Suggestion for first night dinner, picky eaters

[lindsmom]

Hi, this is my first thread that I'm starting so I hope somebody answers me
I'm probably overthinking this, but I'd really like our family to start our trip with a cool dinner. We arrive MCO @ 1:30, so there's plenty of time to settle then have dinner. I'll eat almost ANYTHING, but dh is meat and potatoes, all american - you know. And dd6 will try stuff, but sticks to what's safe - mac & cheese, pasta, salad, fruit. Right now we have Ohana at 6:30, but I'm having second thoughts. Please help?! Thanks!

 

[kimsuenew]

Boma! There is something for everyone and lots to choose from! It is a really cool atmosphere. Make sure to explore the lodge and go out to see the animals an the savannah. When we were there the kids even get a chance to drum. It is a very special and unique atmosphere and meal!

 

[lindsmom]

Boma sounds fantastic to me, I just worry that the picky ones won't find anything... going to look at the menu again.... hmmm.... getting hungry!

 

[charm73]

we are doing chef mickey's. it gives the chance for the kids to see Mickey their first night there without going into the parks. We are flying on a red-eye so no park the first day for us.

 

[Colleen27]

We're doing Chef Mickey's for our first night. I can't think of a better way to kick off a trip than with dinner with Mickey, and the menu looks like there'd be something for even the pickiest eaters. More American and less adventurous than Boma, to be sure, and it just about screams "Welcome to Disney World!".

 

[Laura]

Boma sounds fantastic to me, I just worry that the picky ones won't find anything... going to look at the menu again.... hmmm.... getting hungry!

They have mac and cheese, pasta, salad and fruit for your DD, and meat and potatoes for your DH.

 

[A_NY_Outlaw]

I wouldn't recommend Boma. We ate there on our first night during our 2005 trip....I wish we hadn't. I'm an extremely picky eater and while I tried the things on the buffet, I just didn't like anything....basically we paid $30 for me to eat spaghetti. What a disappointment.

I would suggest if you want a cool atmosphere, try Coral Reef. They have a huge aquarium that would keep the kids occupied. Liberty Tree Tavern (which we tried in April) is one of favorites to date....take it from a meat and potatoes guy myself- the place has large portions and the food was delicious....they also have character dining.

If you are willing to pay out of pocket, you may want to try Rain Forest Cafe in either AK or DTD. The atmosphere is unique, but loud and rowdy (at times). It had good food (although people have debated that to death)....but it certainly is an interesting place. We like it.

Planet Hollywood is also an interesting place as well.

Concourse Steakhouse (I think they are closing, not sure when) also allows you watch the monorail go by while you eat. You can get a good steak and even better dessert there.

 

[disnut1149]

Hi
I think O'hana is a really good choice. I know your DD can order mac & cheese or chicken strips and fries. I think they bring it over from Kona. There might be other choices for you DD also. There is a lot of meat and the potatoes are awesome. The dessert is delicious. Also, your DD can have fun doing the hula, dancing, and joining in with the other activities. My DGD (4) had a great time in August. I don't eat meat and found plenty to eat with the shrimp and other side dishes. I know a lot of people love Boma, but my girlfriend and I were there last Dec. and we didn't care for it. The food was only warm, not hot, and a lot of it tasted sweet. My girlfriend did like the prime rib. Have a great time!!

 

[TLSnell1981]

A safe, All American menu, fun place to eat....I would suggest 50s Prime Time. The food is good, atmosphere great and in the mid price range. Go to the dining link above and look up the restaurant....see if it interests your family.

 

[lindsmom]

Oh my goodness, thanks so much for all the input!
I had Chef Mickey's, but then I started finding not so good reviews on the food. So I changed to Ohana, and now I'm finding the same problem. Then again, I suppose you could find it about any restaurant, right? Ugh, wish I didn't obsess about this so much. But then I wouldn't be a Disboard addict!

We're not on the plan, so we could go anywhere. I looked at rainforest @ AK. I also looked at LTT and Coral Reef, but didn't want to burn the admission for mainly dinner (MK closes @ 7:00 that night, Epcot @ 11). Hmmm. I guess I need one of you "professionals" to tell me it'll be okay, and we'll have a great trip wherever we end up that night. Right?

Thank you again, and still taking anyone else's suggestions!

 

[tortoni]

If you want to dine out of the parks, I think O'Hana is a very good choice. It is very friendly, the food is good and you can get the usual kid fare. ANother fun choice might be WCC-always lots of antics. These both have great theming to get the vacation going. It also depends on where you are staying. We usually stay at the BC and wind up with a quick dinner at Beaches and Cream or ESPN, but my kids are older. If you are staying in the Epcot area, Cape May Cafe is nice with lots of choices.

 

[ldo]

Carved meats for DH, full American buffet foods, good salads (try the weird seafood thing--great), and mac-cheese, chicken nuggets, pizza, etc. Great character interaction--gets you in the Disney spirit. (ps--Boma is my favorite--delicious--but it is a little "weird"--my kids would be turned off by some of the stuff on the buffet and then not eat anything).

 

[frdeb1999]

I agree with Chef Mickeys. Their supper buffet is fantastic. And you get to experience the characters too! Prime time is another wonderful choice. And although Hollywood and Vine normally gets a bad rap....we really enjoy the food there and they have a huge buffet selection.

 

[Tammysue5]

We did Chef Mickeys on our first night... what a nice way to start your WDW vacation. Dinner w/Mickey! The food was pretty good and the atmosphere was awesome!

I would also recommend 50s Prime time... They have the Meat and Potatoes meals and something for the kids as well.

 

[tluvstink]

Another vote for Chef Mickeys. The food is good, not great but good And it is a great way to get autographs and pictures of the characters. That way you don't have to stand in a long line at the parks

Terri

 

[Adrienne]

Chef Mickeys definitely a go-er

 

[SomDayMyPrnceWillCom]

Chef MIckey's and Boma are both wonderful choices IMO. While Boma may have some unique flavors, I don't think it was exotic enough to turn anyone's appetite. There was so much on the buffet, you should be able to find several items you like. The meats were all good as were the soups. And a TON of desserts.

Chef Mickey's however should be very safe. Peel and eat shrimp, meat and some of the best mashed potatoes ever. My daughter wants us to go there for dinner again if for nothing else than the mashed potatoes. Lots of desserts to choose from here also.

 

[I believe]

I like to start there. By the time we arrive, usually late in the afternoon, all my kids want is to see Mickey. We get settled, explore our resort, and then go to CM. For them, (and therefore us) it is the very best way to start our vacations.

 

[disneyfan4u]

We have made Liberty Tree tavern our first meal every trip so far. It is all american meat and potatoes. Great family atmosphere! The food is down home and tasty. And since you will be traveling in the morning and then running around in the afternoon..you can sit down and let the servers, serve you. Relax and enjoy!