Which reservations to keep/drop

[lovethesun12]

I'm use to doing the dining plan and always found it to be way too much food. We weren't planning on getting it again even if it was back. Then, I've been looking at reservations and ended up with even more TS than I even would have had on the dining plan.

We generally love a great theme more than anything else so some of our favourite restaurants (SciFi, CRT, T-Rex, Coral Reef, Rainforest Cafe) tend to be ones that don't get great reviews from other people in terms of food, but we have enjoyed most meals we've had at Disney.

I really like to try new places, and the only ones I've tried are SciFi (honestly, this one will probably not be dropped, lol) and Chef Mickey's (which we also loved, and likely also will not cancel since it's our only character meal with Mickey). Will consider the suggestions though!

The reservations I currently have are:

mon - Rose & Crown (fireworks dinner package)
tues - Skippers Canteen (dinner)
wed - Chef Mickey's (breakfast) and Grand Floridian Cafe (dinner)
thurs - Sci Fi Dine in Theater (dinner)
fri - 50s Prime Time (dinner)
sat - Storybook Dining (dinner)
sun - Be Our Guest (dinner)
mon - Space 220 (dinner)

Which would you drop? Which ones would you definitely keep?I'm thinking I'd like to drop 2-3 to give us a few free evenings.

TIA!

 

[han22735]

I'd drop both Epcot ones and eat around F&W instead. If I had to pick a 3rd one it would be Grand Floridan café or BOG. 2 TS is a lot for us in one day but maybe not for your group.

 

[lovethesun12]

I'd drop both Epcot ones and eat around F&W instead. If I had to pick a 3rd one it would be Grand Floridan café or BOG. 2 TS is a lot for us in one day but maybe not for your group.

Appreciate the response

Glad you mentioned these because I've been considering them. I *really* want to try Space 220 but also thinking it might work better for our next trip since food and wine won't be happening then.

I chose Rose & Crown because the last time I watched the Epcot fireworks (Illuminations) even though we had a fastpass the view was terrible and the kids couldn't see anything with so many people in front of us. I was hoping the package might offer a better view without having to wait (not to mention dinner, lol). Really that could wait until our next trip as well though.

I really have wanted to try Food & Wine, we have never been there during this time frame (this trip was rescheduled due to us catching covid). I think my kids would like the stroll through world show case meeting the characters =) Are the booths open in the evening as well?

 

[han22735]

Appreciate the response

Glad you mentioned these because I've been considering them. I *really* want to try Space 220 but also thinking it might work better for our next trip since food and wine won't be happening then.

I chose Rose & Crown because the last time I watched the Epcot fireworks (Illuminations) even though we had a fastpass the view was terrible and the kids couldn't see anything with so many people in front of us. I was hoping the package might offer a better view without having to wait (not to mention dinner, lol). Really that could wait until our next trip as well though.

I really have wanted to try Food & Wine, we have never been there during this time frame (this trip was rescheduled due to us catching covid). I think my kids would like the stroll through world show case meeting the characters =) Are the booths open in the evening as well?

Id assume your going soon or in September. I don't think we've ever had an issue seeing the Epcot show during this time of year.

Yes the booths are open into the night. Our DD10 loves being able to walk around and just grab bites to eat as we stroll. You certainly could squeeze characters in between countries as well.

 

[tguz]

I would drop 50's Prime as I don't like that atmosphere and BOG because we have eaten there 3 times and loved it but would try someplace else. Just my opinion. Love Sci-Fi, BTW.

 

[JodyK]

Do you want a mix of pre-fix and a la carte meals? I know you said the dining plan had been too much food in the past and those last 3 are all pre-fix meals so that is a consideration (unless your Space 2020 is at the lounge?).

 

[CarolynFH]

I chose Rose & Crown because the last time I watched the Epcot fireworks (Illuminations) even though we had a fastpass the view was terrible and the kids couldn't see anything with so many people in front of us. I was hoping the package might offer a better view without having to wait (not to mention dinner, lol). Really that could wait until our next trip as well though.

Be aware that while the view from R&C is unobstructed, it's not a straight-on view of the "Stargate" but rather a side view (the "tacos" are easily seen, though) - some guests have been disappointed by that.

I *really* want to try Space 220 but also thinking it might work better for our next trip since food and wine won't be happening then.

OTOH, Disney has pretty much scheduled festivals year-round at Epcot now, so unless your next trip falls right inbetween, there will be food booths! This year, the Festival of the Arts was held Jan. 14-Feb. 22, then Flower & Garden March 2 to July 4, now Food & Wine July 14 - Nov. 19, finally Festival of the Holidays Nov. 25 - Dec. 30.

 

[maryj11]

I would skip Skippers Canteen and from what I have read Space 220 food is not worth the price. We ate at Skippers when it first opened and did not like the food Maybe get a lounge reservation at Space 220 that way you can choose what food you pay for.
Definitely keep your Rose and Crown package. We did that last December and really enjoyed sitting while eating and watching the fireworks.

 

[CynBeth]

Some of these we have never been to so the ones I would say keep are our favorites BOG, 50’s PTC, and Space220.

 

[lovethesun12]

Do you want a mix of pre-fix and a la carte meals? I know you said the dining plan had been too much food in the past and those last 3 are all pre-fix meals so that is a consideration (unless your Space 2020 is at the lounge?).

Yes, I'm thinking a mix might work. Not sure what to do really, lol. I like the idea of trying to switch Space 220 to the lounge now that you mention it since there's more flexibility with what we eat. I know it would be super difficult to get a reservation at this point but if it doesn't happen I could always do it next trip. On the other hand my Storybook reservation is a little late for my liking too since we have to travel from a different resort to get there.

With the dining plan, we aren't generally light eaters but I just found that some days after a heavy day of eating (maybe a filling quick service with character buffet, etc) the next day sometimes I would just want a day of fruit/salad or something light, but instead facing a QS meal at lunch and then a full entree and dessert for dinner. I'm hoping since we don't have to actually use our QS credits this time that will help anyway. Also thinking I can also box some food up to take home if I'm full and won't have to squeeze it in between a QS/TS the next day if I want to eat it.

Agree now though, getting rid of at least one of those prix fixe might be the best way to go.

 

[lovethesun12]

I would skip Skippers Canteen and from what I have read Space 220 food is not worth the price. We ate at Skippers when it first opened and did not like the food Maybe get a lounge reservation at Space 220 that way you can choose what food you pay for.
Definitely keep your Rose and Crown package. We did that last December and really enjoyed sitting while eating and watching the fireworks.

The view while eating and the beverages are definitely on my pro list for this package

 

[Lacoccinelle]

mon - Rose & Crown (fireworks dinner package). I would drop this one. You can get to go fish and chips and it isn’t all that special.

tues - Skippers Canteen (dinner) unless you are into the food selection, I would drop this one.
wed - Chef Mickey's (breakfast) and Grand Floridian Cafe (dinner). Consider Topolinos for the characters and way better food for breakfast
thurs - Sci Fi Dine in Theater (dinner). I did this one a long time ago, we are trying it next week with kids.
fri - 50s Prime Time (dinner) this is our number one at HS, but could be skipped as they have Decent quick services. We loved the milkshake and the combo platter is good.
sat - Storybook Dining (dinner) we love this one. Wilderness lodge is our favorite hotel and the food here was original and good.
sun - Be Our Guest (dinner). Only have done lunch pre pandemic. Absolutely beautiful restaurant.
mon - Space 220 (dinner). We chose to do the lounge this upcoming trip. We love too many restaurants in world showcase. I also have heard very mixed reviews. We just want to see it.

Notes above but I would drop
1 Rose and Crown
2 switch chef mickey
3 skippers
4 sci fi, but know you like it.

I would not drop Storybook
Have the best trip!!

 

[lovethesun12]

I would skip Skippers Canteen and from what I have read Space 220 food is not worth the price. We ate at Skippers when it first opened and did not like the food Maybe get a lounge reservation at Space 220 that way you can choose what food you pay for.
Definitely keep your Rose and Crown package. We did that last December and really enjoyed sitting while eating and watching the fireworks.

Also, if you choose the lounge, can you order off the regular menu at all? I think DH & I could find something to eat but there doesn't seem to much for the kids to order off the lounge menu.

 

[CarolynFH]

Also, if you choose the lounge, can you order off the regular menu at all? I think DH & I could find something to eat but there doesn't seem to much for the kids to order off the lounge menu.

The best part about eating in the lounge is that each person can decide whether to order the prix fixe meal or from the lounge menu. And IMHO the view from the lounge is better, too - up on a raised platform with a view of all the windows.

 

[focusondisney]

I booked Rose & Crown, but I’m going to cancel it. Found out you don’t get to pick from the full menu & the special menu options are very limited. The only thing my DH will eat at R & C would be the burger & it’s not on the fireworks dining menu. If you didn’t know about the special menu, you might want to check the it out & make sure your party will all like the menu.