Where to have dinner on DHS day and other questions on my ADRs.

[rachellm]

I'm finally getting all my ADRs ready for our trip in October
We'll just have 3.5 days in the parks, so I want to make the most of it! Here's what I'm planning so far ...

Day 1 - MK
Dinner at Kona 7:30, than we'll head back into MK for the rest of the evening

Day 2
Start with AK and breakfast at Tusker House 10am

We'll stay in AK until we've seen everything we're interested in, than head to DHS. I'm looking for something to do for dinner around 7-8ish, than we'll spend the rest of the evening in DHS.

I was planning on Mama Melrose, but it's all booked. The other DHS options don't really appeal to me (though I'm open to hearing otherwise!) So I'm considering something at a close-by resort. I'm not really sure what's close and easy to get to though! Since we have limited time, I don't want to spend an hour getting to dinner.

Day 3 - Epcot
We have Coral Reef at 8:20, there was nothing earlier. I'm questioning if this is the best option since Epcot closes at 9. Also, I've ready alot of reviews here talking about long waits here. Any other suggestions? What would be a good time to eat?

Thank you

 

[ransom]

There aren't any resorts really close by DHS. The closest would be Swan, Dolphin, Yacht/Bach Club, and Boardwalk, but you'd probably spend 45 minutes to an hour getting from inside DHS to a restaurant at any of those resorts.

Inside DHS, I recommend Sci-Fi if you're in the mood for a nice burger. 50s Prime Time is nice if you like pot roast or chicken pot pie and don't mind a little good natured ribbing (or don't mind letting the server know you're not in the proper frame of mind to appreciate it). Brown Derby is very nice if you don't mind spending two TS credits per person (assuming you're on the dining plan) and your group has no problem sitting through a longish meal at a nice restaurant.

As far as Epcot, I'm not a big fan of Coral Reef, but many others love the place. It is nifty looking inside, though. I'm more partial to Rose & Crown, San Angel Inn, and the other TS restaurants around the World Showcase. In Future World, I like to get the really nice CS lunch available at Sunshine Seasons, where they have a wide selection of freshly prepared choices.

I think your idea of trying not to travel too much in order to eat is a very good one. I'm sure you'll enjoy Kona. It's a little noisy, but the food is good! Same for Tusker House breakfast (incidentally, that's one of my favorites for lunch as well).

Have a great trip!

Edited to add: You may want to consider "eating around the world" at Epcot, since the International Food and Wine Festival will be happening while you're there. Lots of great food in small portions so you can try many things. It's pretty adult-taste-bud-oriented, though, without many choices for picky children.

 

[lblume91]

We loved 50s Prime Time last summer!! We tried Sci-Fi a couple of years ago & were not impressed. Cape May Cafe at the Beach Club is good but, as a PP said, the travel time just doesn't make sense.

 

[SuzieN]

50's Primetime and Sci-Fi are both great!! Good food and amazing atmosphere at both! At Epcot there are soooo many great restaurants in the World Showcase. I, personally, love San Angel Inn and Biergarten. We've also enjoyed Le Cellier and Rose & Crown.

 

[CathieArms]

We'll stay in AK until we've seen everything we're interested in, than head to DHS. I'm looking for something to do for dinner around 7-8ish, than we'll spend the rest of the evening in DHS.

I've been reading really good things about the food at Hollywood and Vine...never been there, but just thought I'd mention it.

Day 3 - Epcot
We have Coral Reef at 8:20, there was nothing earlier. I'm questioning if this is the best option since Epcot closes at 9. Also, I've ready alot of reviews here talking about long waits here. Any other suggestions? What would be a good time to eat?

I can think of about a dozen better places to consider than Coral Reef...or at least places that have much better reviews.

Tutto Italia is excellent.
Tepan Edo is really good and lots of fun.
Biergarten is outstanding and lots of fun.
I've heard great things about Le Cellier and Les Chefs de France.
Tokyo Dining is getting nearly stellar reviews

 

[altus]

But the 50's will get you to that time!

 

[leebee]

Been to Sci-Fi twice; food is dismal and prices are astronomical for what you get. We really like 50's Prime Time if we cannot get Mama Melrose's!

Here's a thought... Kouzzina, or on of the other restaurants over on the Boardwalk. Make it part of the magic and take the boat from DHS to the Boardwalk! Not sure if you want to spend the time, but the boat is direct and very scenic... and lots of fun! DEFINITELY more of an experience than just taking another bus!

I'd try for almost anything else on Epcot day... Chefs de France, Biergarten, San ANgel Inn, Tutto Italia are all pretty good. Biggest problem with Coral Reef is the time; you'll miss Illuminations!

 

[A_Princess'_Daddy]

For your DHS day, I'd leave the park and walk over to the Boardwalk and do dinner at there (Kouzzina is very good, Flying Fish is good but expensive, the two breweries look like fun but nothing too special) or at the Beach Club (Cape May has a nice buffet or Beaches & Cream is fun but, since it doesn't take reservations, potentially a long wait, and Yachtsman Steakhouse is very well regarded). I disagree that it would take you 45 minutes to get to either; probably closer to 15 minutes, in our experience (walking with a 5 year old and a stroller), for much better food.

In Epcot, we've never done Coral Reef so I cannot offer any insights there. We love Biergarten for a fun time with great food. Other great options in Epcot include Teppan Edo, Akershus (nice princess dinner), San Angel Inn (mixed reviews, but we enjoy it) & Rose and Crown. We also like Chefs de France, but it can be hit or miss. Really anyplace in the World Showcase is a good choice, in my opinion!