Restaurant Advice - Akershus or ? / Whispering Canyon or ?

[kisertn]

I currently have an ADR at Akershus. However, I just made a reservation for the Perfectly Princess Tea. Now that I have that reservation, I am a little less interested in risking a poor dining experience at Akershus just so my 7 yr old can see princesses.

Also, on our last day we will be at MK for the day. For that evening I have an ADR at Whispering Canyon. However, I was hoping the evening meal would be very special and I am not sure that Whispering Canyon is the place for it. I called to change it to Artiste Pointe but was informed that there was a dress code. We'll be in Park attire. So, if anyone has any ideas here I would appreciate them. Either support of Whispering Canyon or other suggestions. Since we are lodging at AKL, going back for a change of clothes is out of the question, and after dinner we plan to return to the park.

My dining topography looks like this:
(breakfasts are all at AKL)
(where it says 'open' I am using the unoffical guide's reccomendations for counter service - but that could change if I had any other recommendations, either counter service or full restaurant)

Sat Dinner @ Jiko

Sun Lunch @ Epcot - open
Sun Dinner @ Biergarten (beginning to question this one too)

Mon Lunch @ DS - open
Mon Dinner @ Brown Derby

Tue Lunch @ MK - open
Tue Dinner @ 1900 Park Fare

Wed Lunch @ AK - open
Wed Dinner @ Flying Fish

Thu Lunch @ Epcot - open
Thu Dinner @ Akershus (this one in doubt)

Fri Lunch @ Princess Tea Party
Fri Dinner @ Boma

Sat Lunch @ MK - open
Sat Dinner @ Whispering Canyon (this one in doubt)


Thank you for any advice you can provide.

 

[eeyoreiscool]

I am not sure what you mean by special but we definately enjoy Whispering Canyon. It is one of the places that we try to hit every trip. We actually enjoy it more than Artist Point.

Akershus seems to be a place that people either like the food or they don't. It would be hard for me to say whether you should keep it or not. Personally, our family doesn't really like it but we would probably go if the kids wanted to see the princesses.

 

[tjmouse]

Love Biergarten!

If you think your dd will get her fill of princesses, I would trade Akershus for Garden Grill.

I really liked WCC, but I wouldn't have considered it a "special last meal" at Disney. Our last meal is ALWAYS Chef Mickeys, so I am kind of no help, but what about something on the monorail route so it would be easy, like Citrico's or Kona Cafe'? I would consider those more special than WCC, but that's just me.

 

[lovedvc]

On our last trip we took 2DS to WC and they absolutely loved it. We also put our 2DS in the Cubs Den one evening and went to Artist Point for a quiet evening alone. If I had to choose a last dinner to have with children I would make it WC. Artist Point is not exactly for children. It's very quiet and very expensive. It cost us about $120 for 2 people. As far as the dress code they really didn't enforce it. We both went to dinner in shorts and sneakers. Chef Mickey's would also be another choice for dinner.

 

[kisertn]

I am not sure what you mean by special but we definately enjoy Whispering Canyon. It is one of the places that we try to hit every trip. We actually enjoy it more than Artist Point.

Akershus seems to be a place that people either like the food or they don't. It would be hard for me to say whether you should keep it or not. Personally, our family doesn't really like it but we would probably go if the kids wanted to see the princesses.

I guess by special, I meant 'memorable'. Whispering Canyon has come across to me as a nice place to eat, but not necessarily something we'll cherish as a memory. Other places I had considered were the Hoop-De-Doo Revue, or a character dinner. But from your comment, and those of others, perhaps I am not giving it enough credit. It's just that it is our last night, wanted to go out with a bang.

 

[kisertn]

Love Biergarten!

If you think your dd will get her fill of princesses, I would trade Akershus for Garden Grill.

I really liked WCC, but I wouldn't have considered it a "special last meal" at Disney. Our last meal is ALWAYS Chef Mickeys, so I am kind of no help, but what about something on the monorail route so it would be easy, like Citrico's or Kona Cafe'? I would consider those more special than WCC, but that's just me.

How do you like Chef Mickey's? It just seems to be disparaged everywhere I read. But it's hard to separate complaints from those that shouldn't probably have been there in the first place from those who legitimately should and have real complaints. By that I mean, if you don't want to be near kids, noise, and so-so food, then you probably shouldn't be there - because from what I have read it's all about the kids and the characters. Now, if I am wrong about the food let me know, but so far I haven't found a single post that praises the food there - even the ones who really like it. The highest praise I think I have found is that the food is "fine". But I would consider a Chef Mickey's if it meant a memorable experience for my daughter. And Chef Mickey's is at the Contemporary, no? So, a short monorail ride and we're there! Worth thinking about.

As far as Citrico's, we'd have to dress up for that I believe. At least we'd have to smell better than we will by that time of day. LOL

 

[kisertn]

On our last trip we took 2DS to WC and they absolutely loved it. We also put our 2DS in the Cubs Den one evening and went to Artist Point for a quiet evening alone. If I had to choose a last dinner to have with children I would make it WC. Artist Point is not exactly for children. It's very quiet and very expensive. It cost us about $120 for 2 people. As far as the dress code they really didn't enforce it. We both went to dinner in shorts and sneakers. Chef Mickey's would also be another choice for dinner.

What is it that the kids liked about WCC? If I had a better understanding of that then perhaps I'd be happier with it.

Thanks!

 

[maggs]

I love both places. I would have a problem making a choice!

Maggs

 

[bairdbeth]

When we wnt to the Princess Tea, the only princess there was Sleeping Beauty. If your DD wants to meet other princesses I would keep Norway. We had luch there and really enjoyed it. My DD loved meeting Ariel with legs. My DD also loved WCC. They threw straws at her, brought her 26 bottles of ketchup, had a "pony" ride and told stupid jokes! We are going back in July.

 

[disneydiz]

I vote for Whispering Canyon! A lot of things can happen at WC -- check out the post on this forum (a couple down) entitled "Straws at Whispering Canyon". When we were there, someone at a different table was talking on her cell phone and the waitstaff told the entire restaurant to keep quite so she could talk. Also, they made a couple of teen boys sing happy birthday to a teen girl. It is usually hilarious! Lots of fun and the food is very, very good.

 

[tjmouse]

The things I like about Chef Mickeys:

A lot of characters. We have seen as many as 7 in one visit.

Price. It's not overly priced I don't think.

Atmosphere. I love the atmosphere. The noisier the better as long as it's happy noise and not parents yelling at their kids (or cheerleaders).

Dessert. You're right, the food is "fine". I do really like the salads and the mashed potatoes and the Mickey ravioli. But the desserts are worth it. I love the chocolate mousse cake with the chocolate Mickey on top, the cheese cake, the little tarts, so yummy!

The party. The little party they have where the kids get up and twirl their napkins is so fun. My dd loves it. She heard music in the Outback one time and got up and started twirling her napkin! It was so cute! My mom and dad were like "what is she doing"? Once I told them about Chef Mickey's they laughed so hard! I have great video of Donald and her when she had her napkin over her head. She didn't know he was there and he was dancing with her. Too cute.

It's our way of saying goodbye, so we like to eat there last. It was also dd's first ever character interaction because we did it first on our first trip, so we'll be sure to do it last on our last trip (if that time ever comes - I hope it's when I'm about 80 and not any time soon!)

 

[LouisianaDisneyFan]

I also vote for Wilderness Canyon. The ambiance at the WL at night is outstanding for all ages. The servers are friendly. The family style meal gives everybody a chance to sit and talk and truly share all their favorite experiences of the week together. Talk about a way for a parent to get those warm fuzzies for planning the trip in the first place!!! I think this would be the perfect ending, surrounded by all things Mickey while being served very good food!