Piper's Practically Perfect PTR..Wish Trip! 3/2-8...Upd Pg 126- TR Link!! Hooray!

[Momofwishkid]

Well it looks like the Dine with Shamu is already booked up for that week There is the luau available though with fire dancers. A bit pricey though. I was thinking the same thing about Margaritaville but I believe Melissa had mentioned a private beach the kids could play on and I know my kids really want to see the beaches and we wont have time to make an actual trip to the beach. I havent looked into meals at US/IOA but Im sure there's something cool there.

 

[Millie12591]

Amanda!!!

Dates! Dates! I'm so happy for you and Piper!!! You are going during the best time of the year too!
Your going to have so much fun planning now!! Just be sure to ask any questions you need answered so we can help any way we can.
Piper is going to be so excited!!

 

[pipersmom]

Well it looks like the Dine with Shamu is already booked up for that week There is the luau available though with fire dancers. A bit pricey though. I was thinking the same thing about Margaritaville but I believe Melissa had mentioned a private beach the kids could play on and I know my kids really want to see the beaches and we wont have time to make an actual trip to the beach. I havent looked into meals at US/IOA but Im sure there's something cool there.

I don't think Piper realizes yet how close we'll be to the ocean..she's never seen it. Early on I had considered doing a day trip, but there's already so much to do that I nixed it. I need to do a lot more research into US/IOA as far as restaurants before we go.

:yay
Amanda!!!

Dates! Dates! I'm so happy for you and Piper!!! You are going during the best time of the year too!
Your going to have so much fun planning now!! Just be sure to ask any questions you need answered so we can help any way we can.
Piper is going to be so excited!!

Thank you, Camille! I actually had gone through the com p system last night and made a couple ADRs then when I went to confirm them the system had gone down. I'll try again today, just one of those times that I hate dial-up! Right now I'm trying for Akershus lunch, and was thinking Garden Grill dinner to let her pick one, but then I realized Thurs night is the big Christmas party at GKTW, so I'll prob drop Garden Grill and skip Illuminations Not sure. I had figured with the two scheduled I could let Piper pick one. I might try to get CP on our MK day and let her pick from those two. I'm also going to try to get Rainforest for our AK day, I think.

 

[yinyanggirls]

I have a confession to make. I'm not sure I know any Jimmy Buffett songs other than Margaritaville. In the 70s and 80s I listened to my parents' music which was mostly country and ABBA. So I am definitely not picking Margaritaville for me. It's not really "for" the kids either, but more of a combination of factors that work for our family. Of the restaurants at Universal, this is one that gets good reviews for the food, but is not too pricey. Emeril's and Paula's restaurants are expensive. Hard Rock Cafe is boring (to my kids and to us who've BTDT at many other locations). I didn't look too long at the CS available inside Universal. There may be plenty of options. I liked that Margaritaville has "local" foods, such as conch fritters and jambalaya. But it's obviously casual and loud so we won't be stressing about our kids sitting still and being quiet. I think there is music every night, sometimes a band, and I've read reviews that mentioned balloon artists and such entertainers for the kids.
Here is the description from U's website:
"WASTED AWAY AGAIN IN MARGARITAVILLE."
-Jimmy Buffett

The music, lyrics and laid back island attitude of Jimmy Buffett comes to life at this popular landmark restaurant.

The main dining room was inspired by one of Jimmy Buffett's favorite South Florida waterfront concerts, and its three bars — The Volcano Bar, Land Shark Bar, and 12 Volt Bar — were themed around Jimmy Buffett songs. The Volcano Bar is a fan favorite, complete with a giant exploding volcano that erupts Margaritas periodically. Live bands take to the restaurant’s stage to perform every evening.

There's outdoor seating available on the Porch of Indecision, featuring a live guitarist to sing along with every night. Or you can just relax in colorful Adirondack chairs outside the restaurant and watch the world go by.

Right next to Margaritaville is the Lone Palm Airport, featuring Jimmy Buffett's very own seaplane, the Hemisphere Dancer. This outdoor lounge and tiki bar serves a variety of drinks and quick eats under the wing of the plane, along with the "Parakeet Beach" area for the little ones to play in.

I tried to see the "beach" in pics, on google maps etc, but I can't find any. I wouldn't want anyone disappointed if they were expecting an actual beach.

Deciding on the dining was the hardest for me (and of course, could still change) but you just have to decide what factors are most important to you. Things that I considered when deciding were: Characters, unique themes not found at chains at home, unique menus that aren't too exotic for the kids to try, price, location, availability. It's a tough decision, but of course, some days/nights you can just leave open, maybe have some ideas written down as backup and then wing it! Good luck!

 

[pipersmom]

I have a confession to make. I'm not sure I know any Jimmy Buffett songs other than Margaritaville. In the 70s and 80s I listened to my parents' music which was mostly country and ABBA. So I am definitely not picking Margaritaville for me. It's not really "for" the kids either, but more of a combination of factors that work for our family. Of the restaurants at Universal, this is one that gets good reviews for the food, but is not too pricey. Emeril's and Paula's restaurants are expensive. Hard Rock Cafe is boring (to my kids and to us who've BTDT at many other locations). I didn't look too long at the CS available inside Universal. There may be plenty of options. I liked that Margaritaville has "local" foods, such as conch fritters and jambalaya. But it's obviously casual and loud so we won't be stressing about our kids sitting still and being quiet. I think there is music every night, sometimes a band, and I've read reviews that mentioned balloon artists and such entertainers for the kids.

Morning, Melissa
I nixed it more after looking at the menu prices and realizing it would be a "me" thing and not a Piper thing. I realize the prices aren't terrible considering some of the prices at other places, but it's still more than what I'd like to pay when I know I can do less expensive that day and Piper wouldn't care one way or another. We don't have anywhere like Rainforest, TRex, Margaritaville anywhere near us, and of those, I think she would get the most out of Rainforest, so we'll do that on our AK/DHS day.

I tried to see the "beach" in pics, on google maps etc, but I can't find any. I wouldn't want anyone disappointed if they were expecting an actual beach.

Deciding on the dining was the hardest for me (and of course, could still change) but you just have to decide what factors are most important to you. Things that I considered when deciding were: Characters, unique themes not found at chains at home, unique menus that aren't too exotic for the kids to try, price, location, availability. It's a tough decision, but of course, some days/nights you can just leave open, maybe have some ideas written down as backup and then wing it! Good luck!

I'm only planning a couple of ADRs..a character meal, and Rainforest. The rest we're going to wing. I'll prob take her to the MickeyD's, but we'll do that either the day we come in, or the day we leave. After Christmas I'm going to take some polls on best CS places, I think.

 

[eliz991]

Did you consider Chef Mickey's as a character meal? Admittedly I haven't compared the prices, but if she's kind of over pooh, maybe she would prefer Mickey et al., and the Contemporary is super easy to get to from the MK. And it gets really good reviews on the boards.

 

[pipersmom]

Did you consider Chef Mickey's as a character meal? Admittedly I haven't compared the prices, but if she's kind of over pooh, maybe she would prefer Mickey et al., and the Contemporary is super easy to get to from the MK. And it gets really good reviews on the boards.

I did think about it, and I couldn't decide, to be honest with you. My concern is how much time we would eat getting there and getting back to the park. Though since we're doing the fireworks that night we could always go back to GKTW for lunch, then do dinner there? I need to look at the hours it's open, I guess. The big unknown for me is how Piper is going to do stamina-wise..I have no idea whether she'd make it through a whole day at MK or not, and since I have that planned for the first day, it will be the first time to find out. Of course, if the Spectro parade day changes, I'll have to start all this all over again..LOL. Fun, fun, fun...Can you tell I'm clueless?

 

[AlternateEgo]

Ohhh what about Whispering Canyon Cafe or Ohana at the Poly? Those aren't IN the parks, but get great reviews. You can take the boat to WL or the Monorail to the Poly.

Also, Columbia Harbor House is my favorite CS inside MK.

I am so excited you got such wonderful dates for your trip

 

[manntra]

As far as character meals I have eaten at Chef Mickey's for breakfast and it was very good. Easy access to the MK or Epcot via monorail. Haven't been there for dinner though.
1900 Park Fare is a character meal at the Grand Floridian. I know she is not into princesses anymore but they also have Cinderella's stepsisters there and I have heard they are hilarious. Not sure on the food but it is a buffet so I am sure it's all good. I met the stepsisters and stepmother and they were really funny...we had a good time with them.
I have heard really good things about Askerhus too

Tracy

 

[yinyanggirls]

I'm only planning a couple of ADRs..a character meal, and Rainforest. The rest we're going to wing. I'll prob take her to the MickeyD's, but we'll do that either the day we come in, or the day we leave. After Christmas I'm going to take some polls on best CS places, I think.

The only ones I'm planning to "plan around" will be the actual reservations. The other "plans" will just be suggestions that might work with that day. I hadn't even thought about checking out the CS restaurants before we leave, but you're closer than we are.

 

[pipersmom]

Ohhh what about Whispering Canyon Cafe or Ohana at the Poly? Those aren't IN the parks, but get great reviews. You can take the boat to WL or the Monorail to the Poly.

Also, Columbia Harbor House is my favorite CS inside MK.

I am so excited you got such wonderful dates for your trip

Thank you I'm thinking the day we're at MK we're either going to do Cosmic Rays or Columbia..Piper eats just about anything except salads and spinach, so we're pretty wide open.

As far as character meals I have eaten at Chef Mickey's for breakfast and it was very good. Easy access to the MK or Epcot via monorail. Haven't been there for dinner though.
1900 Park Fare is a character meal at the Grand Floridian. I know she is not into princesses anymore but they also have Cinderella's stepsisters there and I have heard they are hilarious. Not sure on the food but it is a buffet so I am sure it's all good. I met the stepsisters and stepmother and they were really funny...we had a good time with them.
I have heard really good things about Askerhus too

Tracy

Personally I would love to do 1900 Park Fare, just going to be up to what she's up for once we get past Christmas and I can actually tell her we need to plan NOW.. ..the past couple of days all of a sudden she's all into the princess movies ?!? Maybe I should just leave her at home, I could plan my own trip way more easily!!

The only ones I'm planning to "plan around" will be the actual reservations. The other "plans" will just be suggestions that might work with that day. I hadn't even thought about checking out the CS restaurants before we leave, but you're closer than we are.

I understand..I was thinking earlier I prob need to plan less than what I've been doing. With the front of the line, we won't have too much ride/character waiting to do, so there should be plenty of time in the day to do the things she wants to do without planning out every second! Although she might be like me at heart...today she pops out with.."OK..when we go to Magic Kingdom (and yes, she did differentiate, LOL) first I want to ride Space Mountain, then BTMR, then Splash Mountain, then we can go do Peter Pan...etc etc". I'm starting to feel bad for Gram, she is not a commando type of woman at all, (In either sense of the word..) and Piper seems to know exactly what she wants to do and see!

 

[englishrose47]

We loved the Step Sisters at 1900 !! My DD had no idea they were supposed t be sarcastic and the look on her ace whe they were was priceless !!She's 35 DGS got to dance with Cinderalla and it was soooo cute !!!

 

[pipersmom]

We loved the Step Sisters at 1900 !! My DD had no idea they were supposed t be sarcastic and the look on her ace whe they were was priceless !!She's 35 DGS got to dance with Cinderalla and it was soooo cute !!!

Ohh..I bet that was so cute when your GS got to dance with her! Piper actually really likes the movie, so I'm hoping she may choose Park Fare..also with it being outside a park, we could go any night, not just the night we were at MK or wherever...

 

[winkers]

1900 is my favorite character meal..if she likes all the princess' Askershus is a good one.

 

[MagicMomentsMom]

congrats on the dates! I had the same issues with planning for GenevaClaire, no idea what to expect, afraid of pushing her to far. It was great to have all the info, but the truth is we did what made her happy. We followed the unofficial guide touring plans for general guidelines and they worked out great- we did the ADR's but she wasn't able to do all of them because she was just too tired. So I was happy I made them in advance for when she did want to eat with the ADR's, but I also cancelled a few because she just was too tired, wanted to do something else, etc.

 

[pipersmom]

1900 is my favorite character meal..if she likes all the princess' Askershus is a good one.

The one she really loves is Jasmine (of the princesses, anyway), which is why I was thinking Askershus *I can never spell it right..lol*. My understanding is that it's the best chance of seeing her at a character meal. Truth be told, she'd reeeally like to eat with Aladdin & the Genie, but I told her that isn't going to happen...lol.

congrats on the dates! I had the same issues with planning for GenevaClaire, no idea what to expect, afraid of pushing her to far. It was great to have all the info, but the truth is we did what made her happy. We followed the unofficial guide touring plans for general guidelines and they worked out great- we did the ADR's but she wasn't able to do all of them because she was just too tired. So I was happy I made them in advance for when she did want to eat with the ADR's, but I also cancelled a few because she just was too tired, wanted to do something else, etc.

Thank you for reminding they can be cancelled..I know you understand exactly what I worry about with Piper 'cause you're in the same place..it helps. Did you use a stroller at all with GenevaClaire?

 

[eandesmom]

Congrats on dates!!!!!!!

At Pipers age you might be better off with themed restaurants with personality, versus characters.

My boys (8 and 9 at the time) loved HDDR, PTC and Teppan Edo. ESPECIALLY Teppan Edo. More of a show than a character experience.


YAY for dates!

 

[MaryAz]

Congrats on getting your dates!! And when you wanted them-even better!!

 

[Millie12591]

Thank you I'm thinking the day we're at MK we're either going to do Cosmic Rays or Columbia..Piper eats just about anything except salads and spinach, so we're pretty wide open.

These are the best places to eat CS in MK, so your on the right track with CS's. Are you doing any other parks?
AK, my fav. place to eat is now a TS, so I guess the B.B.Q place is what we'll try next. EPCOT, hands down fav. place for the family is Sunshine Seasons's food court, good choices and best desserts there. I'm a more adventurous eater than my family so my actual favorite, favorite place is Tangierine Cafe in Morocco.
Since we didn't eat CS in Disney Hollywood Studios I can't help you here, sorry.

My most favorite places to eat for a sit down, were 1900 Park Fare-Breakfast and dinner (you could do a late breafast in place of lunch here too), and Boma's-dinner. I like having lots of choices, so incase it ends up being something I don't care for, I'm not stuck with a meal I don't like, I can get up and go get something else.

 

[pipersmom]

Congrats on dates!!!!!!!

At Pipers age you might be better off with themed restaurants with personality, versus characters.

My boys (8 and 9 at the time) loved HDDR, PTC and Teppan Edo. ESPECIALLY Teppan Edo. More of a show than a character experience.


YAY for dates!

Evening I've looked at Teppan Edo too..I think Piper would really like it, she's never been anywhere like that before. I wish Epcot didn't have so many good places to eat..or that we could do more than 1 day there. I know HDDR is Hoop Dee Doo, but what is PTC please? The other thing I'm trying to keep in mind is that there's a different party at GKTW each night..I know she won't want to miss the Christmas party, not sure about the others yet. That's part of the reason I was trying to look more at lunches than dinners. I know I won't regret the planning when we get there, but I'm way boggled right now by the number of choices!