Teach me, Dining masters!

[marybogue]

We will be in WDW for 7 days, the first week of December 2008. We will be traveling with a 2 year old and a 9 month old. We have the dining plan, but I have some questions for you pros since I am approaching the date where I can make reservations.

-Do I need to make reservations for each and every meal? Does it really matter as far as getting a seat? (I am really curious if it makes a difference for lunches.)

-My hubby and I are serious food and wine people. Are there any dining experiences that we can not afford to miss?

-Any tips for smooth and easy dining with our babies? Particularly the 2 year old - any place that is a must eat for him? (We're doing Chef Mickey's for his Bday)

Any advice is greatly appreciated!!

 

[tlhbdm]

As far as booking every meal. The answer is yes and no. If you plan to eat Table service(sit-down places) every meal then yes you most likely need to make ressies. If you plan to mix it up and eat Table service and counter service(fast-food type places) then you only need to book the Table service. I would recommend not eating every meal TS because that will use up precious park time.

As for the restaurants. I have never been to (but am going in September) California Grill and Narcossee's. I've heard wonderful things about both of them and if you go at the right time you get awesome views of Wishes(the fireworks at Magic Kingdom).

As for your son I was going to say Chef Mickey's but you all ready have an ADR for there. He will really enjoy that one, heck I'm in my 20s an I enjoy it(except when you're staying at the Contemporary and they do their celebration at 7:30 AM and you can't get back to sleep).

I can answer more questions for you if you need advice.

 

[tlhbdm]

Oh yea and to the Dis!

 

[NHTikiBeckie]

Honestly, the more you book, the better off you will be. Otherwise, at common dinner times, there will be a wait...sometimes a long one. I would highly recommend reservations.

It depends on your food taste, but Artist Point, Jiko and California Grill are among our fancy favorites. Our less fancy faves include O'hana, Prime time Cafe and Restaurant Marrakesh.

 

[suedaisy]

-Do I need to make reservations for each and every meal? Does it really matter as far as getting a seat? (I am really curious if it makes a difference for lunches.)

My family uses the Deluxe Dining Plan. We make reservations for breakfasts and dinners. At lunch we tend to "play it by ear" (unless it is during the free dining promotion, if you are there at Christmas/ New Years or other busy times, or if it is for Cinderella or LeCellier... ). Our breakfast locations determine where we begin our day.

-Any tips for smooth and easy dining with our babies? Particularly the 2 year old - any place that is a must eat for him? (We're doing Chef Mickey's for his Bday)

We have a 2 year old in the group who is allowed to eat "free" off the buffets. He wakes up HUNGRY and is in no mood to look at a menu and then wait for food. We keep some snacks, sure, but we do MANY character breakfasts- many are buffets. We are early risers and like to get into the parks in the morning. We love the Crystal Palace (pooh and friends), Cinderella's Royal table (Not a buffet, but the baby eats off our all- you- care- to- eat plate), Tusker House Safari, Cape May Cafe and Park Fare 1900 at the Grand Floridian. We are trying the Studios for the first time in Sept. I think that the 2 year old BOY- would like Chef Mickey's, Crystal Palace and the Safari as far as character breakfasts are concerned.

-My hubby and I are serious food and wine people. Are there any dining experiences that we can not afford to miss?
At dinner, we tend to be more about the food and lovely atmosphere than the "fun" Disney atmosphere- I love the Kona Cafe, The Hollywood Brown Derby and the Artist Point at the Wilderness Lodge. I have not tried California Grill or Jikos, but have heard very good things about both... I think with little ones, it is a good idea to select a couple of dinners at your hotel or with transportation ease to your hotel. I have no recommendations about wine, but I suspect some of the Epcot Food and Wine DISers might have some opinions...

Have a great trip.

 

[dad2t&e]

I highly recommend reservations, if you plan to eat Table service (sit-down places) every meal, and then yes you most likely need to make ressies. If you plan to mix it up and eat Table service and counter service (fast-food type places) then you only need to book the Table service. Honestly, the more you book, the better off you will be. Otherwise, at normal dinner times, there will be a wait...sometimes a long one which is not easy on a 2 year old. The Chrystal Palace is great at dinner as it has the Pooh characters and the buffet food is very good. O’Hanas is also great for breakfast and dinner. Just remember the more place you book will use up precious park time.

 

[Hootch]

It depends on your food taste, but Artist Point, Jiko and California Grill are among our fancy favorites. Our less fancy faves include O'hana, Prime time Cafe and Restaurant Marrakesh.

three probably have the most interesting wine selections outside of V&A (no kids under 10 allowed). Jiko and Cali Grill will be harder to book but well worth the effort. Artist Point is a little easier IMHO.

 

[abc999]

The 2 year old is probably still a bit young for the activities at Ohana. We went when DS was 23 months. He loved the character meals and Coral Reef.. He just stared at the tank while we ate. We went to the Playhouse Disney lunch at Hollywood and Vine in DHS and he loved it... especially the dancing with Jojo, Goliath, Leo and June.

 

[septbaby]

The 2 year old is probably still a bit young for the activities at Ohana. We went when DS was 23 months. He loved the character meals and Coral Reef.. He just stared at the tank while we ate. We went to the Playhouse Disney lunch at Hollywood and Vine in DHS and he loved it... especially the dancing with Jojo, Goliath, Leo and June.

This it the one other character meal I was going to suggest. It can booked for breakfast or lunch.

We also enjoyed Coral Reef. It is probably a good choice to entertain your little ones, allow someone else to bring the food to you and give you and DH a chance to be the food and wine people that you are.

For a Signature meal I'd suggest Narcoossee's the food and service are wonderful, yet the atomosphere is comfy enough that you can enjoy it with the little ones. We went late so we could see Wishes from the deck. If you chose to do that be sure the 2yo has a nap to stay awake to enjoy it. You will probably hope the baby is out cold by then. Even going early would still give you and DH that foodie experience. Its a 2TS meal and yes the Surf and Turf (Lobster-Steak) meal is included on the Dining plan. There is a Narcoossee's thread currently on the board so read and decide.

 

[Maggi May]

Buffets are definitely your friend at WDW. Good variety and you can get your food faster than waiting for TS.

WDW is a great place for foodies with kids -- Epcot has plenty of interesting places, and many of the resorts have unique restaurants with large wine selections. I really recommend Jiko and Boma at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. If you haven't had a chance yet, be sure to check out the menus here to get an idea of where you want to eat.

A few other considerations to take into account. Try and stick with your kiddos' normal dining times as much as possible, and remember to factor in travel time, especially if you don't have a car and will need to rely on the bus system Nothing worse than feeling rushed to get to a meal on time while you're schlepping a stroller and baby stuff. If you're staying on property, you might want to start your trip off with a meal at your resort on the first night, especially if you've had a long trip. Don't be afraid to cancel something if you're too tired or just want to go back to the resort and rest. There's always the food court or room service.

 

[Cee]

Maybe make some ADR's and then leave a few days to be flexible. We go in
December all the time and I usually call the same day and see what's available.
We have eaten at some wonderful places that we may not have otherwise
tried. It's fun. It's really the only way we do it now.

 

[marybogue]

Thank you all for all the great tips! Keep them coming!

So far, this is what I was thinking about, so any feedback would be great.

Our stay - Sun. Nov. 30 - Sat. Dec. 6 (All-Star Music)

Chef Mickey's (Latest Breakfast seating for DS's Bday)

Dinners -
Chefs De France
Le Cellier
California Grill (will try to reserve during Wishes)
O'Hana
Boma

I don't have any plans to reserve any lunches as we will just use our counter service. So, does this look ok for a Disney diner first timer?

 

[tlhbdm]

Thank you all for all the great tips! Keep them coming!

So far, this is what I was thinking about, so any feedback would be great.

Our stay - Sun. Nov. 30 - Sat. Dec. 6 (All-Star Music)

Chef Mickey's (Latest Breakfast seating for DS's Bday)

Dinners -
Chefs De France
Le Cellier
California Grill (will try to reserve during Wishes)
O'Hana
Boma

I don't have any plans to reserve any lunches as we will just use our counter service. So, does this look ok for a Disney diner first timer?

I think all of that sounds delicious.

 

[Clotho]

Is your child very well behaved? If you have any concern your child might be fussy during your dinners, I would avoid any signature dining restaurant, such as Narcoossee, Cali Grill, etc. They really are geared more toward adult atmospheres and a fussy child will really stand out. But being a foodie, I am guessing your little one is used to fancier places and the need to be Very Good under certain circumstances, and may likely be just fine!

Hubby asnd I are foodies, too! I agree with Narcoossee's for sure. We found Cali Grill to be not what we hoped. Still a gorgeous view, and for that alone might be worth it. We loved Le Cellier more than we expected, but did not like Coral Reef as much as we thought we would--the food was not up to snuff, but the restaurant itself is beautiful! We are trying Yachtsman Steakhouse this trip as it was highly recommended for a steak in WDW, second only to Shula's, which is in the Swan/Dolphin and not Disney-owned/themed (so didn't win out for us .

Lastly, if you like seafood, may I recommend Fulton's Crabhouse? And if you like crab, may I recommend their signature crab claws meal? It is spendy, for sure, but soooooo good. We still dream about it! We had it one night and loved it so much we shifted some finances to be able to go back the very next night. Already have it on the schedule for December when we go back!

Have fun!

 

[Pumbaa_]

You have plans for 7 credits and you will be getting 6 with the regular DDP. Are you doing deluxe?

IMHO, Le Cellier is not what it used to be. Sorry!

I would add Crystal Palace with pooh. Always a great place!

I would not do 'Ohana, service is very hit or miss, and the kids are kinda little for their activities.

Sounds like you are making some great plans! Very good idea to be making your dining plans early, December is not the slow month it used tobe

 

[marybogue]

You have plans for 7 credits and you will be getting 6 with the regular DDP. Are you doing deluxe?

IMHO, Le Cellier is not what it used to be. Sorry!

I would add Crystal Palace with pooh. Always a great place!

I would not do 'Ohana, service is very hit or miss, and the kids are kinda little for their activities.

Sounds like you are making some great plans! Very good idea to be making your dining plans early, December is not the slow month it used tobe

Oh, so we only have 6 with the basic DDP? Thanks! I am still learning all this. Off to rethink some places.....

 

[septbaby]

Thank you all for all the great tips! Keep them coming!

So far, this is what I was thinking about, so any feedback would be great.

Our stay - Sun. Nov. 30 - Sat. Dec. 6 (All-Star Music)

Chef Mickey's (Latest Breakfast seating for DS's Bday)

Dinners -
Chefs De France
Le Cellier
California Grill (will try to reserve during Wishes)
O'Hana
Boma

I don't have any plans to reserve any lunches as we will just use our counter service. So, does this look ok for a Disney diner first timer?

We really liked Boma. Tables are a bit close, but it didn't detract from enjoying the meal.

I would still chose Narcoossee's over CG. I have not been to CG, but everything I read suggests it is more formal than Narcoossee's. You can see Wishes from both locations if you time your dinner just right. When we were there with our 6yo there were lots of families with children and I don't recall being bothered by one of them. The service there is quite accomodating. Also you are also likely to see the Electric Water parade along the Seven Seas lagoon if you're there in time for Wishes. Our 6yo was really into that, even went out to the deck for a closer view with Grandma. Also the boat launch from MK let's you off at the dock which is right outside of Narcoosse's, probably less than 100 ft away. Strollers load pretty easily on and off the boat launches. I don't recall where you're staying, but the monorail also goes to the Grand Floridian (and the Contemporary).

Obviously if your heart is set on CG, go, but for Signature + Wishes I think Narcoossee's will be delightful and more comfortable for your family.

As for booking "lunches" we did lunch at Coral Reef and it was great. We started at MK at 8am, headed to lunch around 1pm (starved) then back to the room for a nap. We had planned to do the Nemo/Crush attractions at Epcot, but it was raining and we were so ready for naps. We were headed to the Pirate and Princess party that evening so a nap was in the plans anyway. That said lunch at Crystal Palace might not be a bad choice, especially if you plan to head back to the room shortly thereafter. This time I've booked 2 Lunches (CP & PHD). I didn't want to have to pop up first thing just to eat and though I plan for us to be in the park in the AM, rope drop isn't a must.

I think you've done good work planning for your family. Have a magical time!