Someone pick my dining! HELP!!!!

[Kansasdreamers]

TASK: 8 nights on dining plan. 2 Adults & 2 children ages 2 and 4. Only trip to WDW consisted of 1/2 day with children last year. One of them had an allergic reaction to medication and it was cut short.

We are staying at POP and not getting Park Hoppers. Would like to do each park at least once. No other preferences.

I would love it if someone would give me a great inteniery of at least the TS. Would love CS preferences too if you have time. Having not done this before, I do not have the time to research. My husband is in for the dining plan, but has no interest at all in helping me pick. So, I am hoping that there are some of your out there who have experienced a similar trip and would send me your inteniery.

Thanks ahead of time.

 

[Katiebell]

I'm sure a lot of people can help, but will need more information...

One child is free (2), and the other will be on the kids' plan. Are the kids picky eaters? Light eaters? Big eaters? What about you and DH? Any allergies or dietary restrictions? Like to try new things, or more meat-and-potatoes? Like buffets or not? Like the upscale "signature" restaurants -- and willing to pay 2 TS credits for them? Interested in any particular shows like Hoop De Doo, Luau -- both 2 TS credits -- or Fantasmic? Um...let's see...what else can I come up with?

Oh yes...kids are boys or girls? And particular character favorites? Are they afraid of the characters (especially the ones with the full costume heads), or would they be excited? Any particular cuisines your family enjoys (Chinese, Mexican, Italian, etc)? Any restaurants you've heard about that are must-do's? Like big breakfasts, or light morning meals? Early dinners or the kids are energizer bunnies and will keep going? Planning on going back to the hotel for mid-day breaks and naps, or will they konk out in a stroller? What time is their bedtime -- would they make it through a 9 pm show like Fantasmic, Illuminations, or Wishes and then be able to travel back to the hotel without a meltdown? When is your trip -- how soon, what will the weather be like, how late will the parks be open?

Give us a little more info, and I'm sure you'll get TONS of suggestions

 

[frannn]

When are you planning to go? If your dates are within the next few months, I would decide which places are must-dos, and make those ADRs asap. Many of the very popular places fill up quickly, as ADRs (advanced dining reservations) are usually available to book as early as 180 days before your trip. I'd look into Chef Mickey's, Crystal Palace, and Princess Storybook at Epcot (if you have girls), as well as Le Cellier and Coral Reef for the adults. For CS, Cosmic Rays in MK is good, Sunshine Seasons and Yakatori in Epcot, and Wofgang Puck's Express in DTD. MGM offers the least desirable eating options, so you may wish to consider a resort character meal that evening. Your other MGM option is to do the Fantasmic Dining Pkg, where you can choose between Hollywood & Vine, Mama Melrose, or Brown Derby (2 TS credits), and you get a pass to sit in a reserved area of the Fantasmic Theater, so you don't have to arrive the usual 45 min-1.5 hours early to get a seat.

 

[DiZneEChIcK]

I will pm you the information.

 

[brad3640]

went last september to disney we ate at concourse and thought it was great. My husband is a steak eater and enjoyed it also we have two kids 1& 4 at the time they enjoyed it because they were fascinated by the monorail that goes throught the restaurant. We also did Crystal palace character dinner with pooh it was great the food was the best buffet in my opinion. We also did chip n dale character at harvest grill the experience was neat they both really enjoyed the characters however the food wasn't that great but it was a neat restaurant it rotates. we also did 50's dinner it was very good. My husband was quiet embarrassed however when he didn't eat his greens and our waitress made everyone in the restaurant make an airplane noise while she spoon feed him. hope this helps.

 

[3jsmommy]

We have been to disney once w/ our kids then, 3 & 4. I'm now planning another trip. Last time we did ddp & we thought it was great. We did Chef Mickey's, I would say this is a must, it is so much easier than waiting in lines for pics w/ Mickey, etc. We also did Crystal palace, LTT, Garden Grill, and Donanlds @ AK. Honestly the kids loved them all, but w/ little ones I think a really early breakfast was hard to get to, & I felt like they just wanted to get to the rides. I think the lunch & dinners were a better deal, & much needed breaks. Also, whatever time you think for ADR's probably go w/ something a little earlier. We were always ready for a meal earlier than we had planned, and we are pretty active & energetic . We didn't do princess themes(2,~now 3 boys! This year though they want to see the castle, so we will pay oop for lunch or dinner. We are also going to try 'Ohana for breakfast on a late park day. I would check all CS menu's & jot down the places your kids will find something, that will save you a lot of trouble. Just my opinion , but I wouldn't do dinner shows w/ such young kids. I would also plan at least 2/3 days in MK it has so much to offer! AK being our next fav. Have Fun this trip!

 

[Kansasdreamers]

I'm sure a lot of people can help, but will need more information...

One child is free (2), and the other will be on the kids' plan. Are the kids picky eaters? Light eaters? Big eaters? What about you and DH? Any allergies or dietary restrictions? Like to try new things, or more meat-and-potatoes? Like buffets or not? Like the upscale "signature" restaurants -- and willing to pay 2 TS credits for them? Interested in any particular shows like Hoop De Doo, Luau -- both 2 TS credits -- or Fantasmic? Um...let's see...what else can I come up with?

Oh yes...kids are boys or girls? And particular character favorites? Are they afraid of the characters (especially the ones with the full costume heads), or would they be excited? Any particular cuisines your family enjoys (Chinese, Mexican, Italian, etc)? Any restaurants you've heard about that are must-do's? Like big breakfasts, or light morning meals? Early dinners or the kids are energizer bunnies and will keep going? Planning on going back to the hotel for mid-day breaks and naps, or will they konk out in a stroller? What time is their bedtime -- would they make it through a 9 pm show like Fantasmic, Illuminations, or Wishes and then be able to travel back to the hotel without a meltdown? When is your trip -- how soon, what will the weather be like, how late will the parks be open?

Give us a little more info, and I'm sure you'll get TONS of suggestions

Thanks so much!!!!

To answer your questions they are not really picky and both area very light eaters. My husband and I like about anything. We are from Kansas so would be interested in trying new things. No allergies. Would consider 2 TS if it was a good deal. My husband is all about "getting a good buy", so I would hate to come away and think it was a waste of time.

They are both girls. They love the princesses. Buffets or restaurants. Light AM meals. Will probably stop in AM for a nap and go again until 9 to 10 pm. We are going in May. Thanks so much!!!!!

 

[Kansasdreamers]

THANKS SO MUCH. You guys are great!

 

[Minnie & Me]

Chef Mickey, Crystal Palace, Park Faire, Akersus, for Characters
Ohana, Coral Reef, Boma for Disney Atmosphere
Le Cellier-good steak

 

[Katiebell]

Thanks so much!!!!

To answer your questions they are not really picky and both area very light eaters. My husband and I like about anything. We are from Kansas so would be interested in trying new things. No allergies. Would consider 2 TS if it was a good deal. My husband is all about "getting a good buy", so I would hate to come away and think it was a waste of time.

They are both girls. They love the princesses. Buffets or restaurants. Light AM meals. Will probably stop in AM for a nap and go again until 9 to 10 pm. We are going in May. Thanks so much!!!!!

May -- whoo hoo!!! Me too!!! When are you going? And where are you staying? OK...some of this will repeat/be in agreement w/PP's

At Epcot:
For CS, Sunshine Seasons gets great reviews, and has something that appeals to almost everyone.
Princess Storybook Breakfast at Akershus -- try a late seating, so it's more like brunch, you should get tons of cute pics, and it's only 1 TS credit. They also serve a Princess lunch and dinner, but look carefully at the menu -- it's all Norwegian food, and not everyone likes it, although others love it.
Biergarten -- German buffet, show is supposed to be really fun for kids, 1 TS
Le Cellier -- a favorite for many people, great if you love steak, but it is closed for renovation for one week in May -- the 14th-20th I think (when we'll be there, so we'll miss this one)
Marrakesh -- if you are more adventurous and want to try something exotic, and kids love the bellydancer. If you want a taste of Morocco, but not a full sit down dinner, Tangierine Cafe is the CS there.
Garden Grill -- character meals w/Chip and Dale, served family style, also very popular
If you love seafood, Coral Reef is an option, and the aquarium seating is unique and beautiful.

For AK:
Flame Tree and Tusker House are the favorite CS there.
No TS restaurant there yet, but you might like Boma at the AKL, which isn't far. They serve breakfast and dinner and have a lot of fans (that's dinner for our first night of vacation). If you want to try a 2 TS restaurant, Jiko is also at the AKL, and gets excellent reviews.

For MK:
Favorite CS here are Pecos Bill's, Cosmic Ray's, and Columbia Harbor House.
CP has character meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner -- Winnie the Pooh and friends.
CRT is the meal in the castle -- very popular and hard to get in. The price is high -- 2 TS credits on the DDP -- but it includes a picture package. If your girls aren't dying to eat in the castle, you will probably get a better value for a princess meal at Akershus in Epcot, or Cinderella's Gala Feast for dinner at 1900 Park Fare (in the Grand Floridian).
LTT is a popular character dinner in the park -- sort of Thanksgiving dinner style food.

MGM:
no CS are really recommended here...you can definitely find food, but nobody raves about anything in particular.
PT 50's Cafe -- might be fun for the kids, or they may not "get it"
Sci Fi -- great atmosphere and shakes, but might be a little dark and spooky for a 2 and 4 year old?
H & V has a character buffet breakfast or lunch if your kids like the Little Einstein or JoJo's Circus characters (I must be out of the loop, I had no idea who they are!).
If you want reserved seating for Fantasmic, you can do a package for 1 TS at Mama Melrose's or H&V (dinner is a buffet but no characters), or 2 TS at Brown Derby.

Other suggestions might be 1900 Park Fare for breakfast w/Mary Poppins and Alice, or dinner w/Cinderella and friends. O'hana for a cool Polynesian dinner, or breakfast w/Lilo and Stitch. Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary for a character breakfast or dinner. With little ones that age, I'd plan on quite a few character meals if your girls aren't scared of them -- so you don't have to wait in any lines, the characters will come to your table and you can get some great pics. If the full costume head characters are too intimidating, then may still love the princesses at Akershus and Mary Poppins, Alice, and Cinderella at 1900 PF.

Call soon, though...the reservations are filling up fast! Operators are standing by!

 

[Kansasdreamers]

Thanks so much to everyone!