Topsiders or Parrot Cay..first day

[gwtw428]

Hi, which is better, Parrot Cay or Topsiders on first day? The first time I was on the Magic I was told by CM's to go to Topsiders. Any suggestions? Will be on honeymoon....
Thanks!! : )

 

[silver7]

Topsiders is nice because you can look at the water, the shuttle facilities--just eating out in the sunshine. . That is our pick

 

[allforpooh]

We like the quietness of Parrot Cay, the buffett was very good and very few people were there.

Denise

 

[professorandmom]

If you are a movie buff and remember a great classic called "A Christmas Story" (think BB gun), the way we were moved to lunch was just like the scene in the movie where Santa convinces the boy he wants a football - we were so excited, I didn't even notice we were being herded onto the elevator to go to topsiders...it took a second to realize we wanted to head to Parrot Cay....it wasn't a problem since we were one of the first in line but I think the CMs try to send some people to each of the two restaurants.

Bottom line, if you care where you eat, pay attention to where you are being directed...
Barb

 

[tigger53]

we like eating in parrot cay because you get seated at a table and then go to get your food. at topsiders you get the food first and have to look for a table. also parrot cay is air conditioned, and the atmosphere is tropical.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

If it's nice out, Topsiders is the way to go because you can enjoy the sunshine and the ocean. Otherwise, PC is better because of a better selection of food.

HAPPY HONEYMOON!

 

[NJ Cruisers]

Do both restaurants have the same buffet on the first day?

 

[CM_Mom]

We decide on which restaurant depending on the weather. In May when it was hot outside, Parrot Cay was delightfully cool. Folks who come from the North in January enjoy being out in the sunshine at Topsiders.

I think both have the same food but it's presented differently in Topsiders and Parrot Cay. Topsiders if more like a cafeteria and Parrot Cay is more of a moveable buffet.

I really think it's a matter of preference.

 

[angielynn10]

I was with my SIL, aunt & mom on our June '04 cruise and we went to Topsiders. It was a little inconvenient to have to get our food first, then find a table since each of us had our "carry-on" bag on our shoulders. Juggling the tray was just a little too much, although, had we been thinking we might have sent one of our party out into the restaurant to find a table and wait for us.

Also, if you choose not to eat outside, tables seemed VERY close together inside of Topsiders. Normally they may not have been, but with everyone's carry-on bags lying on the floor or next to their chairs, it was very tight moving from table to table.

Once we saw Parrot Cay the next day at breakfast I wished we'd eaten there simply for the spacious feel of the restaurant. But like others have said, Topsiders is great for eating outdoors. Food was good too, no complaints on the buffet.

 

[gwtw428]

Thanks for all the info! I think we will eat at Parrot Cay...this will be my fiance's first time on a cruise and I want to make it as enjoyable as poosible with as little stress as possible....I remember Topsiders being very crowded and it was a pain because we all had carryon bags etc.......

One more question though......when being seated at Parrot Cay, are you given a seat for just your party or are you seated with other people? Since it is our honeymmon we would like to sit alone and be romantic! lol

 

[smchan]

The thing about castmembers directing folks upstairs is a bit of a peeve to me. On my last cruise, I was near the front of the line during embarkation and the CM says something like "no room left, please go upstairs". I challenged the CM saying I preferred to eat in PC, and they said "let me see if we can fit you in". The let me in, and I bet there weren't 20 people in the restaurant.

I can see the need to balance the load - but I wish they weren't so active about it. Almost made me feel bad for wanting to eat inside.

Sam

 

[fortierv]

Grab a tray from topsiders and sit by the Mickey pool so the kids can swim before the crowd hits.