What would you pick for your first night?

[ready4mouse]

We are going to be a group of 8 heading to WDW this spring! We have ages 3-70 coming with us... some have been before and some are having their first trip.

I'm trying to think of a fun "opening" night that won't keep us out too late after a travel day...

My thoughts were circling around:
-O'hana's (don't know if this is better here or before a Wishes/Spectro night)
-HDDR (no idea if we'll like this or not)
-Chef Mickeys (don't know if this would be better first night or first touring morning)

We have never been to any of these so don't really have much to base our decision on. Would you pick one of these or something different?

It's so hard trying to make plans for other people outside our family! Any suggestions for a fun night would be great! Thank you

 

[TifffanyD]

We are going to be a group of 8 heading to WDW this spring! We have ages 3-70 coming with us... some have been before and some are having their first trip.

I'm trying to think of a fun "opening" night that won't keep us out too late after a travel day...

My thoughts were circling around:
-O'hana's (don't know if this is better here or before a Wishes/Spectro night)
-HDDR (no idea if we'll like this or not)
-Chef Mickeys (don't know if this would be better first night or first touring morning)

We have never been to any of these so don't really have much to base our decision on. Would you pick one of these or something different?

It's so hard trying to make plans for other people outside our family! Any suggestions for a fun night would be great! Thank you

We just ate at Ohana's last week and it was great! Really delicious and a nice atmosphere. It seemed like the fun was starting around 7... not sure if that is normal or just that night. Might want to ask around and see what would be a good time. It's family style so you can eat what you like and as much as you like and the older/younger members of your party don't have to get up and go to a buffer. We really liked it

 

[pepe of ohio]

We're HDDR fans, been to O'huana a couple of times, was alot better many years ago and the last two visits weren't all that great, we now skip this. It's a huge family style deal, beef for us is too rare and waiting for well done or medium steak, is, well to much waiting, peeling shrimp or prons is another dislike for me, same as the turkey, I eat no fowl but the pork was okay, now all that being said, it's too much money for the pickings and when they are crowded, most of the time, we hardly saw our waiter/waitress for drinks, hence our skipping this eatery.

HDDR is a great time, all you can eat, waiter/waitress at your beck and call, all drinks included even beer and wine and a hilarious dinner show to boot. Next door to Pioneer Hall, where the HDDR is held, is Trails End and Crocketts Tavern, they have some of the best buffet on property, reasonability priced and all american cuisine, down home vittles, super breakfast and dinner choices but they changed the lunch menu and we haven't sampled the new soup and sandwich offerings.

 

[Disneydreamer5]

My pick would have to be between Coral Reef and Chef Mickey
We love them both but for the age range that you have and if I had to choose I would go with Coral Reef.

 

[suzimar57]

chef mickeys!

between the characters, napkin waving, music and the food, this dinner should put you right in the mood!

 

[tchrrx]

I think Chef Mickey's is the perfect start to any Disney vacation.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

We are doing Chef Mickey for our arrival dinner. I hear it's teh perfect way to start the Disney vacation!

 

[KatMark]

I would go with Chef Mickey's. We've never done the Revue--kids never had a desire to, and we don't particularly care for Ohanas. Chef Mickey's is a great way to get the younger ones excited about their first day in the parks.

 

[Tricia1972]

I would choose Chef Mickey's, but only if I was in a position to do a 5:00 dinner.

Travel/arrival day is always a very tiring day for our family (ranging in age from 58 - 2 years old). If we got there in the late morning, had a chance to settle, and then went out to dinner that'd be perfect. We'd do an early dinner, get to bed early and be to the park for Rope Drop the next morning.

When we get in later we either order out for Pizza or we ride the boat to DTD and get CS from Wolfgang Puck Express.

 

[miprender]

I would choose Chef Mickey's, but only if I was in a position to do a 5:00 dinner.

Travel/arrival day is always a very tiring day for our family (ranging in age from 58 - 2 years old). If we got there in the late morning, had a chance to settle, and then went out to dinner that'd be perfect. We'd do an early dinner, get to bed early and be to the park for Rope Drop the next morning.

When we get in later we either order out for Pizza or we ride the boat to DTD and get CS from Wolfgang Puck Express.

That is what we are planning on doing. I have never been to CM and I want to book the 5pm dinner.

 

[MickeyMomOfThree]

We love Chef Mickey's and do it twice every trip, but our first night we go to Whispering Canyon Cafe. It is fun and silly and gets you into the Disney spirit and the food is good. We did this on our last trip the first night and everyone loved it so much they said it had to be our new first night tradition. So, we have it booked for our first night in November. Whatever you decide, have fun... By the way, our ages go from 6 to 71....

 

[perriwinkleblue]

I'll add my vote for Chef Mickey's. The earlier the better (but keep in mind that travel time to your hotel and check-in take a LONG time). Chef Mickey's should set the tone for fun and everyone will meet the Big Cheese and friends!! If you can't get Chef Mickey's maybe 1900 Park Fare? We did this the first night for our last two trips. Lady Tremaine and the Stepsisters were so entertaining. Plus, the Grand Floridian is lovely and those glimpses of the Magic Kingdom and the Castle really got everyone excited.
Then go to your hotel and get to bed...LOL

 

[10_Kyle_10]

We are doing Ohana's this year! Its a great place with good food and fun. IMO it has the perfect mix of Disney atmosphere and a relaxed "we are on vacation" feeling.

 

[tnd]

We've got a group of 9 all coming in at different times on our first day, so we're doing a later (7pm) dinner at Kona. One of the few places that seems to have a table for 9.

 

[shadowryter]

Another vote for Ohana's. We had our dinner here this past August. The food and the atmosphere was fantastic.

 

[TakeMe2Disney]

For the first night Chef Mickey is always a great choice. The Disney characters are a lot of fun and the monorail is right there (which for some reason always helps get us in the Disney mood). Personally I love O'Hana, but I think if you're looking for something that is distinctly Disney, Chef Mickey is the way to go.

 

[Wild4Walt]

HDDR would be a great way to kick off the trip. Alittle entertainment, decent food and it could be an early evening ( depending on which show ) for those who traveled in that day.

One thing to keep in mind about Chef Mickey's is the construction. I'm not sure when they will be finished but it would be something to confirm when making your ADR.

 

[getit623]

I vote Chef Mickey's!! Its great atmosphere for everyone no matter their age, we try to make it twice per trip now! Its also buffet, I have two picky eaters and they always find enough to fill their plates there.

 

[snowmouse]

Another vote for 'Ohana. We have an early ADR for our first night there and are then going to head over to MK for Spectro and Wishes. Can't wait!!