Single parent and dining question...HELP

[Bitsmommy]

I am not technically a single parent, but for the first couple of days of our Disney Trip next year I will be.

My son and I are flying in 2 days before DH. I need dinner ideas that will keep a 4 year old engaged enough to eat and that aren't buffets as I am a little nervous about filling plates and the whole up and down thing that buffets usually come with. In other words, I would like to be able to eat too! That being said, I have decided on Garden Grill at Epcot for one meal, but not sure what to plan for the second dinner. Any ideas would be great!!!

We are staying in Coranado Springs and really aren't picky eaters. Will have the dining plan. The only one that is OUT is Coral Reef because, DH wants to go back there with us. TIA!!!!

 

[tinkbyday]

I haven't eaten here myself, but how about the Sci-Fi - you eat in a car and they play movies - kind of like a drive-in movie - it's located at DHS.

 

[Bitsmommy]

That is a great idea!! DH and I wanted to go to that one last time we were there, but we ran out of time! Has anyone gone there?? Does anyone have an opinion about how "user friendly" it would be for us!

 

[treehugnmama]

i agree with the up and down with the buffets (we try not to book them) Coral reef keeps my 5 and 3 yr olds attention it is the one they always ask to go to. They also like tepon edo as dinner is a show

 

[TinkerbellinLouisian]

"Ohana....

It's a "MUST SEE" so plan to do it with DH if it doesn't fit with this thread ...

They bring the food to your table..."Family served" so you don't have to go off and gather buffet food....

Characters will all drop by the table...

And ....they will encourage your little guy to participate in a Mariachi Parade...and other fun stuff...He'll have a Great time!

I also recommend Teppan Edo.

Have a magical visit
Mary

 

[Hopefully]

I just wanted to clarily - 'OHana dinner is not a character meal, only breakfast is.
I am a second vate for Teppan Edo. It is good food and it is great fun to watch the chef cook at your table. THe table are for 8, so you would be seated with other guests. IF you enjoy that, it would give you an opportunity to talk with other Disney guests while you eat - that might be nice for you.
Have a Great Trip

 

[2Tiggies]

You could always just choose a restaurant based on the menu/venue you would like to eat anyway - regardless of entertainment - and keep a small pack of goodes to keep your DS busy. I probably won't have to do it anymore for the first time next trip, but NEVER left without my ziplock bag with crayons, a small coloring book, etc. You don't have to take a whole lot of things every meal - switch them about in the resort so that he doesn't get bored with the same stuff every meal. A smallish puzzle that you could do together on the table also works quite well. Not sure if he is into that though.

 

[B-Ride]

I would also recommend 'Ohana which can be great fun for young kids. Also the food starts coming as soon as you arrive which is great if your son and you arrive hungry.

 

[jodywgirl]

Liberty Tree Tavern would also be a choice it is served family style. I also agree Ohana is a great choice and Teppan Edo

 

[tskover57]

i will also have to recomment O'hana...it's my personal favorite for dinner. I don't have any children, but they are always entertained and I LOVE the food, can't wait just a little over three weeks until I get my O'hana fix!!

 

[NeverBeen2DW]

my son and I have being going to WDW since he was 4 yrs old and twice a year. It is always just he and I because I am a single parent. He loves:

Whispering Canons
Ohana
Teppan Edo (we do this one every trip)
Beirgarten
chef Mickey
Liberty Tree when it had characters. They will be back Jan 2010
Askerhaus (believe it or not!)



He thought these were just okay:
Sci Fi
mama melrose
Hollywood and Vine
garden grill

Also CSR at pepper market if you do counter service meal the pizza is big enough for both of you to share for dinner. The TS resturaunt there is also really good!

 

[marshmellow86]

Wispering Cayon at WL may be good. It is family style. They have "horse races" for the kids. It is loud and the CM are funny. My kids always have to ask for ketchup, even if they don't eat it.

Teppan Edo is good. Kids like the chop sticks and show. The food is really good.

Sci-Fi is fun. Sit in a car at the drive -in movie.

Garden Grill is family style and the restaurante rotates and the characters stop by. Kids usually love that.

 

[NeverBeen2DW]

Wispering Cayon at WL may be good. It is family style. They have "horse races" for the kids. It is loud and the CM are funny. My kids always have to ask for ketchup, even if they don't eat it.

Teppan Edo is good. Kids like the chop sticks and show. The food is really good.

Sci-Fi is fun. Sit in a car at the drive -in movie.

Garden Grill is family style and the restaurante rotates and the characters stop by. Kids usually love that.

Garden Grills food is not that good though. But it is a great oppurtunity to see the characters.

 

[duffy]

Whispering Canyons would be a lot of fun!

 

[Bitsmommy]

I know that none of you have mentioned this one, but I was considering paying out of pocket for the T Rex place in Downtown Disney. We are going to Brown Derby (with DH) so that would use up an extra dining plan credit anyway, so paying out of pocket wouldn't be a big deal. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!! YOU GUYS ARE SUCH GREAT HELP!

 

[macmom3]

I was going to suggest T-Rex in DTD but it's not on the DDP. My in-laws have eaten there 3 times and they love it there. We're planning on eating there in May.

 

[Bitsmommy]

I am strongly considering that. We have an Aquarium here in Nashville and he LOVES to go there. He does very well when we are alone as well. Dad works a lot! I suspect that the two are similar as they are owned by the same company!

 

[squirrel]

I found the CM's great at table placement when I went to Cape May Cafe for dinner with my niece and her friend both were 5yrs old at the time.

We had a table near the buffet. I was a little worried with 2 children on my own at a buffet, but it worked out fine.