Now Approaching... Sleepingbooty's Sept. PTR (We're BAAACK! 9/26)

[Sleepingbooty]

We did Ohana and 50's Prime Time last year. My $5 TR has reports on both of them if you want to check them out. You should be able to find them pretty easily in the index in the first post. We liked them both, but didn't feel like we had to do them again this year...want to try some new places.

The two from your list that we're doing this year are Hoop de Doo and Whispering Canyon. I had an ADR for Whispering Canyon last year, but ended up cancelling it. I want to check out Wilderness Lodge and try out that big platter. I have Hoop scheduled for our last night as a big send-off kind of thing.

I keep saying I need to read that darn report...

 

[Sleepingbooty]

Terrific choices! Whispering Canyon is #1 on the list for our next trip. The food sounds similar to HDDR, but you have a good variety of other styles. Can't wait to see the times you get!

It sounds similar to me too, but I guess its what the troops wanted

 

[Sleepingbooty]

I like your list--great choices IMO.

Thank you! I would have like to try a few more new places, but overall I'm happy with it.

 

[hlrababy]

Awesome choices for dining!! I have always wanted to do O'hana but haven't yet!! It just looks yummy!!

 

[glennbo123]

I keep saying I need to read that darn report...

 

[eandesmom]

This is actually the first time I've used her - but she came so highly recommended. I've never actually used the online reservations, I don't think it was available yet last May (was it?) - are you doing the rest of yours online?

I am not sure when it went live to be honest. I did all of mine online except for Tony's (which we've since canceled), Garden View Tea (or whatever it's called lol and our Illuminations Cruise. All of those required phone calls.

I'm glad I did them online myself. Not that my TA wouldn't have been fine, she would have but some of the times available were rather different and required some shuffling and it was nice to be able to see it all in my cart together before checking out.

 

[All7OfUs]

I agree with Cynthia. It'd be nice to do it yourself so that if shuffling needs to happen, which it likely will, you can be in charge of it.

 

[Sleepingbooty]

Awesome choices for dining!! I have always wanted to do O'hana but haven't yet!! It just looks yummy!!

Oh, you've got to try it at least once (although, if you are like us, it will turn into a tradition!)

 

[Sleepingbooty]

I started it last night - good readin'!

I've gotten through "Dinner at Sanaa." The ticket fiasco made me laugh - we've done that kind of thing more than once (well, not having to get off the bus at luggage service and rifle through packed bags, but misplacing them for sure!)

 

[Sleepingbooty]

I am not sure when it went live to be honest. I did all of mine online except for Tony's (which we've since canceled), Garden View Tea (or whatever it's called lol and our Illuminations Cruise. All of those required phone calls.

I'm glad I did them online myself. Not that my TA wouldn't have been fine, she would have but some of the times available were rather different and required some shuffling and it was nice to be able to see it all in my cart together before checking out.

I agree with Cynthia. It'd be nice to do it yourself so that if shuffling needs to happen, which it likely will, you can be in charge of it.

I may go on the site and play around with it a bit just to see how it works. I guess I can't use my actual dates until after the 23rd, but that way I'll know how to do it if I need to rearrange things. I'll be giving my TA a window ADR, so hopefully she'll have luck with that - but I've been known to change my mind several times before the trip takes place!

 

[GreatBiscuit]

So here's how it stands (all dinners - we're not big breakfast eaters):

• Ohana
• 1900 Park Fare
• 50's Prime Time
• Hoop Dee Doo Review
• Whispering Canyon Cafe
• Le Cellier

Awesome Choices!

All very good choices.... although if you can believe this I've only been to 3 of your six choices....

Me too!

Picking the restaurants we want to eat at was fun. Now comes the part that makes me crazy - arranging them and deciding on days/ times. I've got until the 23rd to get this finalized. I'm gonna need your help! I'll be back later this week with potential plans.

That is definitely the part that will drive you to distraction. Good luck!

 

[jenbear123]

I've only been to 2 out of the 6 places you got there. I'll try to help the best I can!

So happy to see you decided on Le Cellier. I would try for the last lunch seating of the day (around 3pm) or the first dinner seating (4pm-5pm). This is when the restaurant is least crowded and you might experience more attention from the servers. A lot of people complain about the service sometimes but after hearing it straight from Bubba, this place is in demand! There's only so many servers and sometimes they are double seated. You can't blame them for being a little less attentive when the place is so PACKED - especially at dinner time. Ask for Patrick fpr your server. If he's not there, ask for Dan. Both of them are fabulous. I'd recommend other servers too but most will not be there when you go.

1900 Park Fare has been 50/50. I've eaten there both at dinner times at the exact same table, if you can believe that. They really like to stick a table for two in this tight little table. It's so squished that the back of my chair hits the chair of another table. You won't have this problem being such a large party. Definitely try the Strawberry Soup!!! It's so yummy! The rest of the food is typical buffet fare. The characters are great, especially Lady Tremaine. Try to get a first dinner seating. Then you get to see Cinderella and the Prince open the dining room.

 

[jenbear123]

One more thing:

ADRs are the most likely thing to change on my list. I would try to get used to the online reservation system in case your TA doesn't follow through. Not to say she won't but TA's can get busy with other clients... I should know, I am one! Sometimes you just can't get to everyone. Hope it works out!

Also, I see lots of mention about O'hana and Kona Cafe for dinner. I'm toying between the two for my trip in April. Any suggestions? My mom is the picky eater. She might even turn her nose up at pot stickers

What about O'hana for breakfast? We already have one or two character meals planned... is it worth it?

 

[Sleepingbooty]

Awesome Choices!

Me too!

That is definitely the part that will drive you to distraction. Good luck!

I know! It's stressing me out a bit - I'm planning on doing an update with my different scheduling options to get some feedback from you guys - the family is no help!

 

[Sleepingbooty]

I've only been to 2 out of the 6 places you got there. I'll try to help the best I can!

So happy to see you decided on Le Cellier. I would try for the last lunch seating of the day (around 3pm) or the first dinner seating (4pm-5pm). This is when the restaurant is least crowded and you might experience more attention from the servers. A lot of people complain about the service sometimes but after hearing it straight from Bubba, this place is in demand! There's only so many servers and sometimes they are double seated. You can't blame them for being a little less attentive when the place is so PACKED - especially at dinner time. Ask for Patrick fpr your server. If he's not there, ask for Dan. Both of them are fabulous. I'd recommend other servers too but most will not be there when you go.

Scott and I went there on our solo anniversary trip and LOVED it. I know my dad, the carnivore, will really enjoy his meal. My mom is not a steak eater, but she is easy to please for the most part. At least, she doesn't complain much... Anyway, what I was going to say, was that we had WONDERFUL service when we were there. I can't wait to go back!

1900 Park Fare has been 50/50. I've eaten there both at dinner times at the exact same table, if you can believe that. They really like to stick a table for two in this tight little table. It's so squished that the back of my chair hits the chair of another table. You won't have this problem being such a large party. Definitely try the Strawberry Soup!!! It's so yummy! The rest of the food is typical buffet fare. The characters are great, especially Lady Tremaine. Try to get a first dinner seating. Then you get to see Cinderella and the Prince open the dining room.

I totally forgot about the strawberry soup - that sounds amazing!

When would be the first seating - 4:00?

 

[Sleepingbooty]

One more thing:

ADRs are the most likely thing to change on my list. I would try to get used to the online reservation system in case your TA doesn't follow through. Not to say she won't but TA's can get busy with other clients... I should know, I am one! Sometimes you just can't get to everyone. Hope it works out!

Also, I see lots of mention about O'hana and Kona Cafe for dinner. I'm toying between the two for my trip in April. Any suggestions? My mom is the picky eater. She might even turn her nose up at pot stickers

What about O'hana for breakfast? We already have one or two character meals planned... is it worth it?

Thanks for the ADR advice - you are right, I need to figure out the system just in case.

I've never been to Ohana for breakfast, but I've heard nothing but good. We just don't like to do big breakfasts - we want to get right out to the park.

I've been to both Ohana and Kona for dinner. Actually, Kona was lunch now that I think of it. Anyway, both were wonderful, you can't go wrong. You could always show your mom the menus (or are you trying to surprise her?). My parents are pretty picky, and they love Ohana. Unless she is a vegetarian, she'll probably really like it. And I've actually heard they will make you a special vegetarian meal that is supposed to be very good too.

 

[jenbear123]

Glad to hear you had good service when you were at Le Cellier

I believe the first seating is around 4pm

Thanks for the tips on Kona and O'hana. I do want to keep it a surprise for my mom but even if I do tell her we plan on eating there for dinner, she won't suspect we're staying there... hopefully. For now, I'll pick Kona Cafe for dinner

 

[All7OfUs]

I don't think 'Ohana even serves breakfast. In fact, if I'm correct, it's ONLY dinner. ARe you thinking of Kona for breakfast??

 

[jenbear123]

No, I'm fairly certain O'hana serves breakfast with Lilo & Stitch?

 

[All7OfUs]

No, I'm fairly certain O'hana serves breakfast with Lilo & Stitch?

OOps! You're so right, Jen! Thanks for correcting that! It was lunch they don't serve. I knew it was closed sometime during the day...