[khawk]

I made my PS for the storybook breakfast at Epcot. ITs too much trouble to try to make one at Cinderellas castle. I also made a reservation for the rainforest cafe at DTD. I have decided that to save money I am going to rent a fridge for my hotel and have the limo make a grocery stop on the way. I will stock up on breakfast food and lunch meat and have breakfast and lunches at our hotel. Most of them anyway, this way I can afford to eat good at dinner and try more of the WDW restaurants. Not to mention most of my money is going to buy my kids souveniers. I bought the book "birnbaums WDW official guide". I love it. I wish it could fit in my purse so I could take it to the theme parks. I do have a question. When I get to disney, if I decide to eat somewhere for dinner (example: crystal palace) will I be able to get a ressie if I call the night before I plan to go? I think my dad would like the crystal palace (all you can eat). Since I am not going to see the princesses at cindys castle I would like to at least have dinner there and get one of those 8 dollar smoothie drinks. I dont know if it was on this site or another but I guess the glasses that they come in, you get to keep those and they are very nice, heavy glass mugs. I am so excited. Im even more excited then my kids are. They see no point in getting excited yet. My 11 yr. old said she will get excited the day before we leave. I told them about the 50's prime time cafe and they think it would be cool to eat where someone is yelling at you to keep your elbows off the table. I just cant wait.... I also want to try that moroccan restaurant, Marrahesh, I dont know if I will like moroccan food but I would like to see the belly dancer. That would be cool.
Kim

[MickeyMac]

When I get to disney, if I decide to eat somewhere for dinner (example: crystal palace) will I be able to get a ressie if I call the night before I plan to go?

You might. Some restaurants book rather quickly, others, that day. Crystal Palace is very popular. If it's not sold out, then you could be restricted on the times available.

Have you considered doing a very late lunch instead of booking dinners? It's generally much less money, and if you start a "dinner" at 3:45 and linger, then you save money and still get the ambience. The big bonus to me is that I'm not in a dining rooms somewhere when there is fireworks, or evening parade, or something like that going off. We have a late night snack at our hotel, or ice cream along the way.

Also look into the Ice Cream Social - it's a cheap character 'meal.' :D

And, BTW, if you need a refrigerator for medicine (like Amoxycillin) then Disney provide you one free. Just FYI.

Sounds like you have a great plan formulating...

[khawk]

Good idea, I never thought about eating early. If we did eat about 3-4 pm then that would be lunch price?? I also dont want to miss any parades. My kids would love snacking later. my daughter mentioned to me that she saw a snack place or restaurant that is all cookies. At DTD maybe? I will have to check into that and also the Ice cream social. Thanks.
Kim

[mickey]

If you are thinking about eating someplace, make a PS. Then, when you arrive at WDW, you can decide if you want to use them or do something else. Both Crystal Palace and 50's Prime Time are usually full, so you are really taking your chance by waiting.

My hint would be to eat your "expensive" meal at lunch. Everything will be the same, except for the prices. We always do that, and then pick up something less expensive for dinner. We also have a parents only meal one or two nights during our vacation where we go to nicer restaurants without the kids.

The Marakesh is one of our families favorites. Personally, I love Moroccan food, and it is usually the first restaurants I search out when we travel to Europe. The food at Marakesh is americanized, but still good. You won't find anything too strange. Try the couscous, either chicken or lamb. The kebabs are good too. Your kids will love the belly dancer, make sure they go out and dance with her.

[khawk]

Where is the Ice Cream social at? Im not seeing it in my Birnbaums book or online.

I just told my kids they could dance with the belly dancer and you wouldnt believe the looks I got. LOL I didnt think my younger daughter would want to do that, she is very shy. But I bet with enough coaxing my older daughter would. Im definately not getting up there with her. :laugh

Kim

[mickey]

Originally posted by khawk
Where is the Ice Cream social at? Im not seeing it in my Birnbaums book or online.

The Ice Cream Social is held in the Garden Grill in the Land pavillion in EPCOT. It is only held between lunch and dinner. There are two seatings, one at 3:00 PM and one at 3:30 PM. I think the charge is about $7 per person.

[MickeyMac]

You will definately have to make PS for the Ice Cream Social - they don't seat the entire restaurant for it on most days.

You can read reviews about it at Deb Will's site

A pictoral review of lunch (so you can check out the revolving restaurant that the ICS is in) is at Our Laughing Place

BTW - the ice cream is pre-prepared. Kids get a funny face "scarecrow clown" and adults get a "flower pot" , in keeping with the gardening theme. It's very simple. If you choose not to get ice cream, they will charge the standard $5. 'entertainment fee.' You can see photos of them by clicking here.

[ilvminnie]

Originally posted by mickey
My hint would be to eat your "expensive" meal at lunch. Everything will be the same, except for the prices. We always do that, and then pick up something less expensive for dinner.

That's what we do too. You may not be able to get everything that's on the dinner menu, but there are generally wonderful options for lunch. The only place I've found I can't do that is Rose & Crown...got to have my bangers & mash!