New and overwhelmed....

[stacean]

we go to Disney every other year, so I'm familiar with things but not exactly an expert. I guess you could say we're fairly lackadaisical about our Disney experience, and tend to luck into restaurants etc. This year I want to do it different and actually PLAN! We are going in August, so the 180 days out deadline is fast approaching. We stay in a timeshare, so no dining plan. We'll go to the Disney Parks maybe 3 days and have a DD age 5 and DS age 10. A not so adventuresome DH, he needs plain food

In the past we've enjoyed eating in Mexico and Japan as well as the Coral Reef at Epcot. We usually wind up at Tony's for late lunch in MK. But I feel like we're in a rut and want to try something new I guess. Maybe even in the resorts?

So I guess my questions at this point are:

what is the best way to navigate this site to find out where we should eat? I'm a little overwhelmed here

is Crystal Palace worth it if your kids aren't really into Winnie the Pooh? Where would you eat in MK?

We also like Animal Kingdom and Epcot, haven't really ventured to MGM that much. Are we making a mistake? Maybe since my kids are older now MGM is a good choice (I know, not particularly about dining, my apologies)

Grand Floridian Tea a good choice for kids 5 and 10? We're also going with my mom and step dad, so we'll out number the kids 2 to one

Favorite Downtown Disney eating/going out places?

I just want to do something different this year and want to make sure I get reservations if I need. Thank you for putting up with a newbie.

 

[eliza61]

I would actually start at Deb's allears sight (www.wdwig.com) She has a great restaurant section (no offense Dis) that breaks the restaurants down by parks and resorts. Then she list all the menus, with prices. After checking that out, come back here and you can post questions about specific restuarants.

Our favorite restaurant in MGM is the sci fi diner, especially for basic eaters. We always go and have burgers and shakes there, sit in the cars and enjoy. Our favorite DTD restuarant is House of Blues.

 

[MS_mom_1965]

The Unofficial Guide book also shows ratings for all the restaurants which I found helpful. After all, if 40% of the people responding to the survey didn't like a restaurant, I probably don't want to try it.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

what is the best way to navigate this site to find out where we should eat? I'm a little overwhelmed here
I sort of like the Disney dining finder to find choices, but the one here is similar, and the one on the DIS allows you to access actual menus.

My personal strategy is to decide on a rough touring plan first -which parks to visit on which days. Another idea is to pick places that are at resorts. If you choose to dine at the Poly for example, you can get there fairly easily from either Epcot or MK. If you dine at one of the Deluxe Epcot resorts (Swan/Dolphin/BC/YC/Boardwalk) you will be close to both Epcot and MGM. For that matter, getting to the world Showcase is pretty easy from MGM - if you have hopper tickets.

You won't know the park hours 180 days out, but you can make a pretty good guess. The August schedule will probably look a lot like the April schedule - at least in terms of extra Magic hours. If you aren't staying on -property, you'll generally want to avoid the the park that's having EMH if you can.

So once you pick a park for each day (or maybe two parks if you plan to hop), then use the Dining finder to find a restaurant the interests you.

is Crystal Palace worth it if your kids aren't really into Winnie the Pooh?
Where would you eat in MK?

I like CP. If your kids are more excited about other characters, then there are other choices. You could have a big breakfast at 'Ohana with characters, for example. You could also try seeing princesses at 1900 Park Fare at GF. Chef Mickey's has Mickey and friends at the Contemporary. Any of those are a quick monorail ride from MK. All have American food. CP is one of my favorites in MK, but it may not be your favorite. Lots of folks prefer Chef Mickey's or 'Ohana.


We also like Animal Kingdom and Epcot, haven't really ventured to MGM that much. Are we making a mistake? Maybe since my kids are older now MGM is a good choice (I know, not particularly about dining, my apologies)

If you one have three days, and are staying offsite (no EMH) that makes it tough to see all four parks. You'll probably want a full day at MK, a full day at Epcot. You could park hop on the third day and spend half at MGM and half at AK. You could also pick one and save over $100 by not getting the park hopping feature on your tickets. I prefer AK (more attractions than MGM) of the two.

Grand Floridian Tea a good choice for kids 5 and 10? We're also going with my mom and step dad, so we'll out number the kids 2 to one
Never did it.

Favorite Downtown Disney eating/going out places?
I like Wofgang Puck's EXPRESS (not the cafe , the EXPRESS on the MARKETPLACE side of DTD). One thign I like is the outdoor dinign, but that may not be so appealing in the August heat. I also haven't been there in over a year. Lots of folks swear by Earl of Sandwich. Both of those are inexpensive.
House of Blues is fun for a TS. It is American food, but with a Southern twist: ribs, jambalaya, gumbo, po' boys, corn bread, etc. They play music at night too.

Generally, I advise folks to pick places they are interested in. The places I like, you might hate, other DISers do, so take all of my suggestions with a grain of salt