Signature v. Dinner Show

[Andiloo]

OK folks. I am having a tough time w/this dining plan thing...DH likes to be spontaneous and disagrees w/all the ADR business (I don't know how to convince him we have GOT to make ressies before we leave in less than 30 days). What we can agree on, is that we want to go to at least one dinner show or sig. dining exp. We have 2 kids - 10 & 8...I don't think I will like the shows @ Hoop Dee Doo or Backyard BBQ, and Aloha sounds boring...but the kids might like it???

So, since we are first timers, should I just suck it up and go to HDD or one of the shows, or is there a signature or other dining experience the kids & we grown ups will enjoy as well? I HATE planning ahead!!!

 

[Karnak]

You need to make dinner reservations right away. Yesterday, if possible. And, I would suggest that you make advance planning a habit because it will really make your visit to Walt Disney World much more enjoyable.

As for recommending places to eat, not a problem for me because I like almost every kind of food. (The only place I've eaten at WDW that I didn't enjoy was a place at Disney Downtown called "The Earl of Sandwitch," or something like that. Somebody told me that it isn't owned by Disney. I can believe that, since it isn't like anything Disney I've ever seen.)

If eating at Downtown, try the House of Blues. At Epcot Future World, try the Coral Reef. At Epcot Future World, try the San Angel Inn. At MGM, try the Brown Derby. At the Magic Kingdom, try Tony's Town Square Restaurant. And at the resorts, try the California Grill.

And yes, y'all should try Hoop De Doo if you can. You might be lucky and be able to get a reservation if you call at once.

Enjoy.

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

You might want to show your DH a thread today called "so disappointed". It is all about a family going in May who can't get ADRs at the places they want.

You really do need to make ADRs unless you like getting turned away or waiting over an hour. Or there is counter service for all your meals ..

 

[Christine]

I would "suck it up" and try to do the HDDR. First off, your kids are the PERFECT age for this show.

Secondly, let me tell you, I am one of the most serious and reserved people you would ever meet. I hate "cornball" stuff, hate country music, hated the show HEE HAW with a passion. But you know what, I really, really, really STRONGLY LIKE the HDDR!!

I am also a big fan of signature dining. Love Artist Point, love Citricos, and want to try more signature dining on future trips. But, with your kids' ages, I just think you cannot miss the HDDR. The food will be mediocre, but I promise you will have a fun time.

Do it on your Magic Kingdom day. While the 5:00 p.m show sounds early to most people, it is a WONDERFUL break from the heat at that time (Pioneer Hall has some of the best air conditioning on property). You can leave the MK at around 4:00 p.m., take the boat right over, got to the show, get refreshed and go back to the MK for evening fun.

 

[Andiloo]

I made Breakfastasaurus reservations yesterday, and asked about a few things and so far the places I'm thinking I want to go to are not booked up...of course I know that could have changed in the last 24 hours. I have already told the DH I'm making ressies and if he wants to change it, he can, but I'm not going to be in the position of waiting 15 hours for a table!!! This is weird b/c he is usually the anal-retentive planner man, and I'm usually the go with the flow chick.

What I really need to know is, given the choice, should we do HDDR or a signature dining exp. Sounds like HDDR is the way to go, so we'll do it.

 

[Christine]

What I really need to know is, given the choice, should we do HDDR or a signature dining exp. Sounds like HDDR is the way to go, so we'll do it.

I think that's a good move. As I said, I am a big fan of signature dining but I do think your kids will enjoy this more.

We went to Disney last year with my 14 y/o daughter, her 14 y/o friend, and my 11 y/o son. I did not book the HDDR this trip because I thought the teens would be "too old" for it, and we have already been to the show 2-3 times throughout the years. I just didn't want to pay the $$$$ for it. What a mistake. The kids moaned about not going the whole trip. I tried to book it while I was on the trip and I couldn't get in. My kids have really fond memories of the HDDR--more so than any of the character meals, etc. And while they enjoy dining out, they've NEVER raved about any of our signature dining meals.

 

[nurseypoo5]

I made Breakfastasaurus reservations yesterday, and asked about a few things and so far the places I'm thinking I want to go to are not booked up...of course I know that could have changed in the last 24 hours. I have already told the DH I'm making ressies and if he wants to change it, he can, but I'm not going to be in the position of waiting 15 hours for a table!!! This is weird b/c he is usually the anal-retentive planner man, and I'm usually the go with the flow chick.

What I really need to know is, given the choice, should we do HDDR or a signature dining exp. Sounds like HDDR is the way to go, so we'll do it.

everything Ive read says run dont walk away from the Breakfastasaurus reservations. I've read it was just horribly nasty food and not enough characters. Look at the sticky about pictures of food/restaurants. Lots of people there said do Chef Mickey instead!

 

[Andiloo]

everything Ive read says run dont walk away from the Breakfastasaurus reservations. I've read it was just horribly nasty food and not enough characters. Look at the sticky about pictures of food/restaurants. Lots of people there said do Chef Mickey instead!

My brother & SIL went to Breakfastasaurus & loved it...other friends have had nothing but good things to say about it, so we'll go ahead and give it a chance (*fingers crossed that the bro isn't steering me wrong for punching him in the nose when we were kids....)

 

[Andiloo]

So I just called for ADRs for dinner the week of May 26-31 and w/the excellent help of Anna Maria, here is what we got:

1. Teppanyaki (could have had La Cellier but I didn't want to wait until 8:50 to eat).
2. Liberty Tree Tavern...early dinner, and Anna Maria talked me into it...I am on the fence about this one b/c the food does not sound like something my family will like (sounds bland...being from Texas, we like lots of flavor...). I don't think we need another character meal. May cancel this and find something else...Whispering Canyon was available relatively late, and I just wasn't sure I wanted to wait that late...
3. Boma
4. Coral Reef (not sure how I feel about this one...)
5. 50's Prime Time (DH wants this one...)
6. 5:00 HDDR

I may call back and see if I can get Boma on the 27th, cancel 1900, then try to get Jiko for 2 on the 28th and take the kids to Simba's...

Starting to get excited about this!