[PrincessPooh]

OK-so I got a lot of really great and helpful feedback on my post yesterday about my touring plan. So, I think a big part of what I need to do is eliminate some of my crazy hopping for PS. While we are not willing to completely give up our food tour, here is what I think we may do.

Instead of going to AK on Tuesday and leaving early for dinner at hoop-de-doo, maybe we could do without a hoop-de-doo trip this time and wait until DD is slightly older (and keep the extra dining plan dinner credit). So, could someone recommend a good dining experience for an AK day? I already have PS at our resort for breakfast that day. I planned on Flame tree for lunch, but that can be changed. So what do you all propose for a lunch and a dinner that day (preferably 1 counter service, 1 sit down meal). Possibly something at AKL for dinner?

Also, on Thursday, we are planning to tour Epcot. I really don't want to give up breakfast at Chef Mickeys though. So how do you think it would work for us to pay for a cab ride to the contemporary from POR then take the monorail to Epcot after breakfast for the rest of the day?

And it really shouldn't be a big deal if we are at MK already (on Friday) to monorail over to California Grill for dinner right? Then we could always take a cab back to POR, or depending on park hours we could monorail back to MK and take the bus from there.

And on our Saturday, we may just hop around from AK back to the hotel for a while, then over to 50's later for dinner. That day is really for us to catch up on any attractions we may have missed in the previous days at AK and DS.

Does that sound any good, or atleast a little less crazy? I really don't mind paying for a cab two or three times to save some time as opposed to renting a car for a week that we really probably wouldn't use.

Any more helpful tidbits are appreciated!!

[Dana]

I think you are very wise to drop a little of the hopping, but still keep the fun of food in your trip. I really liked Rainforest Cafe when I was at AKL in January, so there's an option for a sit down. I also like Donald's Breakfastsaurus too, so there's two to pick from for your AK day. I really have never had counter service at AK, so I have no reccomendation for that ...sorry.

The day you are going to Chef Mickeys will work out fine. you can handle that two different ways. You can take a cab to CR from POR and then take the monorail to the TTC and then to Epcot. Make sure you call your front desk in the morning for the cab. They usually are parked outside of the resorts anyway, but have them call one for you just in case they aren't. The other option to Chef Mickeys is to take the resort bus to the MK and then walk over to the CR. It's a quick walk. Then take the monorail route to Epcot.

Going to the Califonia Grill from MK is a snap. No worries there. I think you are also wise to skip hoop dee this time around and wait until your DD is a tad older. I think she will enjoy it much more next time. You will be thanking yourself later for skipping the hopping. It's gets very tiring. I tried that one year and found myself getting so frustrated. EVery time I turned around I have to stop what I was doing and start trying to get to the next PS...I didn't have fun that trip. You guys are going to have such a great time. I look forward to reading all about your adventure.

[Pooh Fan]

Your new plans seem alot less stressful. You will still get to try several places while enjoying more time at the parks. I am sure you will have fun on your trip.

[Allyson]

buses run early for breakfast so doesn't the monorail run early too?? you could take the resort bus to MK and monorail to CR for your Chef Mickey's breakfast...there were some families doing that when we were there...of course, if you are worried about timing, a cab is a good alternative!

you're revised plans look great!!

[Erin]

The Tusker House is excellent at the AK - I thought I'd suggest it before Tigger gets a chance to!

[leslieh]

Erin is right on- Tusker House is a must do for lunch every trip to AK. The rotisserie chicken/mashed /greenbeans is my favorite.

[kizzmitt]

Tusker house is very good, but so is Flame Tree Bar-B-Que! Just go with what you are in the mood for that day.

[WeRGoofey]

If you want to do dinner at AKL after a day at AK, Go to BOMA! You will love it. We keep going back.

[PrincessPooh]

Originally Posted by WeRGoofey

If you want to do dinner at AKL after a day at AK, Go to BOMA! You will love it. We keep going back.

That is indeed what we decided on. I figure, historically, AK closes around 5 PM that time of year, then we have a few hours to do the EMH rides and such. So, I made a reservation at Boma for 7:10. I figure it should only take about 10-15 minutes to get there from AK, right? Then, I suppose the buses from AK will be finished, so we will probably go from AKL to DTD and then take the ferry back to POR. It seems to flow, for now atleast!

[cinderbella]

can i ask why are you taking so many cabs?
Disney buses usually start running about an hour or two before the parks open..ive seen them going at 6:45 on NON EMH days..you may get lucky..

I think it's wise to not over hop your days...it makes things stressful trust me..we did three parks in one day once because of PSes...we were worn out by 7:30!
I reccomend Flame Tree..it's VERY yummy...I've been to Tusker House and it's just okay..but hey..thats just one girls opinion
If you have to cut out Hoop Dee Doo and you're sad about it you should try Whispering Canyon one day..it's delicious and about the same things are served!
I think going from MK to a restaurant at a monorail resort for dinner will be fine--we do it all the time..it's very easy!
I'd recommend the Rainforest Cafe for your AK too or an AKL restaurant...they're all yummy!

[DisneyTeacher]

Originally Posted by PrincessPooh

I figure it should only take about 10-15 minutes to get there from AK, right?

Yes, once you get on the bus the ride to AKL shouldn't take too long. The problem is, you just never know how long you will have to wait for a bus so add at least an extra 15 minutes just in case a bus just pulled away before you walked up.

[PrincessPooh]

well, the thing about taking cabs is that I've heard mixed reviews about early am bus service and I really don't want to drag the mornings out so much. Like I've said before, we [as a family] are much more of night people than morning people, so I don't want to stress the family out too much with trying to make extra time to hop a bus in the early hours. I really only considered taking a cab to the two or three character breakfasts that we have early PS for. I figure, if it makes the day start a little smoother and only cost me another $8-10 bucks, its worth it in the end.

I'm not overly sad about Hoop de doo. I just thought it was something I would have to try once. But, I am sure we will be back again [hopefully more often and sooner than we have before] and we can do it then. I chose to make PS at Boma figuring it was right by AK and I've heard really good things about the place.

BTW-all you guys are so great and helpful! I would be lost without your advice!

[cinderbella]

Originally Posted by PrincessPooh

well, the thing about taking cabs is that I've heard mixed reviews about early am bus service and I really don't want to drag the mornings out so much

Good point!! I was just wondering...but i understand why you need too!

[llama]

I think you're wise to de-hop a bit. May I throw in just one suggestion? If you want to do a monorail restaurant, I might consider Ohana's over California Grill. California Grill is very upscale, fusion. Ohana's is much more family friendly. But that's just my opinion.

[Dana]

Originally Posted by PrincessPooh

well, the thing about taking cabs is that I've heard mixed reviews about early am bus service and I really don't want to drag the mornings out so much. Like I've said before, we [as a family] are much more of night people than morning people, so I don't want to stress the family out too much with trying to make extra time to hop a bus in the early hours. I really only considered taking a cab to the two or three character breakfasts that we have early PS for. I figure, if it makes the day start a little smoother and only cost me another $8-10 bucks, its worth it in the end.

I'm not overly sad about Hoop de doo. I just thought it was something I would have to try once. But, I am sure we will be back again [hopefully more often and sooner than we have before] and we can do it then. I chose to make PS at Boma figuring it was right by AK and I've heard really good things about the place.

BTW-all you guys are so great and helpful! I would be lost without your advice!

The cab will run you $14 + tip a shot give or take a dollar or two. I take them once or twice a trip and a cab from the AKL to the CS cost me $16 + tip.