Please help

[SunRay]

So, here's my dilemma, this is mine and DH's fourth trip to Florida, we have always visited at quieter times because I have to use a wheelchair and I can't stand massive crowds.
This year is the first family trip, mum, brother and family (children aged 3 and 1) and it's something we never thought would happen so it's very special to us all.
We never managed to see SM in our previous trips so last year we didn't do MK until first SM which just happened to coincide with the launch of the new Wishes.
I expected it to be busy but it was horrendous, trying to find a place for Wishes we got caught in the most horrendous crush, we couldn't move anywhere, I was hit on the head with backpacks, trod on and because I was lower than everyone else the only air I could breathe was body heat and I almost passed out. There were no CM's to be seen, to be fair to the people round us they tried the best to help us but no-one could move,and to make matters worse I had desperately needed the loo!!!
It was a total nightmare and I have no desire to ever put myself in that situation again, but I don't want to deny my family of the pleasure and spectale of SM and wishes. THis year we will be there 09/12/ to 09/26 and I understand at that time of year there will only be a SM probably at the weekend so I expect it will be busy. The compromise we have reached is to do MK for full day on a quieter day and to go back when SM is on and to go in later in the day, have a meal and just find a safe place EARLY for SM and Wishes. We'd like to make it a special night as it will be our last, we have never eaten at Disney resorts or the better restaurants in the parks as our budget doesn't usually allow for it.
So here's where i need your help, I've been reading other posts, we would all love to eat at Cindy's but I've read about the glass slipper desert served at GF and it sounds amazing.
Should we try and get PS for Cindy's for late lunch or dinner (is it magical?) or could we get PS for somewhere at GF then use transport into park in time for Wishes and SM. Could you please post your recommendations , I would really appreciate it, as it's my families first visit I would love something special, thanks for reading on, look forward to your suggestions

 

[chyam]

Consider trying 1900 Park Fare at the GF for the character meal (buffet) The food is good, the atmosphere is a little more "adult" than Chef Mickeys and the kids will love the interaction with the characters. Then all you have to do is hop on the monorail back to the MK for the SM abd Wishes. Also during that time of the year, the crowds will still be low on the weekends since nothing special is happening like the Food and Wine Festival which always draws the locals on the weekends. Sept. is still hot and humid and can still be rainy but it is a good time to visit crowd wise.

keiki,binky&mouse my 3 beautiful white kitties :

 

[decker96]

I've never eaten at GF, so I can't give you any advice about that, but we love CRT (Cindy's). We ate there every time I went as a child and on our last trip DH and I took our kids there for the first time. (DD5 and DS2). We had an early dinner, around 5. The Ceasar salad is the best I've ever had! I had steak and DH had fish and both were very good. Plus, there's just something special about eating in the Castle. The atmosphere and the servers calling you my Lord and my Lady and the calling the kids Prince and Princess is great! The best part for our kids though, was that after dinner Cinderella was in the lobby for pictures and autographs. DD's jaw hit the floor when we came down the stairs and she saw Cinderella sitting there on her throne! She is not always there, I understand, but you could get lucky. Plus, already being in the park would be a plus for seeing the parade and Wishes later. Granted, the trip from GF to MK is a short one also, either would work out fine I would think. Have a great trip!

 

[phillybeth]

Try posting on the DISabilites Board, lots of folks over there can help you! Did you know that there are handicapped viewing areas for Spectromagic and Wishes? There are, and it will help you avoid the situation you found yourself in the last time, with backpacks being slammed in your head and your nose stuck in people's rears. That will keep you from having to get a spot at 2 pm!

 

[minmate]

I believe there are a few handicap viewing areas. They do fill up too, but at that time of year, you could probably get into it and accomodate your whole family. I beleive one of the areas is just past the Partners Statue of Mickey and Walt on the right hand side of Main St. as you're facing the train station.

1900 Park Fare is a buffet dinner... we just ate there last week, and the characters are great for the kids (Cinderella, Fairy Godmother, Prince Charming, Suzy, Perla) -- the food is basic buffet fare... nothing overly fabulous, but it is good. The trip via the monorail is quick too... you barely blink and you're at the MK. You would have to call the restaurant/hotel to ask specifically for the slipper dessert. But I bet you could call the Castle and get that same dessert there as well. I don't know if you can get the number from the WDW-DINE folks, but you can try.... someone ought to have the number to call the Castle restaurant directly.

 

[suerob]

Are you fixed on those two choices? I'd also like to recommend Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary. You can't beat the atmosphere. It's a nice buffet with really good desserts. They have the classic characters like Mickey, Minnie, and Donald. It is our kids' favorits (ages 1, 4, 6 on last trip). You'd still be just a monorail ride away from MK. Also, Cindy's is best at Breakfast, it's family style with the Princesses. If I had to choose for dinner, I'd probably do 1900 Park Fare over Cindy's.

 

[SBarrett]

SunRay,

Cinderella's Royal Table would be a memorable experience for your family; the setting can't be beat and the food has improved in recent years. But I like to recommend character meals, especially for families with children and first-timers. Character meals are uniquely Disney and provide many great photo opportunities. If you scheduled a character meal (at Crystal Palace or Liberty Tree Tavern) 90 minutes to 2 hours before SM, you wouldn't have to commute back into the MK for the parade and fireworks.

Steve Barrett, author of "The Hassle-Free Walt Disney World Vacation" and the Hidden Mickeys book

 

[SunRay]

Thank-you all for your replies, it is much apprecreciated, I did know about the disabled viewing areas but we were turned away from every one we could find as they were full and the CM's weren't very helpful, it was a case of it's tough cookie!! Never mind won't make that mistake again, still makes me nauseaus when I think about it though. Guess I'll put all options to family and vote on it, think D mum has heart set on Cindy's, now can anyone help with how to get PS, my calendar says 90 days out is 26th June, so close and I don't know where to start,it sounds really hard to get through, what no do I call from UK and time etc.
I'M SUCH AN AMATEUR!! THE MIND BOGGLES!!