Where to eat before/at MNSSHP?

[SandraVB79]

I can't believe I start a thread like this. Usually, when I see those "where to eat" threads, i'm like: how are we supposed to know what you like to eat? But... I must admit, I need some help myself

The plan would be to FIRST do the Backstage Magic tour (with lunch at Mama Melrose. It is supposed to start around 8.45 and lasts +/- 7 hours) and in the evening go to MNSSHP.
Between both of those, we would go to our resort (AS Music probably) to rest/ get refreshed. We also won't have a car, so rely on Disney transportation to go from one place to another?

Now, my question is: what to do for dinner? I don't want to loose too much time of the MNSSHP on dinner. Also, we won't ahve regular park tickets for that day. Since admission is not needed for the tour, we don't have a ticket for that day, and can only access MK during MNSSHP.
Also, we don't like to eat "exotic", so e.g. O'Hana is not an option, since we consider that too exotic

Do you have any ideas?

 

[beattyfamily]

Well, your choices are limited the longer you wait. Probably every restaurant at MK is booked solid by now and probably many of the monorail resorts as well.

I like eating around 5:00p either right in MK or at one of the monorail resorts. We like Crystal Palace, Tony's, Ohana's, Kona Cafe, Concourse Steakhouse, Chef Mickey's, and 1900 Park Fare.

Good luck!

 

[robind]

Since you are having a sit-down lunch I would go for Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café - they have good variety - chix, burgers, salads etc. They also have one of the dance parties in there (I think) so you can combine entertainment AND dinner

If I was going for table service I think I'd go with Crystal Palace, since it's a buffet, you can get out a little quicker and have fun. If you went for an early dinner - 5:00 or so, you wouldn't miss any of the festivities.

Have a great time

 

[MickeyNicki]

For the special parties at MK we always take the last seating at CP before the park closes. That way we are enjoying a nice dinner while the park clears out.

 

[disneynewbeemom]

I second the CS idea. I doubt there are any openings at restaurants close to the MK. We are doing a character breakfast in late morning and then relaxing at our resort. We plan to eat an early CS meal at MK.

 

[SandraVB79]

Thank you for all your tips!
It's hard to fit everything in: EMH, MNSSHP, Tours, Restaurants, ... OMG, going to WDW is so stressful! I'm thankful that my trip to DLP isn't this stressful, we just go and walk up to the restaurants, lol. The first time I went to WDW, I was alone and got my ADRs on the day itself (last year in August) but I was very flexible then, and didn't mind to eat CS in case no ADRs were available. But now that I go with my mom, I want everything to be as perfect as can be, without overplanning (like: at 10.53 we HAVE to get in line for ride X, lol!)
Yes, maybe we should just do CS, we'll probably eat a lot at lunch... and we'll have other days to do TS meals...

 

[atisikitabasket]

I could be wrong but I think if you have the ticket to the party you can enter the park around 4pm or so atleast you used to. You could always try Liberty Tree Tavern for a TS it is like Thanksgiving food, or another CS is Columbia Harbor House I love the tuna sandwhich and clam chowder.

 

[Minnie824]

Why don't you check on the Plaza at MK. Its a sitdown for sandwiches, etc, but really good! And not as huge of a meal that would take quite as long as some of the others.

 

[wideeyes]

I booked Plaza for something quick and simple.

 

[byoung]

We like to go to CP about 4:30 to 5:30.

 

[Amy&Dan]

I was able just last weekend to book Tony's inside the MK for a 4:30 seating on 10/30. She had tons of times open. I do have to say however, if you are doing a full service lunch, a quick cs dinner sometime before the party officially starts sounds good. Either at your food court or inside the MK. I just don't like to spend anytime of my hard ticket event eating. Except for the free candy of course!

 

[Stephonc]

We've got ADR @ Ohana's @ 4pm for the 9/14 MNSSHP. After that we're going to take the Mon-o-rail of doom to MK.

Tx,
Casey

 

[DISNEY FIX]

I booked Plaza for something quick and simple.

What date are you going to the MNSSHP? We will be there on 9-14 and at the Plaza at 4pm. I thought that would be enough food and early enough to enjoy all about the party.
Chris

 

[wideeyes]

What date are you going to the MNSSHP? We will be there on 9-14 and at the Plaza at 4pm. I thought that would be enough food and early enough to enjoy all about the party.
Chris

Hi, we are going MNSSHP on the 14th sept, we will be at Plaza at the same time as you,

 

[JohnathanS]

We have booked 1900 Park Faire for our dinner before MNSSHP. It's a wonderful buffet and just one monorail stop away from the MK. So far, there have been ample openings at Crystal Palace & Tony's as well. But I agree with a previous poster; you need to book ASAP! Many partygoers will be wanting to have dinner before the party and as more and more people buy there tickets, the ADR availabilty will become scarce.

P.S. Don't let it stress you. I still find that I can get walk ups for many restaurants if I am a little flexible. Even with the dining plan, we have frequently gotten same day seating at Crystal Palace, Tony's, Rose and Crown, and many, many others.

 

[TnTWalter]

Pinnochio's restaurant [can't think of the name] sometime that evening. I decided I didn't want to be rushed at a TS and didn't want to 'miss anything'. It's our arrival day also. October 23.

HEY....I just noticed it's my 1000 post! Woo HOO!!!

Here's the link for the Official MNSSHP thread...

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1389589&referrerid=&highlight=official+mnsshp

Trish

 

[Pixiedust34]

We grabbed a quick meal at Casey's before MNSSHP. I didn't want to spend too much time eating that night because we wanted to ride some rides before the party began, and during the party we wanted to enjoy the festivities.

 

[SandraVB79]

Thank you for all the suggestions.
I think we'll have CS, I don't want to spend too much time eating instead of enjoying the special things happening!