Newbie to ADRs looking for suggestions

[lizabu]

We will be going to Disney on Jan 8th and staying until the 15th. We are a group of 7. Me, DH, boys ages 17, 16, 13 and girls aged 12 and 10. We are staying at POFQ (2 rooms). We are hoping to not have to do park hoppers. I'm the only one in our party who's ever been to Disney and I went when I was in grade 2 (1982...a few things have changed I hear...lol) and this will be our first and possibly only time going as a family. I'm hoping to make the ADRs for the dinner meal and we'll be doing the DDP. My thoughts were to spend the 9th in AK, the 10th in HS, 11&12th in Epcot and 13&14th in MK. I'm a little overwhelmed with the choices and find it a little confusing as a newbie sorting out where each one is. I was hoping to do Fantasmic but I've read it will be closed during our visit . Can any of you Disney Pros give me some suggestions about what places are can't misses. I like the idea of Dinner shows and even character meals. Does anyone have some advice or suggestions? Where would you go? TIA

 

[sassy2000]

Here are my suggestions:
Animal Kingdom day: Tusker House lunch or dinner buffet
Magic Kingdom Days: 1. Ohana (just a short boat or monorail ride to the polynesian resort) which is our favorite place to eat. 2. If you want a character meal then I would suggest either Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary resort or Crystal Palace in the Magic Kingdom. The food is good, not great but character interaction is fun.
Epcot: 1. Chefs de France 2. Teppan Edo
Hollywood Studio: 50's Prime Time Cafe

 

[lizabu]

thanks sassy2000

 

[Nadjalu]

I am gonna be honest, you would be very good to invest in the hoppers for your trip.
Yes it adds expense, but since you aren't familar with the property and all it offers, you will hinder yourself without them.

People go without hoppers all the time, but most of them know the lay of the land and are very familar with how and where to go. Where everything is in relation to each other...etc. That makes it easier for them to not waste time figuring it out.

But people that don't have the advantage of knowing all this, hoppers aren't just about going from one park to another. It is about having no limits on your vacation. Being able to change plans if you want, have more freedom so to speak.
And since this is your "only" family trip, it would be money well spent I think.

 

[lizabu]

Thanks Nadjalu...something to consider

 

[Sappermont]

I am gonna be honest, you would be very good to invest in the hoppers for your trip.
Yes it adds expense, but since you aren't familar with the property and all it offers, you will hinder yourself without them.

People go without hoppers all the time, but most of them know the lay of the land and are very familar with how and where to go. Where everything is in relation to each other...etc. That makes it easier for them to not waste time figuring it out.

But people that don't have the advantage of knowing all this, hoppers aren't just about going from one park to another. It is about having no limits on your vacation. Being able to change plans if you want, have more freedom so to speak.
And since this is your "only" family trip, it would be money well spent I think.