Suggestions for first nigh dinner and characters??

[Camping Griswalds]

We arrive on Wed 1/30. There is nothing at Chef Mickeys until 9 pm (no way!!) Anyway, I am trying the dining plan for first time, and want to get "bang" for our buck. We have meals at Crystal Palace, 1900 Park Fare, Hollywood and Vine, Liberty Tree Tavern, and Norway/princess meals. So we've covered the princesses, Pooh, Little Einsteins, Mary Poppins (just because of the outfit :1wink: ) and Mickey. I'd like a dinner for our arrival night. I'd prefer characters. Any good suggestions? We will have park hoppers. I'm thinking our first day will probably be at Animal Kingdom. Not really sure though. Our first "real" day will be at Magic Kingdom with early entrance on 1/31.

Help and suggestions please!!

Oh yeah my daughter is three!

 

[SomDayMyPrnceWillCom]

Well, you have the Garden Grill at Epcot. I don't think there are any character options for AK for dinner.

 

[solferino]

I agree with the Garden Grill suggestion. We love that place for dinner.

 

[SCgirl1993]

We did the Dining Plan 2 years in a row & really think it was worth our while for small children (then 3 and 4). Our first dinner was at Crystal Palace and the food & characters were great. Our youngest was initially frightened by any characters, but after this dinner he was ready to greet them all. Sounds like you've made some good choices - we never could get in @ Chef Mickey's, but for characters we really enjoyed Liberty Tree Tavern, Donald's Restaurantosarus (sp? we ate breakfast there), Ohana's (we usually do breakfast with Lilo & Stitch and also dinner in time to watch the MK fireworks show). So if you can't get a character night, it could be fun to go to Ohana's, do the coconut broom races and watch fireworks.
Also, we kept all our receipts from these restaurants and added up the totals vs. what we paid for the Dining Plan and would definitely do it again. Great prices (esp. for little ones) and great opportunity to see all the characters. I have heard that the Hoop-de-Doo Review is great, but think it cost 2 table meals. Enjoy your family trip!

 

[Shmily1]

The best character meals we have been to were at Crystal Palace and Cape May Cafe breakfast. The breakfast food at CMC was awesome! that was my DD16's favorite meal!!

 

[hmillerbarilla]

I like the Garden Grill idea too for a character dinner.

If you don't care as much about characters, my favorite arrival dinner is 'Ohana. Such fun--especially for a DD 3.

 

[yettimedic]

We arrive on Wed 1/30. There is nothing at Chef Mickeys until 9 pm (no way!!) Anyway, I am trying the dining plan for first time, and want to get "bang" for our buck. We have meals at Crystal Palace, 1900 Park Fare, Hollywood and Vine, Liberty Tree Tavern, and Norway/princess meals. So we've covered the princesses, Pooh, Little Einsteins, Mary Poppins (just because of the outfit :1wink: ) and Mickey. I'd like a dinner for our arrival night. I'd prefer characters. Any good suggestions? We will have park hoppers. I'm thinking our first day will probably be at Animal Kingdom. Not really sure though. Our first "real" day will be at Magic Kingdom with early entrance on 1/31.

Help and suggestions please!!

Oh yeah my daughter is three!

my suggestion would be Donalds breakfastasaurus in the Animal Kingdom it was a great meal and you can purchase a "signed" picture of all the characters and they wander from table to table all in all one of the best dining experiences

 

[Jchance]

The liberty tree was good, My dd's fav. is chip and dale and they were there along with minny anf goofy.

 

[Belle5]

Anyway, I am trying the dining plan for first time, and want to get "bang" for our buck.

I am not sure how character meals are the best bang for your buck. We are on the dining plan, as well, and have determined to stay as far away from buffets, family style dining and any kind of meal where we are charged "per head". I can understand doing one character meal or buffet if you have to, but it is not the best use of your dining plan from a monetary point of view.