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[lynninpa]

Please help!

My DH and I are planning a SURPRISE TRIP for nine people.

Here are the ages of our cast: 2, 5, 9, 18, 20, 24, 29, 40+ and 50+

The kids are all adventerous eaters. The adults? Most are very easy to please.

We can only pick 5 TS meals (on the dining plan)


Here is the list. WHICH ONE WOULD YOU CROSS OFF THE LIST FOR OUR GANG?

1. LeCELLIER (Dinner) *my DH has his heart set on this one

2. CRYSTAL PALACE (Breakfast) *I have my heart set on this one

3. OHANA (Dinner) *First time for everyone

4. CHEF MICKEY'S (Dinner) *We have this on the list because most of the people we are taking have never been to WDW and this is a classic. If it was just us, we probably would not choose it again.

5. WHISPERING CANYON (Dinner) *I think we would all be ok with the antics here

6. CORAL REEF (Dinner) *First time for everyone
​

 

[kristenhh]

We liked the characters here, but if you are going to the Crystal Palace... We went to CP for dinner and it was outstanding! The food at Chef Mickey's was only so-so!

Definitely keep Le Cellier!

 

[eeyore45]

Do Chef Mickeys for breakfast, and dont cut any!! How often do you get to disney anyway???

(or cut the coral reef, and regret not going!!)

GOOD LUCK!!

 

[HLAuburn]

We just got back and we ate at most of those places...

LOVED Crystal Palace lunch
LOVED Le Cellier dinner
Chef Mickey's dinner was REALLY disappointing. I know what you mean by its a "must do", but you aren't missing anything if you don't go to CM in my opinion. I'm pretty easy to please, but it was YUCK!
Ohana was fun atmosphere, great for large parties, good food. Try to time dinner around Wishes...very cool!
Stayed at WL. My parents took DD to Whispering Canyon. Said food was pretty good, but they thought the antics were annoying. Looked fun to me, if you're into that kind of meal.

So I know it sounds very un-Disney like, but I definitely could have skipped Chef Mickey.

 

[slk537]

I would recommend - if Chef Mickey's is a must, which I totally understand - do it for breakfast and do Crystal Palace for dinner.

You have some great choices on there and CM's for dinner is way, way ho hum, food wise. If it's the characters and ambiance you're looking for then breakfast is better all the way around. DS's makes sure we don't miss it every time.

Have FUN!!!

 

[lynninpa]

Thanks for all the votes so far! Please, keep 'em coming. Taking a poll is actually fun!

 

[shellybaxter]

I'd cut Coral Reef because its the only one you didn't make a comment as to way you want to go there. I've never been because we are not seafood people but I've read many reviews that said the food wasn't great and the portions were very small for the price. Instead just tour the living seas attraction to see the aquarium

 

[shellybaxter]

sorry double post

 

[MomofKatie]

Pay for the kids OOP and use their credits for the adults- you'll have enough for all your meals. Yes, it's allowed. Now I will put on my flame proof suit...

 

[paigevz]

Ok, here's my opinion (and my dh's too).................

Both character meals should be done.........CP and Chef Mickey have different characters and different feels

Le Cellier should not be missed

We've not been to O'hana, but hear it's very nice.

We LOVE Coral Reef. Our kids enjoyed the fish tank, and the server really catered to them........they had dolphin rim-hangers on their glasses, twisted straws, really cute desserts. We love seafood anyway, and the lobster bisque was well worth coming! We had great service, great food, and enjoyed every minute of this meal. Outside the restaurant in a range of the Nemo character statues, and the kids can stand/sit on a wall in front of them for a great photo op. The waiting area really makes you feel as if you are now going under the sea. Just great for us.

We did not enjoy Whispering Canyon as much. It was nice, the antics were entertaining, the kids liked the waiting area.........our son got the wrong meal twice in one meal.........took a third try to get the one he ordered. A CM snapped at our son for even TOUCHING the stick horses near the register, telling him there would be no races that day. If she hadn't opened her mouth, he wouldn't have even known he was missing something, and for goodness' sakes, he didn't try to take the horse out of the barrel, he just touched its mane. We've had better of this kind of food here in Texas. We just weren't impressed. The Wilderness Lodge itself, though is very pretty, and visually interesting, the gift shop has some nice things, and the boat ride over to Ft. Wilderness or MK is very nice.

I would cross of Whispering Canyon for my family, and keep Coral Reef-------it's one of our must-dos. But I wanted to give you particulars so you can decide if what bothered us would bother you, or what we'd like you'd like. I think it also may have to do with where you come from, on whether or not the food seems good to you. If your area is renowned for western or seafood you may not like that restaurant as much, being as you know the best local places and can get better food of the same ilk at home.

 

[patsal]

I have been to WHispering Canyon twice and the rest of the others many more times than that. IMH I would skip whispering canyon, the food is only so so and the antics can be over the top if the kids or you are tired and would want a more laid back meal. Otherwise I would do CP or Chef Mickey's for breakfast and pay OOP while keeping everything else in place.

 

[Rafikifan]

I'm going to say to cross Coral Reef off of your list. The only two you didn't have a comment about were CR and Ohana and out of the two I think Ohana would be better for your group than Coral Reef. I definitely wouldn't cut any of the places that any of you have your heart set on and since some of your group haven't been to WDW before I wouldn't skip Chef Mickey's. I can honestly say that in the 4 times we've eaten there we have never had any complaints. We've skipped it the last 2 trips but are returning this summer since we will be with friends who have never been. I do know some do not like the food there. I love peel and eat shrimp, salad, get a roll, a couple of pieces of prime rib, some mashed potatoes and then I love to hit the dessert bar. Have a great time no matter what you choose.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I think it depends a lot of where you plan to be each day. For our party of 5 I made a plan for which park on each day FIRST, then I filled in meals. On our MK day we are having breakfast at CP and dinner at Kona. I am all about eating where you already are, instead of having to drag over hill and dale to get to a restaurant on the other side of the World.

The other thing I encountered with a larger group was the seating times are not always what you want them to be. My choices for Le Cellier were 5:50 or 7:00. I wanted something in the 6:30 range but there wasn't anything. Since we've never been in August I don't know how scary it will be to try to find a spot for Illuminations after dinner.

'Ohana, CM's and Whispering Canyon are all easy access from MK. Maybe you could do breakfast at 'Ohana or CM's? We'll only have TS credits for 9 meals but we're booked for 13. Once they open up the MGM breakfast I will book that, too. Breakfast is less expensive than dinner, and if you eat late it will be more like a big lunch. We're doing CM's late one day after we do early entry at MK. I don't think one TS out of pocket is that terrible.

Good luck deciding! I am really glad I am only coordinating preferences for 2 families, and it isn't a surprise so I was able to get input from everyone!

 

[All Aboard]

That's easy. Coral Reef. The price/quality ratio is way out of whack there. Expect to pay $25 for a piece of fish, unless you choose the catfish which will only set you back about $21.

It's a decent seafood restaurant, and the view is unique. But, the prices are not supportable. Even by WDW standards. If great seafood is a priority, try Flying Fish on the Boardwalk. You'll pay the same prices, but be much more pleased with the food.

 

[maggs]

Ohana. I really really did not like this restaurant.

Maggs

 

[allshookup]

I voted Coral Reef simply because nobody has been there yet, it doesn't seem like a must do for any of you, & it does get expensive. However, I would definitely go someday when you get a chance. It doesn't get great reviews but I've always enjoyed our meals there & my kids just love to watch the divers in the giant tank.

 

[lynninpa]

Ohana. I really really did not like this restaurant.

Maggs

May I ask why?

 

[phyllis1966]

I would cross off Coral Reef - other than the aquarium views, the reputation of the food is poor-to-mediocre.

IMHO, and DH's, too, dinner at Le Cellier is delicious and a must for us; breakfast at Crystal Palace is yummy (especially the puffed French toast) and kids and adults will enjoy Pooh & friends; dinner at Chef Mickey's was not a favorite, but we were glad we tried it and DD had fun; we all love Whispering Canyon Cafe for the all-you-can-eat skillet and the antics; our extended family (but not DH) all enjoyed 'Ohana for the food (although the skewered meats are sometimes too dry) and the fun.

 

[lynninpa]

Thanks for all the votes and comments! Looks like Coral Reef is the one most say to cross off of our list.
Thanks again to everyone that voted!!

 

[Uncleromulus]

I voted Whispering canyon--but then, I'd cross it off anyones list