What to do, what to do....

[Barbara C]

I'm trying to get ready to make my ADR's at the 180-day mark and I need some help...

The last time we were there was Sept 09 when the kids were 5, 5, and 4. I made sure we did as many character meals as we could - Crystal Place, Cinderella's castle, Tusker House, Askerhaus, Park Faire and Chef Mickey.

My dh had two requests before he agreed to return to WDW - that I not plan so much (I told him I most likely would not be able to honor this request ) and that we do some different things for meals.

For our trip in September the kids will be 7, 7 and 6. I would like to go to a few new places and do at least one or two character meals (most likely breakfast at Tusker House or Park Faire).

Do you have any suggestions for restaurants that might be fun for kids in this age range? They are not picky eaters to that's not really a worry. We are staying at the Poly so I thought the Ahola dinner might be fun.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[Nadjalu]

Ohana would be fun. The dinner they have games for kids. That would be handy since you are staying at the Poly.
It is a hot adr so be aware of that.

Whispering Canyon Cafe at the WL is fun. It is a western themed restaurant where the staff can get mighty "rowdy", they too have fun things for the kids to do.
Stick pony rides thru the place, the "ketchup" run. (anyone who has a ketchup bottle on their table has to run it to the table that "needs" ketchup. Very fun for the kids.

Those are 2 of our favorites.

 

[Barbara C]

Thanks for the suggestions.

I have one more question - do you know if Teppan Edo is hibachi?

Thanks!

 

[MYD714]

I would definitely try Ohana, especially if you're staying at the Poly. We love it there and find it entertaining for everyone.

Kids may like to eat at Sci-fi Dine-in Theater or 50s Prime Time at DHS. They're both very unique and worth trying for the atmosphere.

I agree with the pp--WCC at the WL may be fun for everyone as well.

 

[CapnJacksGirl]

Thanks for the suggestions.

I have one more question - do you know if Teppan Edo is hibachi?

Thanks!

Yes, Teppan Edo is hibachi. The food is good, probably better than average. The "show" portion of the meal has been fairly hit or miss for us lately. We have eaten there on our last three trips...the first time was great, with a fantastic chef with lots of flair; the second trip was great food but little show; last trip was still decent food, but the chef was very rushed and did almost nothing to entertain us. We're of the thinking now that if we want that kind of food, we'll go, but we don't go for the entertainment. We'd rather go to Benihana at home and enjoy a meal at WDW that we can't get at home. (More info than you asked for, but I thought I'd throw it out there!)

 

[Agri]

I would explain planning to him the way I did to my mother - when I plan things, I try to put us in the park that is least crowded that day. If I don't plan things, we could end up in the most crowded park and without an ADR - not good unless the other person wants to mostly eat CS on the trip. I honestly think WDW has gotten to the point where you cannot have a mostly enjoyable trip unless you plan to a certain extent. I don't think anyone wants to spend a lot of their vacation waiting in lines or eating CS meals. (I do change things, but that's with the help of the mobile Lines map so I can then see what other parks are recommended for the day and then make a reservation at that park ahead of time.) Of course, I don't schedule us down to the order of rides, etc.

At any rate - Did he just mean not so many character meals or does he also want to try different cuisines?

Anyway - here are my recommendations:

Boma for breakfast on either a DHS or AK day
Crystal Palace for breakfast to get into the MK early (we're not into the Pooh characters, but love this one because the food is yummy and the characters tend to be quick if you're not completely interested in them)
Kona Cafe for breakfast or lunch (we've had dinner there, which was good, but our favorite menu items are available at breakfast and lunch)
Kouzzina for dinner
Cape May for breakfast or dinner - or both!
Yachtsman Steakhouse
The Grand Floridian Cafe

Dining Events:
Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert Party

Hit or Miss Recommendations:
Rose & Crown
Coral Reef
Sci-fi Dine in
Hollywood Brown Derby

(I wouldn't recommend Ohana unless you get an ADR for the first sitting. The line is always long and the wait tends to be long, too. There have been several threads about this on the forum and I've seen the wait in person. Not fun for hungry kids.)

 

[MJMcBride]

Try Boma, its a buffet and different but extremely good. Your family may also enjoy Teppan Edo as the chefs slice and dice right in front of you

I would also recommend 'ohana and the Kona Cafe right there at your resort. They do great breakfasts and dinners. I think 'ohana is the best charcter breakfast on property

Whispering Canyon and Sci-Fi make sense as well.