New and slighty confused?

[PebblesMK]

Since I'm new, I'm a bit lost as to how to search for things aside from going through page after page (Which I've done but haven't found answers for my specific questions)

I have a few questions in regards to dining that perhaps somebody can answer for me.

1) I've been hearing about a Phantasmic package. I'm not entirely sure what that is or how it works. I am aware that if you eat at certain places, you're given a voucher for the show in reserved seating (though no specific seat is gauranteed). Is there a certain menu that you order from? Do you have to make it known that's what you're planning when making ADRs? Is it available on the dining plan? And most importantly, is it really worth it??

2) My daughter wants to eat at 1900 for both breakfast and dinner for the characters. Is there one that is better than the other (as far as interaction and/or food)....also, which times are better for optimum time spent with the characters? If we only opt to do one, I think it would be the dinner with the Cinderella crew, if we do that, can we meet Alice somewhere?

3) We're doing a princess meal at Akershus. All of the meals sound unbelievably horrible.....Is there anything menu item (aside from breakfast) that is somewhat plain?

4) On our first day we're going to go to Pepper Market once we land. Would it be possible to use extra CS credits and bring food back to the room to keep in the fridge? We're staying at POFQ but the Pepper Market has so many options that I think it would be a good idea so I have something to eat in the mornings (I'm talking non-breakfast foods...like mashed potatos, chicken, burgers...things of that nature)

5) This isn't so much about the food, but how do we get to the different hotels from ours for our meals? And are there any reservations that would run so late that we wouldn't be able to get back to our place without hailing a cab?

6) And finally, we're doing the Halloween Party on the October 1st (Thursday). Would we be better off doing a breakfast or a lunch or maybe a super early dinner somewhere in the park? I'm open to all ideas of what people do or have done in the past.

This is my first trip that I've planned on my own and I'm quite sure I'm making it more overwhelming than it needs to be. I blame the free dining. Otherwise we'd be eating a lot of mini corndogs from Caseys!!!! YUMMO!

I appreciate any and all information that comes my way!!

 

[WhateverLolaWants]

I'll try to tackle some. You will likely get more detailed answers than what I've got for you.

1) Fantasmic Dining Package can be used at Mama Melrose, Hollywood & Vine, or the Brown Derby. There is a set price (each restaurant's price is different) and will include appetizer, entree, desert, and non alcoholic drink from the regular menu (H&V is a buffet so it'll be just the buffet). You must make an ADR specifically for the package because they are limited, so just make sure to tell the person when you're making your ADRs. The reserved seating is a section in the amphitheater that is reserved for the package people, but an actual seat in that section is not reserved for you so you still have to get there somewhat early. You can use the Dining Plan, one credit for MM and H&V, and 2 for BD. As for if it's worth it? Couldn't tell ya because I haven't done it myself. But with the limited shows nowadays, I'd say it's a safe bet that it is worth it.

4) You can use your credits however you'd like. You basically just use them until they run out, so it's not like you can only use one per day.

5) You can take the Disney buses anywhere. I don't think any restaurant will be open later than the buses.

6) We're doing MNSSHP and hoping to eat at the earliest dinner seating at either Chef Mickey's or 1900 Park Fare so we can just hop over to the party via the monorail. A lot of people like to eat in the park, which is what we did for last year's MVMCP. However, our ADR was at LTT at 5:35 and I think it took up a lot of our time so we're hoping to eat before the party this year. So a monorail resort (Contemporary, Grand Floridian, or the Polynesian) restaurant or one at the park is an excellent choice.

 

[PebblesMK]

6) We're doing MNSSHP and hoping to eat at the earliest dinner seating at either Chef Mickey's or 1900 Park Fare so we can just hop over to the party via the monorail. A lot of people like to eat in the park, which is what we did for last year's MVMCP. However, our ADR was at LTT at 5:35 and I think it took up a lot of our time so we're hoping to eat before the party this year. So a monorail resort (Contemporary, Grand Floridian, or the Polynesian) restaurant or one at the park is an excellent choice.

That's genius! I didn't even think of that aspect!!! Though we may try for a late lunch...unless 1900 or CM doesn't offer lunch? I'll investigate, but I absolutely love that idea!

 

[TillyMarigold]

3. I'm not sure what's so horrible about meatballs, pasta and vegetables, sautéed chicken, or grilled salmon, but you can always ask for the sauce to be left off or served on the side if that's what you're concerned about. FYI the "kjottkake" is essentially meatloaf, I believe. There are Akershus reviews here: http://land.allears.net/reviewpost/showproduct.php?product=73&cat=34 and of course you could also find them by using the search function on this board.

4. You have to check in and get your Key to the World (KTTW) cards before you can use your credits; other than that you can use them wherever you want, but you would have to go to POFQ first before heading to CSR.

 

[Cinderella94]

5. Be careful, you can't take a bus from one resort to the other. To go from POP to CBR, for example, you'd need to take a bus from POP to a park or DTD, and then take a bus from there to CBR.

 

[PebblesMK]

3. I'm not sure what's so horrible about meatballs, pasta and vegetables, sautéed chicken, or grilled salmon, but you can always ask for the sauce to be left off or served on the side if that's what you're concerned about. FYI the "kjottkake" is essentially meatloaf, I believe. There are Akershus reviews here: http://land.allears.net/reviewpost/showproduct.php?product=73&cat=34 and of course you could also find them by using the search function on this board.

4. You have to check in and get your Key to the World (KTTW) cards before you can use your credits; other than that you can use them wherever you want, but you would have to go to POFQ first before heading to CSR.

Well yes, I don't think I would like to go to CSR with a load of luggage. That would be insane!! A stop to the room is a definite first.

And perhaps its the wording of Akershus' menu that makes things seem not appealing. I primarily eat chicken though and don't enjoy sauces on it. Yes, I'm pretty boring. But thanks for the link. If the meal fails to pique my tastebuds, I'll get something elsewhere afterwards. Not a biggy.

 

[momofrrr]

We love Akershus. They have a great breakfast. There is a hashbrown casserole that is soooo yummy! I know that menus can change regularly but last time we were there they had a buffet with lots of fresh fruits, salmon, tons of pastries and cheeses. Have a great trip!

 

[dr&momto2boys]

For MNSSHP you can get into the park at 4pm with that ticket. We had an early dinner in the park so we avoided the crowds of people coming in and out around 7pm.

(You can of course get into MK earlier if you use a day off your tickets/hoppers.)

 

[RMulieri]

Akershush is in Norway in WORLD SHOWCASE. So all of the food is Norwegian in origin.Breakfast was great and simple.Lunch and dinner are more ethnic..I am a very PICKY eater and I loved the dinner there. I am sure you will find something to eat. But if you are asking if they will make you a burger or something simple, the answer is no.