Some Qs about Whispering Canyon Cafe

[resol37]

I'm going to WDW with a group of 14 in May - all family (my dad and his two brothers and their respective families). All of the members have only been to MK with the exception of me and my immediate family. We've always kept our Full Service dining to a minimum eating at Counter Service during the days and at a sports bar called Evergreens at the Shades of Green resort during the evenings. The only Full Service Restaurant we've eaten at more than once is the Brown Derby at Disney-MGM Studios.

We weren't able to get rooms at SoG for next May and will be staying at an off property vacation home. One of our main reasons is to save money on food, but I'd like to have at least one big dinner in a Full Service restaurant with the whole family (we are planning a lunch at Brown Derby - cheaper ) and after spending some time here at the Dis, I think WCC would be a great choice.

I've never eaten at any of the resort restaurants, so I have a couple of questions.

First of all - good idea, bad idea, general info you have on the res. (UG's info is limited)

Second, as I said before - 14 people - is there a limit as to how big of a party they will sit. This will include 12 adults, a four year old who will need a booster seat and an infant who will need a high chair.

Third, value - I'm not so much worried about the quality of the food, but the price. I've seen the price list and the 6 of us who are in the 20-30 age range are going to be scraping for this entire trip. Is it possible to order the all you can eat skillets and split them or will it not be allowed/frowned upon? Will it be worth it if we can't split them?

Fourth, my uncle eats vegetables and pretty much nothing else. I can't remember the last time I saw him eat meat (other than seafood), dairy products (other than ice cream), or bread. It's not that he can't eat those foods, he's just...weird. Will this be a bad option for him?

I know there are other options for Full Service Dining but, selfishly, I want to eat here! Staying at WL would be a dream come true if we could afford it and we'll only be staying for 5 days this trip so resort touring isn't an option. This looked like a good way to get a look at the resort and enjoy a fun meal in a great atmosphere.

 

[Demosthenes]

First the good news: WCC can easily seat your party. It is also a fun place for a large group to eat, so if you can swing it, I don't think you would be disappointed. The bad news is they won't let you split the AYCE skillets, and if your budget is tight, this meal can get pricey for a large party. Your uncle will likely not get his moeny's worth if he is a vegetarian (the focus of this restaurant is the meat).

 

[bicker]

Demosthenes is correct: AYCE meals are charged per person, not per order, so you wouldn't save any money by sharing, since everyone will be charged full price. Whispering Canyon is a great meal -- lots and lots of fun -- but just like everything at WDW is comparatively expensive for some people. If you're trying to do WDW on a budget, you're really forced to choose between compromising with respect to that budget (i.e., pay more), or compromising with respect to what added-cost experiences you engage in (i.e., forego table-service meals). Please do keep in mind, though, that WDW offers a lot of quick service meals that are a cut-above the fast food you may be expecting. So if money is really tight, you can find lots of good advice here about how to enjoy your vacation while limiting yourself to just counter-service meals.

I disagree with Demosthenes about your uncle. He shouldn't have any problem being accommodated at Whispering Canyon:

Vegetable Stew - Cannellini Bean Stew, Oven Dried Tomatoes, Grilled Yellow Squash, Baby Spinach with Garlic, topped with a nest of Yukon Gold Potatoes, and Honey Basil Ginger Oil $17.49
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You'll find that most of the full-service restaurants at WDW have an option such as this on the menu, and are even willing to work with you to craft a meal compatible with your dietary restrictions (even if self-imposed), to the extent of their ability. I have found them to be very accommodating.