[Scott743]

So the last time I was at WDW it was the year before Epcot opened... I know, I know - the shame of it.

Now I have 3 kids - 7,5, and 2 and we're heading there first week of June for seven days.

It seems that most of the people I talk with say the hardest thing is deciding where to eat, what Character breakfasts to attend (don't worry, I won't even mention CRT to my daughter - I know it's too late already)... but where does one start???

We're staying at the Wilderness Villas on a recommendation from a friend.

Any info would be helpful, as it seems, time is running out.

thx.

[CaribBeachNut]

Welcome to DC. You've come to the right place for info on WDW. I would start here: http://allearsnet.com/
They have info on everything at WDW. Many pages of reading and most of it is worthwhile. You will find pictures, maps, menus, info on refurbishments, closures, special events et al. I like to view the resort pictures and read the menus.
For discounts, try http://www.mousesavers.com/
They usually are up to date on every discount available.
Again, welcome to DC.
----------------
ps
most importantly, I call your attention to this:
http://allearsnet.com/pl/events.htm#604
Please read about the first week in June. You may or may not like this.

[Dana]

First off - Welcome to DC! You have chosen the BEST place to help with your planning.

Characters meals that are great....
Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary
Crytal Palace in the Magic Kingdom

Other places that are fun and family-friendly
Momma's Melrosa's in MGM (get the Fantasmic! dinner package)
O'hanna's at the Poly (it's a MUST-DO)

You NEED to get a copy of the Passporter to help you plan and keep track of all of this information. They have maps that will help you learn the layouts of all the parks. This will be essential for efficient touring. You do not want to be staring at a map and saying "now what?" Plan, Plan and Plan some more. Information and planning is the key to a magical WDW trip. Ask ANY question and there will be someone on here who knows the answer or who can find it in a snap. Breathe my dear...this is the fun part.

[Scott743]

I did pick-up a Passporter, just have to wade through it. Looks like a great source.

A buddy of mine mention at Epcot he went out for dinner, just happened to get a seat by the lake and got a great view of the evening fireworks. Of course, he can remember the name of the restaurant or the type of food he ate. (He has 3 kids also - memory... first thing to go)

Sound familiar... ?

[mickey]

Welcome to DC. With a seat by the lake, it is one of two places. The most likely would be the Rose and Crown in Great Britian. It is a sitdown restaurant with a lot of lakeside tables. The second option would be the fastfood restaurant in Mexico, Cantina de San Angel. There is no need to eat at Rose and Crown to get a good spot for Illuminations. There are great areas around the World Showcase that can be had 15 minutes before the start of the show.

You will love the WL Villas, they are fantastic.

Try the princess breakfast in EPCOT, not a bad option for those not getting into Cinderella's Breakfast.

[DisneyHog6]

Welcome to DisneyCentral Scott. You will find all the info you will need in here. Many WDW experts hang out here. I know you said that it was too late to get CRT, but have you tried calling, just in case? Odds are, you are right, and it's booked, but it never hurts to try, right? But your kids are going to love the character meals, no matter where you go. They are just great. If pre-1983 was your last trip, you aren't even gonna recognize WDW, or the surrounding area for that matter. Planning is the key, and one of my favorite parts of the trip. It gets me so excited (not that I'm not always excited about WDW anyway). Have fun with it, and you will have a great trip. :)

[joseph3947]

Call now for the Princess breakfast at Norway in Epcot. It's great and the kids will love it! They will have room for your family because it's much bigger than CRT at the castle in MK. Give it a try! :D :) Joe

[eeeee]

We have done Chef Mickey, Crystal Palace, Mickey's backyard BBQ, all are a great start to Character meals that are relatively easy to get. I wouldn't wait until the last minute. I always start my plans with what park I will be at then plan from there. Ex. Chef Mickey would be a great start to a day away from the parks, play putt putt, swim, golf, whatever. All of this makes me wish our trip to WDW was sooner! Planning is half the fun.

[JordansDad]

Something to think about is eating at CRT even if you can't get a PS for the character breakfast. We had an early dinner there last time we were at WDW and both before and after our meal Snow White was in the entrance area downstairs (throne room?). Before the meal there was one other family in the entire room with us. After the meal, we were the ONLY family w/ children with Snow White for about 5-7 minutes. Got some great photos of Snow White and my (then) 4 yr old daughter and some excellent video footage of them as well. Snow White even blew me a kiss as I was video taping! (okay, maybe she was directing it to the camera).

[MickeyRon]

I was in the same boat last year when I had not been since 1976!!

Enjoy yourself... don't stress out on the planning... Plan, but just don't stress out on it... You will have a great time... some of the things we enjoyed best were not planned but just happened... sometimes that is the best way for the magic to happen... just let it!

** You will get all the answers you need right here!! This place is great!!**