Three days, three dinners. Help!

[Verstehen]

Hi, everyone. So glad I found these boards. Right, here's my not-so-sob story.

My boyfriend and some of his friends are going to Disney World for two weeks in late September/early October. I sadly, have school (and not enough money to buy 10+ days worth of tickets to the parks), so I will be jetting down October 2nd and leaving October 6th so as to miss as few classes as possible. Since I'm only going to be there for a few days, my bf has agreed to let me plan the days he and I will spend in the park while his friends go off and do their own thing. A foolish move on his part, since I haven't been to Disney since I was 13 and am now in desperate withdrawal, but I digress.

My point is that I now have three dinners to plan, and of course I don't expect you guys to make plans for me, but if you have any suggestions I'd very much appreciate it. We're going to Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Magic Kingdom (not necessarily in that order), and skipping Animal Kingdom since I'll only have three days and had to sacrifice something. If I can conceive an extra day, that'd be great, but for the time, three seems like the magic number.

The problem I have in deciding where we eat is that my bf is paying for the meals, and has said he doesn't care about the price, though of course I don't want to bankrupt the poor guy. He also said he doesn't have any particular preferences as to what kind of food we eat, though I know when we're in Epcot we're going to eat lunch at the Japanese pavilion, since he loves Japanese food, so something different for dinner would probably be good. He's also British so I think the Rose and Crown would not be anything special for him. I don't really have any particular food preferences either. I try to keep kosher since I'm Jewish, but I'm terrible at it and I'm not going to count that as a requirement for myself while I'm there.

So that basically leaves three dinners I have to decide on, and since I've never planned a trip on my own before, and I haven't been there in years, I don't know what the best places are. Do you folks have any suggestions? Good experiences? Bad experiences? Anything would be good, so I can start calling places for reservations.

Sorry for sounding so obsessive compulsive. I just want the few days I'll get to spend there to be perfect ^^;; Thanks everyone!

 

[Evan&Kimberly]

This is my first trip to WDW, and I will be there in Sept, so I will give you where I am eating at , Epcot I am eating at Le Celliar Steak House, this place has great reviews it is a little on the pricey side, but hey your at WDW, or Coral Reef. Magic Kingdom you can try Crystal Palace and Winne the Pooh will be there, and for as Hollywood Studios, I did not think they had allot to choose from, but if I had to eat there I would have given Mama Melrose a try, But do not rule out the resorts, they seem to have a lot of great restaurants, And since you are not going to Animal Kingdom check out the Animal Kingdom Lodge, you can have dinner at Boma and see all the animals while you are there, Also The Poly has kona,and Ohana and I have read good things about these places, and Kona does not seem to expensive, Although I have not ever been to any of these places I have done some major reading on all of these, and all of these that I am recommending are some of the places that I will be eating. Also You need to hurry and call to make your ressies because it is not easy to get these ressies, WDW Ressie Line 1407-939-3463 You can make your ressies now and if you don’t have your reservation just give them your BF, Tele # and the resort he will be staying and you will be good, If you cant get what you want just keep calling back people cancel all the time, I hope this helps! Spoken like a true WDW Veteran!

 

[disneypolybride2008]

In Epcot we're eating in Mexico, France, and Germany. Germany has entertainment and a buffet. Mexico is romantic. France looks romantic and fancy. We've eaten at LeCellier. It was good.

In Hollywood Studios we LOVE Sci-Fi and couldnt miss that ever on a trip, i love their atmosphere and the amazing ribs. It's not that expensive.
50's Prime Time also had great meatloaft and peanutbutter and jelly shakes.

In Magic Kingdom we like the quick service place called Cosmic Rays Starlight Cafe, it has ribs/chicken/burgers and it's not that expensive. They have a fun toppings bar for the burgers. Lots to load it up with. Tony's Town Square looks like a yummy and fancy Italian place. We didnt care for Crystal Palace too much lots of couscous, salmon, and fancy foods--it's fun to get pics with the characters though.

Have fun! See if you can do Mickey's Halloween Party, it's a blast!

 

[freesone]

Here is what I would try:

Hollywood Studios-Sci Fi dine-in theater.

Magic Kingdom-Crystal Palace

Epcot-Rose&Crown(may not seem special, but it is still very good).

 

[Verstehen]

We're staying at a condo outside of the park, but eating at the resorts I'm sure wouldn't be a big deal. Thanks for your suggestions, guys! I'll keep looking through my guides, and if anyone has anything else, by all means, keep 'em coming!

 

[LadyZolt]

For MK, I would choose Liberty Tree Tavern for dinner because (1) it's a fun character meal at the moment and it seems that soon in the future, it will no longer be a character meal; (2) I went with DH and we had a *fabulous* time, so I think it's good even if you don't have kids with you; and, (3) Your boyfriend is British and LTT has a very "American" menu for dinner -- like Thanksgiving, so it would be a cool kind of experience to share with him.

For Hollywood Studios: I would choose the 50's Prime Time Cafe because, again, it's fun, especially for adults who really "get" the interaction with the wait staff; and also because, like LTT, it's like a bit of American history in both the restaurant's physical details and in the interaction.

For EPCOT: I would choose Le Cellier because it's a very nice meal in a lovely restaurant. But really, in any of the countries in EPCOT, I think you'll be fine -- so just choose one that you and your boyfriend like.

And I have to say that it is very responsible of you to try not to miss too many classes; and also very sweet of you to figure out a way to spend some time at Disney with your boyfriend. I think your choice of three days is perfect for both your education and your relationship. Have a magical time!

-Dorothy (LadyZolt)

 

[KatMark]

For Magic Kingdom I suggest Crystal Palace or Plaza Restaurant
For Epcot either LeCellier (hard to get ADR's--especially the time you are going) and Biergarten
For Hollywood Studios, we suggest Mama Melrose (we are not fond of any of the others--although Sci-Fi is not too bad)

 

[Verstehen]

Thank you so much! I wish I could go for longer, but hopefully I'll get to go again for longer when I graduate in about a year and a half. I'm mostly going now because he's going and there's no way I'm letting him go if I can't, even for a little while :3

Anyway, seems a lot of people like Le Cellier for Epcot, though being the indecisive person I am I haven't picked yet. Is it difficult to get advanced seating three months in advance? I know October is one of the least busiest months though...

 

[septbaby]

As for difficulty, just call and try, my motto is I only need one table and the one that's open might be just what you need. We also enjoyed Coral Reef at Epcot (underwater, full aquarium with the occassional Mickey diver inside) so keep that as a second choice there. I don't eat steak, so LeCellier won't make my list.

Chef Mickey's is a really fun character meal close to MK. If you're looking for the "Fab 5" its a great place to see Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald and Pluto.

Another thing to consider for DHS is the fantasmic package. If you prefer to stand in line for seating, then this packag isn't for you. However, if you're willing to eat somewhat early in exchange for a quick entrance to the show consider the package at either Mama Melrose or Hollywood & Vine. We ate at H&V for our package. Both places have fans and foes, you'll have to consider the menus for yourself.

 

[Pirate Me]

I would choose:

Magic Kingdom- Crystal Palace: Buffet with a great atmosphere. We haven't gone on a trip to WDW without a trip to Crystal Palace for breakfast. Lunch and dinner available too. Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, and Tigger come around and snap pictures with each table. Very fun!

Disney's Hollywood Studios- Mama Melroses. Nice atmosphere. Very good pasta! We came here with 8 people a few years back. Everybody enjoyed their meal and we have ADRs to come again.

Epcot- I would choose Le Cellier but the Biergarten is also a favorite.
The Biergarten is the German pavillion buffet. GREAT atmosphere. Lots of singing. German food. Very good selection.
Le Cellier is the Canadian steakhouse in Canada's pavillion. A favorite of many of us. Dim-lit and made to look like a wine cellar. Great food and atmosphere.

 

[Verstehen]

Ok, I grabbed the bf before he went to bed (almost midnight over there!) and he agreed on Le Celier or San Angel for Epcot, since both of those are highly recommended. So I called Disney and got reservations for San Angel (Le Celier was full, unfortunately), and now I just need MK and Hollywood reservations. Those look like those are going to be a bit harder to decide on, because there aren't as many full-service places in the other two parks.

Thanks so much for all your advice, you guys! I really, really appreciate it.

 

[Paul in CT]

At Hollywood Studios it's a "no-brainer" IMHO. Brown Derby is a must! The food quality and service is outstanding. We love the themimg.

At the MK, that's a tough one. Crystal Palace has has very good reviews lately and there are CHARACTERS! We have had both good and bad meals at Tony's Town Square, but our last visit a year ago it was great because we had a table outside during Spectromagic and the food was great.

If you really want a great meal, take the monorail from MK to CG at Contemporary or Narcoossees at the GF, but they are pricey. Remember, if either of you like wine with your meal, you won't be able to get that at the MK

 

[freesone]

Thank you so much! I wish I could go for longer, but hopefully I'll get to go again for longer when I graduate in about a year and a half. I'm mostly going now because he's going and there's no way I'm letting him go if I can't, even for a little while :3

Anyway, seems a lot of people like Le Cellier for Epcot, though being the indecisive person I am I haven't picked yet. Is it difficult to get advanced seating three months in advance? I know October is one of the least busiest months though...

October is busier than it used to be, especially with the Food&Wine Festival in EPCOT. Start calling now if you would like to get into Le Cellier.

 

[CariAnn]

I don't know if you made your ressies yet, but as a food lover, I wanted to put in my two cents.

Magic Kingdom I think Crystal Palace or Liberty Tree Tavern dinner, depending on which charaters you prefer. I have heard mixed reviews on Tony's Town Square but the spaghetti and meatballs and the tiramisu where some of the best I've had.

At Hollywood Studios '50s Prime Time is always a must do for us. I feel like I'm eating at my great-grandma's house when I was little.

Epcot has many wonderful restaurants, but I LOVE LOVE LOVE Boma at AKL. I had never been because my family are picky eaters, but in January I went with a friend who'll try just about anything, so we went. I loved AKL and liked Boma so much, I called the next morning and switched my ressies around to go again. YUM!

The buffets and family-style eating are often with characters and always moderately priced, as not to break your boyfriend's wallet. LeCellier is one of my favorites also but hard to get into and dinner can get kind of pricey.

Whatever you pick, I hope you have fun. I may be there at the same time if I can talk my husband into taking me (again).

 

[Verstehen]

Well, I made the ADR for Epcot, and I'm going to skip a fancy meal in MK and try for Brown Derby in Hollywood, if I can get it. Otherwise I'll try 50's Cafe and Mama Melrose as second and third choices.

 

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

Hi! If you haven't made your choices yet these would be my top three faves:-

MK - Crystal Palace
DHS-50's Prime Time
Epcot- we loved Chefs De France, but thats 2nd to walking to Beach Club for Beaches and Cream!

 

[Northern_Julie]

For a British/Irish pub expierance you may want to try Raglan Rd at Pleasure Island. They have an Irish step dancer around 9pm. Done Rose and Crown every trip so we are trying it out this time and really excited.