[mahs1123]

So finally I think I have all my PS reservations down. Now it is time to ask the experts. Have is my list tell me what you think. I am traveling with my DH and 4 year old daughter and staying at the Wilderness Lodge. Any suggestions or comments would be appreciated. Thanks to all!


Nov 28. - Fantasmic Dinner Package - Dinner at Brown Derby.

Nov. 29 - Breakfast at Dino Land. Dinner at California Grill.

Sunday - Breakfast with Cindy. Dinner at Ohana
:D

Monday - Breakfast with Cindy (can't believe I got it twice! Yippie! Dinner Chef Mickeys.

Tuesday - Breakfast at Whisping Canyon. Dinner at Coral Reef with Candle Light Procession. (This resturant pick is my main concern have read good and bad...So please guide me).:D

[BDavis932]

Before I answer, how many times have you been to WDW before? Also, will your daughter be joining you for all your meals?

[mahs1123]

Originally posted by BDavis932
Before I answer, how many times have you been to WDW before? Also, will your daughter be joining you for all your meals?

\


This will be my and DH first trip since we were kids (and thats a loooooooooong time ago and yes 4 year old will be dining with us all nights.

Thanks

[ajbdk5]

Hmmmm.....okay, well then if you want honest opinions....

I might change the Fantasmic package from the expensive/adult-oriented Brown Derby to the more child friendly yet still delicious Hollywood and Vine buffet dinner.

I would probably skip the California Grill, also very expensive and not very kid-friendly...personally I didn't care for it.
Have you considered trying the Crystal Palace or Liberty Tree Tavern character dinners in the Magic Kingdom instead?

Are you sure you want to eat at the CRT breakfast 2 days in a row? The Princess Storybook breakfast at EPCOT is similar, but with a few different Princesses that you wont see at the CRT.

I think the Coral Reef is a good choice, you don't wan to sacrifice too many adult-type places, and they will have the fish tank to entertain your DD.

I think the rest of your choices are wonderful!

Good luck and happy planning!:)

Again, these are just my humble OPINIONS!;)

Amy

[mahs1123]

Originally posted by mahs1123
:laugh

Ok heres my beef.....was not planning on doing Fantasmic at all, I arrive at WL at 1:00 and was planning on hanging for a bit and then dinner at Chef Micky's and I stroll down Main Street and off to slumber land. Do you think Fantasmic is a "must do"! HEEEELLPPP

:dazed

[BDavis932]

Okay, this is just my opinion...so take it just as that. We have 2 children, DS age 7 and DD age 3 and 1/2. It has been our experience that quiet sit down places just don't go over well with the little ones. Maybe some others that have eaten at The Brown Derby, California Grill, and Coral Reef can add to this.

I can highly recommend the Fantasmic dinner package at Hollywood and Vine. EXCELLENT food for the adults and a kids buffet, too. (All you care to eat) Also, nice atmosphere and DESSERT HEAVEN!! From cupcakes to red velvet, and mini-pies to ice cream...this place is awesome!! (and it's the cheaper of the 3 choices for the package!)

You can check out the menus (including pricing) for all the restaurants at WDW and in the Resorts by clicking here:
http://www.wdwig.com/menu/menus.htm. Seeing what is on the menu helps me to decide whether or not to go.

You could also try some of these places for lunch. My hubby and I really wanted to eat at the Brown Derby, and we knew the kids wouldn't sit still for a big dinner in a quiet restaurant, so we stopped in for lunch and got the "famous" Cobb salad. Quick and simple, and the kids weren't stuck stitting for an hour and a half!

If it were my first time back in a long time...I would trade out Brown Derby for Hollywood and Vine. Trade California Grill for Rainforest Cafe (since it looks like you'll be at AK that day) and opt for Garden Grill or Teppenyaki Dining room (Japan...similiar to Benihana's table cooking) for dinner in Epcot.

[ajbdk5]

Anyway, I MIGHT skip Fantasmic this year if you just want to relax, and head to Chef Mickey's, like you said. I have heard that it is sometimes too intense for little ones anyway. I haven't taken mine yet for that reason. However, if you do decide to do it I agree with BDavis, do H&V dinner instead of BD.

[mahs1123]

Originally posted by ajbdk5
Weird:dazed Your reply is inside my quote.:p

Anyway, I would skip Fantasmic this year if you just want to relax, and head to Chef Mickey's. I have heard that it is sometimes too intense for little ones anyway. I haven't taken mine yet for that reason. However, if you do decide to do it I agree with BDavis, do H&V dinner instead of BD.

I think I will cancel the Fantasmic Package and just adjust that day. No need to rush. We are really focusing on the Magic Kingdom Area this trip so I want to relax that first day before we are non-stop.

Moe

[BDavis932]

My kids LOVED fantasmic and I feel like it was one of the best things I've ever seen anywhere. It is awesome......PLEASE don't miss it!

Since you are arriving around 1:00, you could just use that day as a "down day" to unpack, get settled and swim or explore this beautiful resort, and head over to Fort Wilderness (right next door) and go to the petting zoo and Trails End Buffet (Yummy!) or Hoop De Doo Revue! OR You might want to just eat dinner at Whipsering Canyon (its really good and lots of fun!!) on your arrival day. Then you can change your Chef Mickey's ressie to the day that you are going to the Magic Kingdom. (just a quick trip on the monorail!)

[ajbdk5]

LOL, LOL, Heather(BDavis) and I are VERY HELPFUL aren't we? Hahahahahaha:p :D :laugh

[BDavis932]

I just read that you are focusing most of your trip at MK this time. My 3 year old LOVED all the parks....and she can't wait until our next trip to ride all the "big rides" like the Tower of Terror and Splash Mountain. (She was one inch too short in May when we went :( ) I think the MK is GREAT, but be sure not to miss the other 3 also!

[BDavis932]

That's what we're here for!! HEHEHEHEHE!!:laugh

[BDavis932]

By the way, we skipped Fantasmic for years....I just could never believe people would actually stand in line 90 minutes for a show....

If I'd know then how unbelievable that show is.....I would have waited every trip!!

Now, with the additon of the dinner package, you don't have to wait for hours...you even get to see some areas that guests are not usually able to see cause they "sneak" you in the back way. And the seats you get are great!

[mahs1123]

Originally posted by BDavis932
By the way, we skipped Fantasmic for years....I just could never believe people would actually stand in line 90 minutes for a show....

If I'd know then how unbelievable that show is.....I would have waited every trip!!

Now, with the additon of the dinner package, you don't have to wait for hours...you even get to see some areas that guests are not usually able to see cause they "sneak" you in the back way. And the seats you get are great!

Just when I thought I was settled my life is a topsy turvy again, heres my next question....Candle Light Procession or Very Merry Christmas Party....,,,,,Moe

[trishb]

All of your choices sound great!

You know your little girl best...she may do very well in restaurants like the Brown Derby and California Grill. The Brown Derby has excellent food, and you have to try the Grapefruit Cake. It is out of this world! The California Grill is a beautiful restaurant with awesome views. Your daughter will love it if you are eating at the same time as the fireworks! And, of course, each restaurant has kid friendly food and crayons.

I recommend Coral Reef. My 2 year old loved it! The Creamy Lobster soup is awesome and one of the best deals on property at $6 a bowl. The fish and divers will keep your whole family entertained and will give you a nice chance to relax.

The only thing that I can add to your list is try to grab a meal at Trails End at Ft Wilderness when you go over for the petting zoo and pony rides. All meals are great there, but I prefer breakfast. Yumm!

Oh, and when the little one falls asleep, order Artist Point Cobbler and coffee from room service. You will be glad that you did! :love: