Newbie looking for restaurant recommendations please!

[Bertie131]

Our trip is planned for 9/08 for 4 nights. What restaurants do you recommend the most that we could fit into such a short time? Thanks!!

 

[Rhonda]

Let's narrow it down a little bit. What ages are your kids (if any)? Are you interested in character meals? Do you like buffets, or would you rather be served at your table?

 

[Bertie131]

No kids-just 3 adults(kids at heart!). We do like character breakfasts. Buffets and sit-downs are pretty even. We love different types of food.
Thanks!

 

[KatMark]

First of all, if you are going in September, I'd get your ressies in as soon as possible. We booked ours back in March at our 180 day mark. I would suggest Crystal Palace for breakfast at the Magic Kingdom with Pooh and friends, LeCellier or Biergarten at Epcot, Mama Melrose at Hollywood Studios. We have not done a sit-down at Animal Kingdom yet, but are trying Yak & Yeti this year. We are also trying Boma and Whispering Canyon Cafe for the first time this year. If you don't want a "big" meal at one of your sit-downs, I would highly suggest The Plaza Restaurant at the Magic Kingdom. It is burgers, salads, reubens, grilled chicken, club sandwiches, etc., plus terrific shakes and sundaes.

 

[Bertie131]

Do you need reservations for places like the Plaza?

 

[Rylee]

Our trip is planned for 9/08 for 4 nights. What restaurants do you recommend the most that we could fit into such a short time? Thanks!!

Hi, I posted the following last night...

Do you have the basic or deluxe plan?
If you have the basic plan... most people schedule 1 Table Service meal per day. Think of it as one appointment each day. Don't want an appointment everyday... book 1 or 2 signature meals (uses 2 credits per person).

Will you have hoppers?
If so, you'll have a little more freedom with your dining options. If not, schedule your meal, in or near, the park you will be visiting each day.

Read menu at the allears site.
Check park and EMH's on the calendar at the WDW site.
Decide which park you will likely visit each day. (Aren't sure... book a resort or DTD restaurant.)
Using Disney transportation... consider traveling convenience (how many transfers... buses, boats, etc.,) and the length of time needed.
Before you call... have a "second choice" in mind for each day.
Keep in mind... your child's schedule/routine... naps, cranky hour, etc.
Do not schedule meals close to the times of any special events, parades, or evening shows you plan on seeing.
Put the Disney Dining phone number in your cell, in case you want/need to cancel any ADr's.


Tips -
Dining at resort restaurants is a great way to check out other resorts.
On MK days, any of the monorail resort restaurants are easy to get to.
The beach club and boardwalk restaurants are just a beautiful boat ride from Hollywood Studios.
Since AK usually closes earlier than the other parks, AK day is a good day to book at a DTD restaurant.
Want to get into the park before it opens... (offers some great picture-taking moments) book one of the earliest seatings.
Lunch is cheaper than dinner and a good way to escape the afternoon heat and crowds.
Character meals are a great way to get autographs and pictures without standing in line.
Book California Grill at a time when you can view Wishes.


Some restaurants we have enjoyed -

Coral Reef @ Epcot
Teppan Edo @ Epcot
Le Cellier @ Epcot
Chef Mickey's @ Comtemporary Resort
Boma's @ Animal Kingdom Lodge
Jiko's @ Animal Kingdom Lodge
Kona @ the Poly
O'Hana's @ the Poly

 

[Sandy321]

with that Sept date, you may be limited to what is available!

Ohana for breakfast has good character interaction

3 adults - I'd put Kona at the Polynesian on the list!!
Sept I wonder if the Wave at Contemp will have openings - I have no idea what the plan is for this restaurant..
EPCOT
Biergarten in Germany has music and a buffet
Rose and Crown in England has good food
Animal Kingdom Lodge - Boma's gets great reviews here

Crystal Palace was taking walk ups last year during free dining and a Mickey's not so scarry night!! (so if you dont get this buffet meal in the Magic Kingdom, make a ressie, but see if they have openings - go to their check in window btw)

check out the menus at www.allearsnet.com

 

[KatMark]

Do you need reservations for places like the Plaza?

I would say yes. We have eaten there every year for the last three years, and when we were there during free dining last year, they were turning people away at all of the sit down restaurants.

 

[dad2t&e]

I would suggest Crystal Palace for breakfast or dinner at the Magic Kingdom with Pooh and friends, LeCellier or Biergarten at Epcot, Chef Mickey's at Contempary Resort. We liked Flame Tree BBQ at Animal Kingdom. Whispering Canyon Cafe is a blast and good for breakfast and dinner at the Wilderness Lodge but they have no characters. Its really hard to go wrong at Disney. Just be sure to make your ADR's as soon as possible.

 

[Bertie131]

Thanks for all the great responses. We do have the basic dining meal. What are the counter service meals?

 

[Tiggr924]

I would look at Boma, Crystal Palace, and Kona.

Wolfgang Puck Express (DTD) sandwiches are excellent for a CS

 

[spaceace510]

My favorites are:
For a character meal: Chef Mickey's/ crystal palace
Sit Down: Kona Cafe
Special Meal: Hoop Dee Doo

 

[Sandy321]

Thanks for all the great responses. We do have the basic dining meal. What are the counter service meals?

Counter service - think "Fast Food"

TS - Table Service - sit down meals, buffets, character meals (around $20-$30 a meal)

Really spend a few hours over at www.allearsnet.com click on Dining - then go to the left side, click on resorts, or parks...

Kona at the Polynesian is on the monorail, so you can go to Magic Kingdom, then monorail or take a resort bus over to Polynesian...