Would love suggestions for where to eat

[topherSC]

Good morning everyone,
I am taking a group of 6 to disney in february. the group is 4 adults and 2 children ages 3 and 5. We are on the deluxe dinning plan. so I have my thoughts on where we want to eat but we want as many suggestions as possible. I would love all oppinions and any explainations why. Thank you all so much

 

[Alva218]

There are so many places that your group would enjoy. If you want to try something different that's not a character meal, what about Boma or Ohana's for dinner? Both have variety and are different from the type of dining experiences tht you have at home. Going to Boma is a great way to experience AKL if you're not staying there and Ohana's has some family entertainment as well. Whatever you decide, I'm sure that you'll have a great time.

 

[Momto2PrncChrmgs]

We usually travel with my sis-in-law and her family, so we have taken kids of various ages for the last five years and some of favorite kid friendly (and adult friendly) are Ohana, Whispering Canyon Cafe, Tusker House Breakfast and Biergarten. We've taken kids to California Grill twice also and have loved it (although the meal is very LONG so the kids get squirmy after a while). Those always seem to be on our dining list. I'd love to try some new places, but we just love those so we can't seem to take them off the list!! Best of luck deciding! To us, the planning is almost as fun as actually being there!

 

[TinkrLiz]

We just got back. We had mostly good experiences.

Coral Reef - it's cool to see the aquarium and watching that can occupy the kids. The food was good but the service we had was horrible. The girl checking in everyone was rude to the person in front of us. We were seated and never even had our drink order taken for 35 minutes even though the waiter had gone by and said he would be right back. We had to flag down a different waitress and ask her to please send our waiter over. If I had to be stuck sitting at a table for so long it was nice to just sit there and watch the divers and fish. Even though we didn't have a good experience here, I do think it's a good place to go with kids since I think they will like watching the fish and the divers in the tank. I won't bother going back here next time but it was nice to see.

Rose and Crown - we had the best service here. It was super busy in there too. We both loved the food. We had the fish and chips and the cheese platter as an appetizer. I'll definitely eat here again.

Biergarten - this was our favorite. When the band comes out kids can go up and dance. The kids that were there when we were looked like they were having a blast. The food was great and there's such a variety everyone could find something they like. We had great people at our table which was nice (tables of 8 so you sit with other people) I'll not only eat here again next time but probably eat there more than once. We liked it that much.

LeCellier - the food was excellent and so was the service. The chef made me a sugar free citrus moose that was awesome. I got a steak that was made with coffee (not sure how LOL). It was very good.

50's Prime Time Cafe - the food was decent. I could have used some extra gravy on my pot roast but it was still good. I don't remember what my Husband ate. Our server was very nice. I couldn't sleep the night before and was exhausted and had a headache. The only reason we were still in the park was I wanted to stay until it was dark to see the Osborne Lights. Our waitress could tell I didn't feel like dealing with the act and we had regular service. It is very loud in there. Many of the tables have televisions at the end which the kids might like. I won't go back here next time, not because it was horrid, just it wasn't one of our favorites so we'll try somewhere else next time.

We also ate two meals at the Turf Club at our resort (SSR). The food and service were good but I'm not sure if we'll go back next time. Nothing against that restaurant we just liked eating at the parks better.

If I had little kids I would definitely eat at Coral Reef and Biergarten. We didn't do any character meals (it was just my DH and myself). I would do some of those if I had little kids though.

 

[Hootch]

It offers some exotic foods for the adventurous eaters but has enough of the normal items for everyone else. The kids table is pretty standard fare for kids, but at Disney kids can eat off any of the buffet tables (and vice versa).

Biergarten is also another previous and good suggestion. The food is very good and plentiful. There is periodic entertainment with a band. My kids have enjoyed dancing to the music to break up the meal.

One word of caution on 50's Primte Time - my daughter at age three did not understand the routine the servers were going through. She became bored and decided to throw a tantrum in the middle of our meal. I took her outside to calm her down and the server moved us quickly. Kids are different and many would not have the same issue.

Ohana and Whispering Canyon have antics that keep kids entertained.

Ohana breakfast is a character meal. Kids three and five will generally like characters. Chef Mickey's is the standard. It usually has Mickey, Minny, Donald, Goofy and Pluto. We usually do breakfast on our last day as a way of saying goodbye to some of the characters. Crystal Palace has been one of my favorites. There are reports now that prime rib is being removed from all of the buffets which will be a disappointment. Pooh and friends are there. Usually Piglet, Tigger and Eeyore. In both places the characters are in large costumes. I guess some kids can be scared by this. Mine never had a problem.

One thing you didn't mention is the sex of the two kids. My daughter just loves princesses so we do CRT every trip right now - while she's in that age. All meals have Cinderella downstairs to greet everyone and breakfast and lunch have four princesses or leading ladies circulating amongst the tables during the meal. Askerhaus is similar in that there is a greeter and circulators. They are present at all meals. And Cinderella's Gala Feast at 1900 Park Fare at the GF centers on the Cinderella story with multiple characters.

 

[goofygal531]

One thing you didn't mention is the sex of the two kids. My daughter just loves princesses so we do CRT every trip right now - while she's in that age. All meals have Cinderella downstairs to greet everyone and breakfast and lunch have four princesses or leading ladies circulating amongst the tables during the meal. Askerhaus is similar in that there is a greeter and circulators. They are present at all meals. And Cinderella's Gala Feast at 1900 Park Fare at the GF centers on the Cinderella story with multiple characters.

Last week we dined at CRT for breakfast (while on the DxDDP) my two boys never met the princesses before and we're very excited. My DS4 loved meeting Mary Poppins! He was so concerned about her "children" he asked her where they were, she told him flying a kite with their father! Then she told him to stand up straight, don't slouch for the photo. It was a riot! They also loved getting swords and making their "wish". They just found it magical being in the castle. I think the restaurant has done a great job at making the breakfast enjoyable for boys as well as girls.

As for dining on the DxDDP, we did the Hoop De Doo which my DS4 LOVED and Mickey's BBQ, which was okay - it was rather chilly out that night. My boys also loved the Garden Grill, Sci-Fi Cafe, Chef Mickey's and any other character meal. With the DxDDP we did a lot of meals for the kids. We did get to enjoy lunch at LeCellier for us. But honestly, it was all about the kids.

 

[staceylynnga]

Since you are on the Deluxe plan, I'd definitely put some signature restaurants in there (California Grill, Flying Fish, Narcoossees). You may also want to consider Hoop dee doo - I've never been but it comes highly recommended, even for the little ones. I am looking forward to our res next month (we have a toddler as well). I even read that if the menu doesn't interest you, you can call 2 days prior and they can fix something "healthier" than fried chicken & ribs; I'm hoping so b/c I'd rather have fish or something not on a bone LOL. And of course you want to have at least 1 character meal - we are doing Crystal Palace (Winnie the Pooh & company) for breakfast and 1900 Park Fare (Cinderella and the step sisters) for dinner.

Have a great trip!

 

[diz4ever]

Biergarten - always fun for adults and kids. The Wave is fantastic!!! Ate there two weeks ago and loved everything about it.

 

[kleldridge]

My kids are 14 and 13 now but we have been going since they were 4 and 5.

We always hit Biergarten and Sci-fi because they like the food and the atmosphere. Biergarten is buffet and Sci-fi is mostly sandwiches but other choices, too.

Other good choices are:

Whispering Canyon Cafe: good food, fun, silly antics
1900 Park Fare: any meal is great, buffet, Cinderella
Castle: breakfast is best
Akershus: breakfast only, all princesses are here, served family style
Crystal Palace: Pooh characters, good food
Hoopdedoo: okay food but great fun entertainment
Liberty Tree Tavern: characters, good food, nice location in MK
Garden Grill: chip and dale characters, great food, revolving restaurant


Hope this helps!

 

[disneyJMD]

I planned a trip for 8 back in September. We were on the DxDDP and ate two sit down meals everyday. We were a party with 4 adults, and kids ages 12, 7,5,4,and 1. Our favorites were O'hana for dinner--the food was good-we all loved the chicken wings and there was plenty of food to go around and when you get low they fill it back up. I liked the family stye of the meal.
My second recommendation would be Le Cellier. We had two meals here, lunch and dinner, and we loved the food here as well. It is a small restaurant with a quiet atmosphere, but not to the point that you are uncomfortable with kids. The food was great and I am going back on Saturday night for dinner with my daughter on our mother daughter trip. Try the Cheddar We sat Cat 1 last time, and it was great! My husband was picked out of the crowd and kept getting kisses blown to him by one of the actresses! My nephew got chosed to go onstage and we felt as thought the actors were talking right to us! We were in the front row! Definately worth trying as we loved it. Good luck in your choices!

 

[DISNEY1975]

I just came back from Disney, also on the Deluxe Dining Plan.

It is way way way too much food! We left many..practically all.. snack credits behind. In order to squeeze in 24 restaurants, I planned some 8:00am breakfasts, 1:30pm lunches and 6:30pm dinners (I was with a 4 year old so I didnt want to be out too late). Or some 9:00am buffet breakfast and 5:00pm signature dinners.

Each meal was about 2 hours. On the day I planned 3 meals, we got out of breakfast around 10:00am and had to be at lunch at 1:15 for check in! Same for lunch....left at 3:30ish and had to be at dinner at 6:15.

I started cancelling lunches on day 2! We couldnt keep up with it and nobody was even hungry. The buffet breakfasts and signature dining days worked out well. I would highly suggest doing that..or just know you may leave meal credits behind. Even without eating every meal, you will still be saving money. Eating OOP at Disney is $$$$$$$$$$$$$$!!!!!

 

[janloz]

Again, another who just got back after 8 days on Deluxe Dining. I agree with previous post, it is ALOT of food. We had a group of 8 people most of the trip, DH, DS11, DD8, DSIL, DMIL, DFIL, my mom and myself. I booked mostly breakfast buffets prior to park openings to get in the parks early, lunch at 1pm and dinners around6pm. By 3rd day, we were cancelling lunches or just eating entree and sharing apps/desserts. My FIL complained the whole week "This is too much food, I can't eat this much......on and on". Anyway I discussed with DH last night that next time, we would keep the breakfasts but would do more signature dining next time so really only eating 2 full meals. Some of our favorites:

Breakfasts:
Crystal Palace booked before park opening for great empty main st photos plus Pooh & Friends
Boma in AKL great food and close to park
Cape May Cafe in Beach Club gave us opportunity to see the hotel plus take boat to HS after breakfast
Akerhaus Princess Breakfast in Norwaygood food and 5 princesses plus book before park opening to get more great photos
Cinderella breakfastthe experience can't be beat for young girls to eat in the castle plus same benefits as Akerhaus

Dinners:
California Grillin Contemporary hands down the best meal of our trip and the view of MK is incredible
Le Cellierin Canada great food and service
Whispering Canyonin Wilderness Lodge fun place for kids to run off their extra energy and food is good too
50s PT fun place for whole family DD was 5 the first time we went and loved it when "uncle Tim" put SIL in the corner
Chef Mickeys classic buffet with Mickey & Friends
Tutto Italiain Italy great food and service 2nd favorite of trip

Snacks:
Goofy Candy shop in DTD: custom made snacks best value for using snack credits


Feel free to ask any questions.

 

[irisira]

I second the recommendation for the deluxe restaurants listed above. All are delicious, and all have children's menus. I didn't see Jiko or Yachtsman listed - they're great as well.

As for character dining, Crystal Palace, 1900 Park Fare, and Tusker House are the best (in that order) food-wise. Chef Mickey's, IMHO, is GROSS. I have eaten there for breakfast twice. The first time was horrendous, the second time was a little better, and just bad. I haven't been, though I've heard the Lilo and Stitch breakfast at 'Ohana is very good, too.

I would recommend doing character dining for breakfasts.

As for dinner, aside from the other recommendations, I would also recommend Kona Cafe (in the Polynesian) and Le Cellier (in Canada in Epcot).

 

[topherSC]

Thank you all so much. I have taken the suggestions and run with them. We did the Deluxe plan this summer and it was a ton of food. But we are doing it again with most days being only two meals with the dinner being a signiture resturant. Again thank you all. This is a great thread lets keep it going cause there are others that I am sure are using the suggestions you wonderful disney adicts have shared.

 

[LGH1946]

I didn't read everyone's replies, but I will just offer a few suggestions.

Boma
Cape May-breakfast
Kona Cafe-Tonga Toast
Plaza