Where to eat 1st night?

[ash&abby'smom]

We're arriving Nov. 30th, and yes I am already trying to plan dinner options. We will have driven 10 hours with 3 children ages 18 mos, 4 & 5 yrs. We will probably arrive around 4:00p.m. I hope they will take a nap, but I know they will sleep part of the way. I plan to go to MVMCP that night. We're staying at WL. So my question is this:

Should we grab a quick bite to eat at Roaring Forks, go to a character meal - Crystal Palace, or maybe sit down at Whispering Canyon?

I know the kids will probably be tired from the long drive, but I thought we would go to the party to start off there trip. I just don't know what to do about dinner.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[MinnieGi]

Honestly after a long drive and plans for the MVMCP that evening and three kids I would do something quick for a meal - either Roaring Forks or McDonald's by the AS resorts or another fast food destination of your choice. I think you would be pushing too much activity in a day if you tried to do a sit-down meal plus the party after a long drive. Save the character meal or sit-down for another night.

 

[ash&abby'smom]

That's kinda what I was thinking. Do you think I should put off the MVMCP until Thursday? and do a character meal instead? I just thought I would do the party that nights, because Wednesday I wanted to be at MK and the didn't have the party that night and I thought I would be better to do it the same night were at MK or do it the night we arrived. This planning could really drive you crazy.

 

[MinnieGi]

The planning can drive you crazy sometimes - trying to make everything perfect! I usually change my schedule around at least a half a dozen times before we go and then we get down there and sometimes I'll change it again!

If you haven't bought your MVMCP tickets yet, I personally would change it to another night. We haven't done MVMCP but we have done MNSSHP and I definetly would not have wanted to do the party the day we arrived just because of weariness from all the driving. Our drive consists of a day and a half to get to Disney. And although our second day is much lighter than the first intense day of driving we are all drained from the ride when we first arrive. Our plan for the first day usually consists of settling in, going to the grocery store, and taking a nap. Then that evening we are up for a little fun and usually head over to the MK for a bit. But I still like us to be back at our resort at a reasonable hour so we can all get a good nights sleep and head out to the parks early the next day.

In your case if it was us I would plan maybe for settling in to your room, then having dinner at Whispering Canyon (which is fun and an event in and of itself) or possibly doing Chef Mickey's for dinner (which is just a boat ride away at the CR). After dinner take some time exploring the WL and if the weather is nice maybe taking a dip in the pool either before or after dinner. That way you can save the MVMCP for a night you will all be more rested and ready to go and enjoy the party. At least this is what we personally would do! Have fun planning and replanning your schedule!

 

[Terk-1]

After reading your post, I would have to recommend rethinking going to the party that night. After driving 10 hours with kids that little, I think everyone is going to be tired and to try and do the party after that may be pushing it a bit.

I would recommend doing the party on another night. By the time you get to the WL, check in, get to your room, you're probably going to be ready to just relax. I would suggest getting a PS (at your 90 day window) at around 7:30pm at O'Hana's. This way you have time to check in, then maybe relax by the pool or take a dip. Head for dinner, then go out to the Polynesian's beach to view the Electrical Water Parade and the fireworks from the party. The beach is directly across from the MK and has a great view. You can grab a boat from the WL to the Contemporary and then just grab the monorail to the Polynesian. Another dining option would be at the Whispering Canyon Cafe inside the WL.

Hope this helps!

 

[LovesHauntedMansion]

After driving 10 hours with kids I don't see how you'll be able to do the party let alone go to any kind of character meal. If you are getting to the hotel at 4, it'll take a while to get checked in, get luggage, etc. I'd unpack, swim, eat fast food, & get a good night's sleep for the rest of your vacation. You may not feel tired at the time, but you'll pay the price when you have to get up the next day.