What to cut!?

[Madteaparty001]

Why not do Tusker House instead of Sanna? I believe the lunch is now a character meal. Hoop Dee Doo price also includes tip I believe, always a big plus! You could buy discounted disney gift cards through the target deal to save some money. You can also buy discounted landry cards at sams club sometimes (they own rainforest cafe and T-REX).

ETA: Why not check a few youtube videos of the places you're on the fence about? It may help.

 

[Madteaparty001]

Also character breakfasts are a bit cheaper then lunch or dinner if you're pinching your pennies.

 

[River Country]

I have been to all your choices except Sanaa

I would definitely dump T-Rex. Went once and didn't care for it not sure what the fuss is over that place anyway. Its a HUGE restaurant and the menu wasn't anything to get excited over, the food was mediocre at best. I wont go back.

So for your first ever Disney trip you need to be WOW'd out of the gate IMHO so with no park tickets day of arrival here are my suggestions to get your Disney On right away for Dinner

1900 PF is a Character buffet at The Grand Floridian but could be tough ADR to snag but its Cinderella Prince Charming Lady Tremaine and the Step Sisters and they are hilarious

Ohana at the Polynesian has no characters for dinner but it is a take on a Brazilian BBQ and there are Hawaiian themed events for the kids

If you really want to go to Downtown Disney then I would suggest Raglan Road. Great food great entertainment kids love it

 

[Dug720]

I would cut BOG (overrated) and T-Rex (just so so).

In full disclosure, I have not been to the others. But I have been to those two and feel no need to revisit them. Ever.

 

[Novakm]

From a budget point of view, I think Sanaa and BOG give far more bang for the buck than the others. Sanaa is my favorite restaurant on property, and last two trips when I went there it was the least expensive meal we ate all week. If it was near my home, I could afford to go there regularly, and would.

I loved the atmosphere at BOG in the music box room. The kids (5 and 7) felt like it was the ultimate in high class. Service was over the top. The waiter treated them like they were very special guests. The menu was limited, but my steak was really good. When the bill came, it was much less than I expected. The theming and service was so good, it had me thinking I can't afford this, but it was no more expensive than average at DW.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

I would skip the date night and replace it with a character meal if the budget is that tight and it's a once in a lifetime trip. For us we have great places to eat in the area and could have a great date night anytime.

I think doing a character meal or HDD on your first night is truly going to kick off a first timers trip. Along a monorail loop ride.

I've never done hoop dee do but its on my bucket list and a great recommendation.

This is my 5th trip and the first time I'm doing a date night. Lol.

 

[McGreezy]

So ultimately we sacked Boatwrights and TRex and subbed Hoop Dee Doo! We have ressies for arrival day Losing the two should even it out budgetwise. Im still on the fence with 50s PTC but from everything Ive heard I think Sanaa is a keeper!