Recommendations for tweens?

[eskgwin]

We are going to Disney World August 10-19. We have 3 girls ages 13, 11 and 11. They are not into princesses anymore. The 13 year old like Pluto, one of the twins loves Tinkerbell and her friends and the other twin loves Stitch (she is Stitch). Any recommendations? We like most foods. I don't know if I want to do more than one or two character meals. It would be nice to have some nice meals since the kids are older now. Any suggestions you have would help. I know I am being really general here. I have not been to Disney World since 2005 so I will take any ideas.

I am so excited. I can't sit still. 217 days.

Allyson

 

[Jenngoofys]

I would suggest 50's prime time in Disneys Hollywood Studios. They might get a kick out of the waiter/waitress being "Uncle Tim, or Aunt Suzy" they kindly remind you to keep your elbows off the table, clean your plates or no dessert, and wash your hands before dinner and alot of other well mannered things. We had such a great time there the first time we went we didnt know what to expect but it was a blast. And I wouldnt use your cell phone during dinner you might not get it back until you are done eating
Another place they may or may not like is 1900 Park Fare with Cinderella, Prince Charming, and her Step family Lady Tremaine, Anistasia, and Drazella. (not sure on spelling but you know who I mean) The step sisters put on quite a performance yelling at each other, their mother and just plain having fun. Hope this helps you some.

 

[POOHLUV69]

Whispering Canyon over at Wilderness Lodge might be a good option, my kids thoroughly enjoyed themselves. It's an interactive experience with your waiter/waitress..go ahead and ask for ketchup . I know DD did something bad and the waitress made her do "I'm a little tea pot" which she enjoyed because she likes that sort of thing. We are trying 50's Primetime our next trip.

 

[eskgwin]

There are so many wonderful choices. I am even having a hard time deciding which menus to look at. I can make my reservations on Feb. 11, so I have a month or so. I better get working. Not work, play. This is so fun. Thanks.

Allyson

 

[chocovrdmicears]

My first thought for a character meal is the character breakfast at OHana..I believe it is the only character meal with Stitch. Might be fun for your Stitch. My other suggestion for 1 other character meal is Tusker House @ AK. The food is excellent, the characters are fun and the location is wonderful (just a few steps away from the Safari). We love starting our AK day there.
Some non-character dining that they might enjoy...50's Prime Time or Sci Fi @ DHS or Teppan Edo or San Angel @ Epcot.

 

[Disney Princess]

If you don't want to do too many character meals, I suggest 'Ohana as well. At breakfast both Stitch and Pluto show up -as well as Mickey and Lilo. The breakfast is served family style, so it is nice and easy to do. I don't think Tinkerbell shows up at a character breakfast, so this would allow you to get two kids' favorites with one meal.

At DHS - I think both Sci-Fi and 50s Prime Time would be fun.

At Epcot - I think Teppan Edo can be fun with the preparations happening right in front of you. I also think Coral Reef might be fun - it is very relaxing watching the fish swimming around. Many restaurants here are delicious, so check the menus to see if there is a particular one that appeals to you. They may not have a fun show, but good food always makes me happy.

At MK - we don't have a favorite for ambience, but we do enjoy a nice lunch at the Plaza Inn - sandwiches, homemade fries and wonderful ice cream treats for lunch. It is right off Main Street and a cutesy place.

At AK - we don't have a favorite sit down (except for Donald's breakfast, but that is a character meal).

For resort options -

We enjoy Whispering Canyon Cafe at the Wilderness Lodge as well. This restaurant serves all three meals, so you can pick which one appeals most to your group.

The Hoop Dee Doo Revue is a hit for our family - I remember going at the age of your kids. It is a fun dinner/show.

Beaches and Cream is fun - no ADRs here. But burgers/shakes served in a parlor style place and wonderful ice cream.



I don't know what your price range is, if you prefer breakfast, lunch, or dinner, are on the DP or not, so these are just suggestions. Have fun planning!

 

[Jenn]

Sci-Fi at Studios for sure. It's like a drive in movie theater outside and you sit in cars to eat. My 9 and 13 year old love it!

Other faves - Teppan Edo in Japan in Epcot - hibatchi style restaurant.
Sit down place in Mexico - very cool ambiance.

They also loved Yak and Yeti at AK.

 

[ronnmel]

We are going to Disney World August 10-19. We have 3 girls ages 13, 11 and 11. They are not into princesses anymore. The 13 year old like Pluto, one of the twins loves Tinkerbell and her friends and the other twin loves Stitch (she is Stitch). Any recommendations? We like most foods. I don't know if I want to do more than one or two character meals. It would be nice to have some nice meals since the kids are older now. Any suggestions you have would help. I know I am being really general here. I have not been to Disney World since 2005 so I will take any ideas.

I am so excited. I can't sit still. 217 days.

Allyson

We are arriving in Disney on the same day! Seems so far away...

For suggestions, I have to agree with others that Ohana might be a great character breakfast. My fiance's daughter was 10 at the time and she enjoyed the food (especially the juice), while I, the Stitch fan, absolutely LOVED my interaction with him. He even "licked" my face. Plus, as another PP mentioned, Pluto is there too.

However, DD10's favorite meal was Tokyo Dining because of the sushi. Both Teppan Edo and Tokyo Dining are in the same building, the only difference is the ambience (food cooked in front of you in a "show", or a more traditional restaurant.

 

[FoundinWonderland]

I would recommend O'Hana the Polynesian Resort, The Beirgarden Resturant in the German Pavillion at EPCOT, and Mama Melrose and/or 50's Prime Time cafe at The Hollywood Studios. All of these restaurants have really fun atmospheres, while still not feeling too "young"...

Wherever you end up I know you'll have a great time!

 

[pixarmom]

We have two pre-teen boys (and a pre-schooler) and their favorite restaurant at WDW is Garden Grill in Epcot. That might work well for OP's family because it features Mickey, Chip, Dale and PLUTO! Our boys really enjoy the food and they prefer the atmosphere to some of the other character meals. Food is served family style - not buffet - so it's a more relaxing meal for us.

As others have mentioned, Ohana breakfast is a great place to meet Stitch and Pluto. We also have an ADR there for our upcoming February trip.

As for non-character meals, our boys really like California Grill, Liberty Tree Tavern, 50's Prime Time and Chef's de France (especially for lunch - to see Remy.) Our boys aren't fans of Biergarten (because of the seating arrangements) or Teppan Edo (because of the seating arrangements and the fact that they can have a similar experience at local restaurants) but we know other pre-teens who enjoy both.

Happy Planning!

 

[eskgwin]

Thank you everyone for all the wonderful recommendations. I am definitely going to book Ohana for a breakfast character meal. All 3 girls are excited about that especially my "Stitch".

I am still looking into others. The 50's cafe and SciFi will be definites. Is there a place that tells you which places need reservations (I know it is not called that, but can't remember what it is called) and which restaurants are just walk ins? I am only on my first cup of coffee for the day. Thanks.

Allyson

 

[lblume91]

I would suggest 50's prime time in Disneys Hollywood Studios.
Another place they may or may not like is 1900 Park Fare with Cinderella, Prince Charming, and her Step family Lady Tremaine, Anistasia, and Drazella. (not sure on spelling but you know who I mean) The step sisters put on quite a performance yelling at each other, their mother and just plain having fun. Hope this helps you some.

These were the first two places that I thought of! My DDs were 16, 11 & 6 on our last trip and they really liked both. 50s PT was the overall family favorite from that trip, by far!! The food at 1900 PF is ok but the character interaction is awesome.

Whispering Canyon over at Wilderness Lodge might be a good option.

Another good option. Loud, crazy place but we all loved it.

We all like dinner at 'Ohana as well. Great food in a fun atmosphere.

 

[pixarmom]

Thank you everyone for all the wonderful recommendations. I am definitely going to book Ohana for a breakfast character meal. All 3 girls are excited about that especially my "Stitch".

I am still looking into others. The 50's cafe and SciFi will be definites. Is there a place that tells you which places need reservations (I know it is not called that, but can't remember what it is called) and which restaurants are just walk ins? I am only on my first cup of coffee for the day. Thanks.

Allyson

Hi again! One helpful resource to distinguish between counter service and table service (where you'll want to make an "ADR" or reservation) is allears.net. Just follow this link and scroll down to the "at a glance" section on the left side: http://allears.net/menu/menus.htm.