Where in Epcot for toddler's birthday?

[starryagain]

We are going to be in Ecpot for our toddler's second birthday. 4 adults and the 2 year old. Where would you recommend for a meal, no dining plan? Right now we have reservations at Biergarten for a late lunch (3PM, after her nap), thinking she would enjoy the music and show. But I wonder if Coral Reef or another restaurant could be more toddler friendly. We are going to Crystal Palace the day before if that makes a difference.

 

[aristocatz]

We are going to be in Ecpot for our toddler's second birthday. 4 adults and the 2 year old. Where would you recommend for a meal, no dining plan? Right now we have reservations at Biergarten for a late lunch (3PM, after her nap), thinking she would enjoy the music and show. But I wonder if Coral Reef or another restaurant could be more toddler friendly. We are going to Crystal Palace the day before if that makes a difference.

I would do either Biergarten or Garden Grill with Mickey and friends.

 

[wishtdream]

For a child's birthday at Epcot I would personally go to Garden grill for the family style character meal or Askerhaus for the princess meal. I would not ever again take a child to Corral reef. I have not yet been to Biergarten though my family does plan to try it on our next trip.

 

[kgsmith]

I agree with previous posters -- Garden Grill is great. We've had wonderful character interaction there. And we've celebrated my son's 10th and 11th birthdays there.

Another good thing about Garden Grill (with toddlers) is that it's all you can eat, but your server will bring you the food. You won't need to go up to a buffet.

 

[Mikie]

I agree with previous posters -- Garden Grill is great. We've had wonderful character interaction there. And we've celebrated my son's 10th and 11th birthdays there.

Another good thing about Garden Grill (with toddlers) is that it's all you can eat, but your server will bring you the food. You won't need to go up to a buffet.

Sounds like the turning feature isn't working, so that diminishes it a tad for me, but good food and good character interactions outweigh that! Love Akershus for a princess meal, but we've only done breakfast here.

 

[Moniqu17]

We celebrated ds2 bday at garden grill. He loves the characters and mickey came by when the cake was served. We usually never notice the restaurant moving with a toddler bc you are either meeting characters or trying to get little ones to eat when they can still see characters walking around! But we always have a good time.

 

[rndmr2]

Keep your Biergarten ADR, it's one of our favorite places. You are right the music and the rest of the entertainment will be fun for her

 

[EMode]

Another vote for Garden Grill!

 

[SusieBea]

Although I really enjoy the Biergarten, I'd go w/ GGrill, too, if the meal is to be about your kiddo. The character interaction is very relaxed, some of the best on property. The food's OK.

 

[Malibustyle23]

For a child's birthday at Epcot I would personally go to Garden grill for the family style character meal or Askerhaus for the princess meal. I would not ever again take a child to Corral reef. I have not yet been to Biergarten though my family does plan to try it on our next trip.

Why not? It has been a long time since we visited but would again on the next trip if Epcot did not have so many great choices.

 

[nalajms]

Keep the ADR. When you check in, remind them about the birthday. And after you sit down, remind the waiter again. They will say a happy birthday during the show.

Why not? It has been a long time since we visited but would again on the next trip if Epcot did not have so many great choices.

We have crossed Coral Reef off our list as well. The last 3 times (over 18 month period), we have had very unfriendly waiters. There's nothing special about the food to make me go back. It's only worth it to sit right by the tank, but that's hard to get.

 

[prisjoyce]

Another vote for Garden Grill. The characters there are great & my kids like the food & the fun dessert. Enjoy!

 

[IWRBIE]

My (then two year old) son loved the show at Biergarten, and a buffet pretty much guarantees you’ll be able to find something for even the pickiest of toddlers to eat.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

I agree with those who recommend choosing one of the two character meals. If she's into Princesses, Akershus. If Mickey, Pluto, Chip & Dale are more her thing, Garden Grill.

Keep the ADR. When you check in, remind them about the birthday. And after you sit down, remind the waiter again. They will say a happy birthday during the show.

We have crossed Coral Reef off our list as well. The last 3 times (over 18 month period), we have had very unfriendly waiters. There's nothing special about the food to make me go back. It's only worth it to sit right by the tank, but that's hard to get.

Not necessarily. Our DS celebrated his birthday there a few years ago. The birthday was listed on the ADR, we mentioned it at check-in, plus we special ordered him a cake. The band mentioned another birthday, but not his. Maybe, you need to tell a band member personally. We made a big deal over his birthday, so it didn't matter that it wasn't mentioned by the band. I'd hate for someone to go in expecting it, & be upset if it wasn't mentioned though. As with all special occasions at WDW, acknowledgment by CMs isn't consistent. They make a big deal for some & not even acknowledge others. It's best to expect nothing you don't pay extra for, then be pleasantly surprised if you get a little special attention.

 

[BubMunkeyBles]

Garden Grill or Askershus.

 

[wishtdream]

Why not? It has been a long time since we visited but would again on the next trip if Epcot did not have so many great choices.

We found the atmosphere to be dark for children. The waiting area is small, often overcrowded and uncomfortable. The meal was one of the worst three we have had on property in 6 10 plus day trips in 7 years with the dining plan. If I were to eat there again I would likely not take my kids and I would order the steak.

 

[Marthasor]

Garden Grill, Akershus, Biergarten or Coral Reef. All great for kids. We have eaten at Coral Reef many times with our DS who is now 6 and he has always loved it. Request to be seated near the aquarium!

 

[tinkerhon]

We are going to be in Ecpot for our toddler's second birthday. 4 adults and the 2 year old. Where would you recommend for a meal, no dining plan? Right now we have reservations at Biergarten for a late lunch (3PM, after her nap), thinking she would enjoy the music and show. But I wonder if Coral Reef or another restaurant could be more toddler friendly. We are going to Crystal Palace the day before if that makes a difference.

Our DD8 insists on going to "GG" for her Bday !!! They make a really big deal out of it--- cupcakes, signed Bday card, etc---

Definitely "Garden Grill" !!!