Why spend so much time on Restaurants?

[kpatches]

I can't even count the number of times we have been to Disneyworld in the past 25 years. We have had the pleasure of seeing it grow from year to year and not being overwhelmed by too much to do in one visit. So now when we are there we totally enjoy the resort not just the theme parks. We look at the theme parks as a fill in for our day if we are looking for some fun entertainment. We totally enjoy relaxing by the pool during the day and going out to a wonderful dinner in the evening. There are so many great restaurants throughout the hotels and also in Epcot!!! It is certainly a different way of enjoying Disneyworld now for us, then what it was 25 years ago!!! The beauty part of it now is that we can relax and enjoy!!!! And wow those yummmmmmmmmmyyyyyy dinners and not have to rush anymore!!!!!

 

[lovmy2girls]

Everyone is different. We didn't get into the dinning until we went with the kids and went to character meals. Then we started looking at the other type of resturants like 'Ohana, Kona, LeCellier, Mama Melrose, SciFi etc...........and it just added to the vacation experience. My mom has never been to Cinderella's castle before and she has been to Disney many times. When I took her in May she loved it, and talked about it for days.

 

[heart4dis]

Thanks so much for all your input. Some of this has to do with the stage of life of our kids (pre-teens/teens). They get so antsy to go-go-go. They DO like good food (in spite of my chicken nugget comment... ) and they like to eat out, but they don't want to spend the Disney time making sure we get to our reservations. DH and I love to enjoy good food and atmosphere. Maybe for us one or two planned reservations will be enough. Thanks so much for everyone's input. Great points and all were offered in the spirit of helpfulness!

 

[mickeysaver]

We have no kids to worry about, but my partner is a picky eater. There is also the budget to consider. Since we don't have kids and my partner is such a picky eater, I have to try to figure out if things like the dining plan are worth the money. Now, of course free dining makes a world of sense...picky eater or not.

I know our favorites and AllEarNet.com's menus are a Godsend. Basically, yeah, dining at WDW is a big deal for us. I like to eat and I want my honey to eat. I also like saving money, so I work the budget options. Dining planning is time well spent as far as I am concerned. Maggie

 

[lovmy2girls]

but they don't want to spend the Disney time making sure we get to our reservations. DH and I love to enjoy good food and atmosphere. Maybe for us one or two planned reservations will be enough.

Just one more thing with your above comment. I understand where you are coming from here, and agree. I don't want to spend to much time making sure we get to our ADR on time etc.... I limit our ADR/Table service meal to once a day. Each day I plan one Table service place. The rest is grab and go where ever. And that one ADR is in the place or park we are at for the day. I hate having to leave one park to go to another for a meal, that DOES take up to much time I agree. Having more than 1 ADR per day does take up to much fun time for us. I have done it, trying to squeeze all the places I wanted for that trip, and now, If I have a place left over on my list, I force myself to wait for the next trip and try it. 1 per day is enough in our book.

Have fun.

 

[faindrops27]

Heart. for me, it is because. I loooooooove to eat. That is why I am obsessed with my dining plans. I want to eat at the best places. But, I do feel I am a bit to obsessed with it.

 

[Dopey's twin Dippy]

we kinda play it day by day. actually my dh and i just got back from our first trip without kids. we like to have a few nicer dinners, but for us i guess it is not our number 1 thought. i guess for me i cannot book for say chineese food two to three months ahead. we kinda eat what we are in the mood for.

 

[S.Poppins]

Also let me add, planning the meals is one of the few things we can obsess over while we are awaiting an upcoming trip. With the DDP, if you want to try good restaurants you must plan in advance. The food is half the fun for us!

 

[magicmouse2]

I only really eat out on vacation so its a big deal for me. I love food and WDW does food well.

 

[martyshoney]

I agree fully with you, I hardly put any time into planning my meals, only the CRT for my DD's birthday! I would rather do other things than sit in a restaurant and eat (and do I like to eat!!)

 

[DznyLvr2005]

Are there REALLY any good ones in theme parks? I mean, when I go, I am there for the Disney experience, the rides, shows and attractions.

Yes there are plenty! When I go to WDW, 1/2 if the experience is about eating! I have a list of all the places I want to eat at on my upcoming trip and not enough days to do it on! Epcot is a huge chunk of it, but I guess the rest of WDW is just for the fact that I remember going to Pecos Bills when I was little, so EVERY year I go, I have to go back and eat there, sorta like a tradition. There are probably another dozen places I love to eat at 'just because'. Plus I'm Italian so I always think about food, it's amazing I'm not 200 lbs!
25 days to go WOOOHOOO!!!

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

There are tons of excellent restaurants in WDW, particularly in the resorts! Personally, one of my favorite parts of WDW trip is to visit other resorts, enjoy a fine dining experience and walk around, exploring a new nook of WDW's exquisite theming!

This trip, bluezoo, Jiko, Le Cellier and Beaches and Cream were true stars. I didn't have chicken nuggets once. Just lots of lobster, shrimp, fish, filet mignon, creme brulee, salads, wine, and other fabulous treats!