Question......

[bayleebugs_mom]

Hey everyone! This is my first post, just registered today. You guys have more information than any site I have found so far!!! I am taking my 4 year old DD to Disney October 19-28th for her very first trip. I haven't been since I was a child. I got the DDP and I am scheduling character dining experiences for breakfasts. What time is best in your opinion? She tends to eat breakfast food better than any other meal which is why I am sticking to breakfast as our TS meals everyday. I am not so concerned about EMH since we are going to be there for so long. I am planning on Crystal Palace, CRT, Chef Mickey's, Princess Storybook, Playhouse Disney, and Tusker House. The only exception to my breakfast plan is the Hoop Dee Doo Revue. I just want the best times so that she can get the most out of the experience. Also, do you think that is too much for her first time??? Thanks is advance for your help! I look forward to being a part of the boards!

 

[robin09]

Hey everyone! This is my first post, just registered today. You guys have more information than any site I have found so far!!! I am taking my 4 year old DD to Disney October 19-28th for her very first trip. I haven't been since I was a child. I got the DDP and I am scheduling character dining experiences for breakfasts. What time is best in your opinion? She tends to eat breakfast food better than any other meal which is why I am sticking to breakfast as our TS meals everyday. I am not so concerned about EMH since we are going to be there for so long. I am planning on Crystal Palace, CRT, Chef Mickey's, Princess Storybook, Playhouse Disney, and Tusker House. The only exception to my breakfast plan is the Hoop Dee Doo Revue. I just want the best times so that she can get the most out of the experience. Also, do you think that is too much for her first time??? Thanks is advance for your help! I look forward to being a part of the boards!

Does your little one love Lilo & Stitch? If so don't forget about Ohanas at the polynesian for breakfast! Can't ask me about being too much, cos I did it for my little too, (now 9 years old! and still doing it!) I don't remember the times for the characters, But Lilo and stitch are definitely breakfast!

 

[Aimeedyan]

I actually think starting the day with a character meal is good for that age. They aren't tired yet and cranky, and it gives them something to get excited about in the morning while getting ready.

I would go with the time she is usually up on Saturday mornings - maybe a wee bit later. Remember you'll have quite a bit of travel time for some of those, unless you have your own car, so factor that in.

You want to make sure it's not so early that she is too tired from the fireworks the night before. We usually do later in the morning, since we can always fill the time with something if we're up unusually early (stop at a shop, ride something, watch a cartoon on TV, etc).

Hope you have a great trip!

 

[septbaby]

I think those are some great choices.

I also think it is OK for you to select a dinner or lunch meal to your liking as well. A few I'd suggest:

- Lunch or Dinner at Coral Reef, its a nice break for your Epcot Day and your daughter can be entertained by the sea life in the aquarium there; you will get a gourmet meal. Our 5yo is also a good breakfast eater, but he never shys away from pizza and he had pizza at Coral Reef.

- Dinner at Boma has a great assortment of foods and is a real treat; if you do it right after your time at AK(usually closess at 5pm) she'll probably still be energetic enough, to enjoy the meal. After dinner you can try for some animal viewing, she can participate in the drum parade in the lobby or even stick around for the storytelling around the fire pit

So you can have some nice dinners AND she can be entertained too; everyone deserves some treats at Disney and its OK to have your share.

 

[fey_spirit]

May I add lunch at Birgarten's to this? They have a dance floor, and the little ones seem to really enjoy that.

I think those are some great choices.

I also think it is OK for you to select a dinner or lunch meal to your liking as well. A few I'd suggest:

- Lunch or Dinner at Coral Reef, its a nice break for your Epcot Day and your daughter can be entertained by the sea life in the aquarium there; you will get a gourmet meal. Our 5yo is also a good breakfast eater, but he never shys away from pizza and he had pizza at Coral Reef.

- Dinner at Boma has a great assortment of foods and is a real treat; if you do it right after your time at AK(usually closess at 5pm) she'll probably still be energetic enough, to enjoy the meal. After dinner you can try for some animal viewing, she can participate in the drum parade in the lobby or even stick around for the storytelling around the fire pit

So you can have some nice dinners AND she can be entertained too; everyone deserves some treats at Disney and its OK to have your share.

 

[Hull-onian]

to the Dis Boards. I don't have an answer to any of your questions, but it seems you have a great trip planned. Enjoy it.

 

[SmallWorld71]

Welcome! I think those are great choices, however, a table service breakfast everyday can waste some valuable prime park time IMHO. You can eat really early, but that is exhausting if you do it everyday. Personally, I find 4 to be the max # of character meals we could enjoy in one trip (we usually do 3 or less), but that is just us. Crystal Palace and Chef Mickey's are both buffets and I think even the pickiest of eaters could find something they like there, so you might want to think about an early dinner for at least 1 of them. My DD5 filled up on mac&cheese and chicken nuggets at CP and cheese raviolis and a banana at CM. As an adult, I think CP has a better selection of dinner food than CM.
Also, DEFINITELY pick a place that you want to try. I totally understand the trip being for you child. But, there are lots of other fun places out there. Our family rule is that everyone gets to pick a restaurant and then we see if we can agree on the left over choice(s). I suggest either an Epcot restaurant that appeals to you or one at one of the deluxe resorts, they are a lot of fun to visit.
Any more ?s, ask away!

Edited to add: I just realized you said you were going to Hoop Dee Do. Missed it the 1st time.
As far as times, I would try to schedule some before the park opens so you don't wast park time. Or, others have reported having success doing a late breakfast seating, getting in some rides first and calling it brunch. This can work well with the meals that are in the parks that serve breakfast until 11.