I have read about online. Any and all feedback is totally appreciated!

Other restaurants I was considering trying to work in possibly included the Garden Grill, Chef Mickey's, TRex (my son is a dino-fanatic), and 1900 Park Fare. My son likes creative stuff (really into art) and animals (and dinos) and my daughter is into princesses and all that sparkles. Kind of hard to find solid, good experiences for my son too that are not super princess-y. Suggestions on that front would be awesome too!

Thank you!

 

[Rylie Grite]

2

 

[Sarabi's Cubs]

Day 1 - I agree with the Columbia Harbor House. We've also had very good luck at Cosmic Rays when looking for quick basic food. Also, my kids like hot dogs, so Casey's is a good choice. For us, it just depends where in the park we are
Day 2 BOG is great! Dinner will be a big meal so if you are at MK, this might be a good time for Casey's or for quick service at your resort depending on where you're staying. I wouldn't do BOG twice on the same day since you have a BOG breakfast later in the week.
Day 3 Flame Tree is a great choice and we love Tusker House, although we have only eaten there for breakfast. When we are at AK, we usually eat at Boma for dinner since AK closes early. I find buffets to be a good choice with kids because there are always chicken nuggets and fries, but they can try some other things.
Day 4 Sounds like a great plan!
Day 5 We ate at Sci Fi and really enjoyed it. My daughter doesn't really get the banter at 50s Prime Time. She thought it was mean, so we wouldn't go there again. Just personal preference.
Day 6 We aren't huge fans of CRT. It just seems way overpriced and for that $$ we prefer Crystal Palace or 1900 Park Fare (again we like buffets when the kids are with us). We really enjoyed 1900 Park Fare because you have Cinderella for my daughter and my son really enjoyed interacting with the stepsisters and lady Tremaine.
Day 7 We haven't used the babysitting before. Sorry. I would just keep this day flexible and see what your kids enjoyed and what you didn't see on the first visit
Day 8 Our kids love O'hana!

There aren't a lot of character experiences that appeal to boys. Mine have always liked the Tusker House breakfast, because they like Mickey and Goofy. One idea since your son likes animals is to do the Wilderness Explorer program at AK. There are cast members with orange backpacks at several locations. They give your children a booklet and each page has a different activity somewhere in the park. At each location, when they complete the activity, they get a "badge" (a sticker) for their booklet. My son, who was 8 at the time, loved this and I enjoyed it too, as I got to see many areas of AK that I wouldn't have otherwise. Take the train out to Rafiki's Planet Watch. The cast members there are really knowledgeable and great with kids. They have an area where you can watch them make the animals' food and another where they bring animals in for checkups. The kids loved that! Also, when mine were 8 and 5, they loved the pools and the campfire that some of the resorts have. It drove me a little nuts since they can swim and have a campfire at home, but then I realized, it's their vacation too and they were having a blast, so why not? We have much better vacations when I let all of us enjoy it and don't worry about checking off items on a to do list. Enjoy!!!

Laurie

 

[KristiMc]

Have never done the in-room sitting but my boys loved the Kids Clubs when they were that age. We did the Neverland Club at the Polynesian (now called Lilo's Playhouse). They didn't want to leave when we picked them up.

 

[cassie58]

I know you have already made most ADRs, but here is some of our recommendations in case you want to change anything around if it sounds like it might work for you! I would also recommend Tusker House for brft. - the characters are there in Safari gear, they have special juice my DD loves, and lots of choices on the buffet, with a few African foods to try. The dinner menu is a more African themed, and may be more adventurous than you'd like. I'd say the same about Akershus, with dinner including more Norweigen items - we have done brft and liked it. These foods may be up your alley, just an FYI. If you haven't already, check out allears.net, which has all the menus and prices to give you a better idea.

Our favorite brft is Crystal Palace - they have a chef making made-to-order omelettes and Mickey shaped pancakes, and it is a beautiful setting across from the castle, and my faves Pooh and Tigger! We also like CRT for brft - cheaper as PP mentioned. Don't know if you are aware of the Bibbidy Bobbedy Boutique (sp.?) inside the castle where you can make an appt. to have DD's hair and make-up done by a fairy godmother - the basic package is not bad, around $55, and lots of sparkles as you said your DD is into. You need a reservation - hard to get, but we surprised my DD and got one before our castle brft, bringing our own princess dress(can do a whole pkge with dress but it's pricey) and it was very magical. We then did 1900 PF dinner, and got even more mileage out of hair! We love the interaction there with the stepsisters, and Prince and Cinderella dance every 30 min. or so, and kids can join. If you do it, ask to sit in the main room when you arrive, you may wait a little longer, but then you are there when they dance to jump in.

If you do a brft, we usually either get a late brft, so it's more like brunch, just eat a snack early, and then get QS for dinner if we are having another TS that day, or if you can get a pre park opening brft, it allows you in early, which gives you some good less crowded pics on Main St. with the castle, and gives you a jump on rides in any park, as you can get done eating before or around opening, and be ready to hit the rides while others are still going through security! The first few hrs are the best times to get a lot done before it gets more crowded.

At AK, Flame Tree is great, and be sure to see the Lion King show. The safari ride is also good to do more than once during the day, as different animals are close to you each time. We like to do it first thing and then FP it for another ride later. There are also trails that go up close to the Tree of Life, which is awesome to check out all the animal carvings , and they also have animal exhibits along the trail. It is not well marked - we found out about them for our 2nd trip from someone here on the boards! One side starts near the "it's tough to be a bug" 3 Dmovie(do not recommend this personally!) you can always ask a CM to guide you.

At HS, we love Sci-Fi, it's fun sitting in cars like a drive-in watching old movies, and they have great milkshakes. Starring Rolls has good sandwiches and yummy cupcakes for lunch, and good pastries if you need to grab brft. Since your son is a a Toy Story fan, make sure you make FP+ for Toy Story Mania ride right at 60 days. It is such a fun ride and has long waits all day. We try to get there at rope drop and jump in line right away so the wait is not too long, then have a FP+ to do it again later. Also, Buzz and Woody meet right across the way, so you could get that done as well. Watch for the green army men, they pop up throughout the day and interact - very funny!(Jessie and Woody also meet in MK - last time they were down by the entrance to Splash Mtn., but you could not see them up above. )

At Epcot, Coral Reef is a cool place to eat next to the aquarium tank, and watch fish and a giant sea turtle swim by - if you do go there, ask to be seated next to the tank. You can also check out Club Cooll, tucked away near the bridge into World Showcase, where they have different flavored sodas from around the world, they you can sample for free(one is very disgusting, I will let you be surprised!).

Sorry this is so long - hope it helps you plan!

 

[ruthie_]

@cassie58 - Thank you so much for all the advice! Super appreciated.
@KristiMc - can we use that service even though we are not staying there? We are at AoA. We also have a babe who will be 6 months at the time of our trip. We could bring her with us for the evening though if needed.
@Sarabi's Cubs and @Rylie Grite - thank you for the recommendations with the restaurants. Very much appreciated. Columbia Harbour House... is it really good? Our family doesn't eat a ton of fish. Are there other alternatives as well?

 

[KristiMc]

@cassie58 - Thank you so much for all the advice! Super appreciated.
@KristiMc - can we use that service even though we are not staying there? We are at AoA. We also have a babe who will be 6 months at the time of our trip. We could bring her with us for the evening though if needed.
@Sarabi's Cubs and @Rylie Grite - thank you for the recommendations with the restaurants. Very much appreciated. Columbia Harbour House... is it really good? Our family doesn't eat a ton of fish. Are there other alternatives as well?

Yes, you can take the kids to any of the kids clubs on property. You do not need to be staying there. I believe it is for ages 3-12.
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/recreation/childrens-activity-centers/

 

[ruthie_]

@KristiMc - perfect. Thank you!

 

[Vernie822]

Hi! Welcome I hope your first trip planning is going smoothly.

Day 1 - MK - QS lunch (looking for recommendations on QS places - please help!), going to HDDR for supper
At MK I really like Columbia Harbor House. Seafood-y type stuff with a few options for those who don't like seafood. My fiance really likes Casey's Corner. They have different variations of hot dogs and you also get fries, quick but simple and the food's decent. We also like Be Our Guest for lunch - you can pre-order and make an ADR for this one. Only ADR you need for a quick service place.

Day 2 - MK - breakfast at BOG, looking for a snacky type lunch (Gaston's Tavern?) and going to BOG fo supper (other people in our party are eating there and not eating there for breakfast).
Just noticed you are eating at BOG this day! Yay. We love the Waffle Fries at Golden Oak Outpost (they're open seasonally, near Frontierland/Adventureland) for a snacky lunch.. or we also like Sleepy Hollow (belgian waffle sandwiches!)

Day 3- AK - looking for QS (thinking Flame Tree?), Tusker House for supper.
Love Tusker House. Yak and Yeti is good QS too.

Day 4 - Epcot - lunching though the International Showcase, going to Akershus for supper.
We love the bakery in France, and the fish and chips in the UK. Definitely stop at Karamell Kuche in Germany!

Day 5 - HS - lunch at Pizza Planet (is this a good choice? Thinking my son, a toy story fanatic, would like it here), supper at 50s Prime Time Cafe.
As kids, we loved it. My fiance wanted to go for the longest time (he had never been) and he hated it. It's not amazing but I think it's OK. We enjoyed 50's! The sampler (pot roast, chicken, and meatloaf) is good and is shareable.

Day 6 - MK - breakfast again at BOG, supper at CRT.
I've never been to CRT but I'm sure it is magical!!

Day 7 - I am unsure of where we will be in the daytime with regards to parks (based on our other selections is there any recommendations as to where we should spend this day?), and then it is our 10th Anniversary Dinner so we booked supper at Le Cellier and are going to get a babysitter for the kids in the hotel room (has anyone used this service? Is it good? I see there are a couple companies that offer this service).
I don't have kids so I can't comment on that, but we like to visit the Boardwalk area (you can walk from Hollywood Studios or take the boat, or if you're at Epcot you can enter the park, leave through the back near the UK/France, and walk over). Le Cellier sounds delicious, we have never been but we're going in April. We loved Yachtsman (on the Boardwalk at the Yacht club) and Flying Fish (also on the Boardwalk). You can also tour the monorail resorts near MK. Or, pick your favorite park from the trip and go back and do more there.

Day 8 - unsure of where we will be in the day (probably MK as it is our last day), but planning on eating at Ohana for supper before we pull out of WDW.
Ohana is our absolute favorite dinner on property!

 

[ruthie_]

@Vernie822 - thanks! Good to know we're on the right track! I was reading that Pizza Planet will be closed when we are there... so not sure where we will eat but I'm sure we can find something to eat there

And Karamell Kuche.... I am really looking forward to!

 

[kapstar]

@Vernie822 - thanks! Good to know we're on the right track! I was reading that Pizza Planet will be closed when we are there... so not sure where we will eat but I'm sure we can find something to eat there

Just past Pizza Planet is Mama Melrose's Italian Restaurant. It is Table Service, so it is more expensive than Pizza Planet, but it is a hidden gem at HS. Good menu selection a very good food.

Le Cellier is an excellent choice for an Anniversary Dinner.

When at CRT, there is an option to pre-order a "glass slipper" dessert. Chocolate Slipper filled with mousse and berries, Crowns for the boys in glass slippers is not their thing. They can personalize a short message on the rim of the plate also. When we were there for lunch I think our party was the only one who had arranged for this, it made my princess daughter feel extra special. You can order through the Disney Cake Hotline at 407-827-2253 anytime from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM all week long. The will need your dining reservation number and you will have to pay for the order in advance. I think they are still $15.

Day 7-Based on the ages of your kids, I would consider a return to HS. Toy Story Midway Mania via Fastpass or at Rope Drop. (If you son is truly a fanatic do both RD and a Fastpass later in the day). They Playhouse Disney Shows might appeal to your daughter, and The Little Mermaid is a good show also. You won't need to spend the entire day at HS, so you will have time to get back to your room and get the kids settled before your dinner at Le Cellier.

My sons both loved Pirates League at that age. But, like the glass slipper dessert I am spending your $ for you....sorry.

There is a new Breakfast Buffet at Epcot with Chip and Dale that might be worth looking into. Also consider Crystal Palace for breakfast as opposed to another BOG breakfast....

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[ChasingLeslie]

For MK QS, I'd recommend Sleepy Hallow and Pinnochio's Village Haus...also Friar Nook if you like various kinds of mac&cheese.

In Epcot, definitely eat your way around the world. Have nachos in Mexico, grab a pastry in France, snag some sweets in Germany, etc.

 

[ncc1701]

If your son likes sports maybe a trip to the ESPN Club at the Boardwalk for lunch or dinner. They don't take ADRS so as long as you aren't eating there when a big event is happening (college or NFL football, NCAA basketball tournament ) the wait isn't long.
We like Mama Melrose for lunch. We share a pizza/flatbread and a salad so that might work with Pizza Planet closed. They open at 11:30 , I would make an ADR as we have seen people turned away on a weekday in November at lunch.