General Orlando Questions !!!!

[duck]

So my family and I are heading to Orlando Mar 31 2012- Apr 7th 2012 and I have a very diverse group, 4 teenage girls (10,13,14,15) 2 little girls (4,7) 2 infant boys (8mo,2yrs) and 8 adults (4men,4women) and I need to fine a dining option for our first night. Something very nice to kick off our vacation. it will be a surprise and its on me. I was thinking maybe a dinner show or a Disney restaurant. We are spending the week doing Universal parks, sea world, aquatica and wet n wild so any ideas or knowledge will help. Also how is the weather and water parks during this time of year? s orlando jam packed during this time? We are staying in a vacation home in the glenbrook resort area. Does anyone know that area? Grocery store or anything is helpful :wave:

 

[Zummi Gummi]

Since you're not visiting any Disney parks during the trip, it might be fun to go to a character dinner, that way you can at least meet a few of the characters. My suggestion would be Chef Mickey's, not because the food is amazing (it's average), but because you'll be able to meet all of the Fab 5 (Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto).

If you're not looking to meet the characters, my other suggestion would be 'Ohana, which is a really fun, family style meal with excellent food that everyone would enjoy.

 

[Nemo14]

So my family and I are heading to Orlando Mar 31 2012- Apr 7th 2012 and I have a very diverse group, 4 teenage girls (10,13,14,15) 2 little girls (4,7) 2 infant boys (8mo,2yrs) and 8 adults (4men,4women) and I need to fine a dining option for our first night. Something very nice to kick off our vacation. it will be a surprise and its on me. I was thinking maybe a dinner show or a Disney restaurant. We are spending the week doing Universal parks, sea world, aquatica and wet n wild so any ideas or knowledge will help. Also how is the weather and water parks during this time of year? s orlando jam packed during this time? We are staying in a vacation home in the glenbrook resort area. Does anyone know that area? Grocery store or anything is helpful :wave:

I'm very familiar with that area. There is a WalMart and a Publix just south of that development right on Route 27 that will have everything you need for groceries and supplies. I highly recommend Publix, and wish they had them around here.
If you can get a reservation at either the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue (at Fort Wilderness) or at Ohana's (in the Polynesian resort), either one is a lot of fun for all ages. I would caution you though that our experience in travelling with a big group like that (especially with little ones) is that the first night everyone just wants to check out the house, relax, maybe swim, etc, then do something big the next day (or even save it for the last day). Just my opinion, but we've been doing this for 12 years now, and it's what has worked best for us.

Have a great time!

 

[WDWtravelblog]

I'm very familiar with that area. There is a WalMart and a Publix just south of that development right on Route 27 that will have everything you need for groceries and supplies. I highly recommend Publix, and wish they had them around here.
If you can get a reservation at either the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue (at Fort Wilderness) or at Ohana's (in the Polynesian resort), either one is a lot of fun for all ages. I would caution you though that our experience in travelling with a big group like that (especially with little ones) is that the first night everyone just wants to check out the house, relax, maybe swim, etc, then do something big the next day (or even save it for the last day). Just my opinion, but we've been doing this for 12 years now, and it's what has worked best for us.

Have a great time!

I agree with the idea of doing the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue. Fort Wilderness is easy to get in and out of, especially with a big group. Your biggest issue will be getting reservations. If you think this is the place for you, don't wait to make reservations.
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/hoop-de-doo-musical-revue/

 

[cinderellafan6]

Ohana is great!! We love it. We had a reservation for 18 people and it was perfect with no problems at all. But I would book as soon as possible. And good luck with the crowds. Orlando tends to be very busy this time of year cause of Spring Break but the water is beautiful!! Have fun!!