Feedback on dining selections

[Tuvalu]

I looked up the nearby FL counties, and went to their school websites to check their calendars. Lol. According to those near Disney, they won't be on spring break. At least we won't be battling FL residents on spring break.

But you will be joined by crowds from the entire metro Atlanta area, as that is our spring break week. As a veteran of going this week many times, I can vouch for it being busy.

But not crazy enough to keep us away...we arrive on the 3rd .

 

[Jess G]

I looked up the nearby FL counties, and went to their school websites to check their calendars. Lol. According to those near Disney, they won't be on spring break. At least we won't be battling FL residents on spring break.

that's awesome and very good to know! Thanks for the info

 

[rael ramone]

Hey, all!

So, I didn't realize food was so important to me until I started planning this trip. I ended up going with the Deluxe Dining Plan, so I could have as many signature dining/fine dining and table service meals as I could. Plus, I've planned out my 2 snack credits per day to use some for breakfast, so I won't be paying for any meals once I'm there except for lunch at Universal--and possibly a lazy room service breakfast day. I also was able to find reservations at all the places I wanted--including California Grill at 9:30 to view "Wishes." I'm staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge, and wanted to get your take on the restaurants I picked (i.e good?, bad?, overrated?, go somewhere else?). Thanks!!!

Apr. 4th - Epcot - Lunch: Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie; Dinner: San Angel Inn (Should be done eating right around when Illuminations begins.)

Apr. 5th - MK - Lunch: Be Our Guest; Dinner: Narcoossee's at Grand Floridian

Apr. 6th - Universal Day - Dinner: Sanna

Apr. 7th - Pool/Rest/Off/Resort Exploration Day - Breakfast: Boma; Dinner: California Grill

Apr. 8th - HS - Lunch: 50's Diner; Dinner: The Hollywood Brown Derby (with VIP to Fantasmic)

Apr. 9th - AK - Lunch: Yak & Yeti; Dinner: Jiko - The Cooking Place

most of the selections look good. Never did Be Our Guest (I've heard negative things, and based on what they specifically said I don't think I'd like it either). Never did 50's diner either. Have done San Angel Inn for lunch a few times, it's decent. Sanaa's lunch was very good, I suspect dinner will be as well. Boma has a very good dinner buffet, don't know how that will translate to breakfast (which isn't as adventurous). Yak & Yeti is good, but used to be better. The Derby is my 2nd favorite in park restaurant (favorite is Marrakesh in Epcot) - I think I go to the HS now more for the Derby then the attractions that are left. Narcoosee's is good (don't know if you'll have time to enjoy the orchestra in the upper lobby - the pianist on the lower level is often quite good but your fellow guests will actively fight your ability to enjoy it). Cali grill is excellent. Jiko is one of my favorite restaurants on the planet - get the wild boar appetizer - and if you like it google the recipe for the Jiko Chakalaka - and hope they bring back the Tandoori Butter for the bread.

Personally I've found doing 2 sitdowns a day is kinda rough on the waistline (though you'll definitely get a better quality dining experience since many QS locations are quite lacking now). I try to embrace the walking that comes with the trip to the extent possible and stay away from 'placebo' snacks - using calories only on the good stuff. And I do desserts only if there's room AND it's a desert worth having.

For your Epcot lunch I'm a fan of the Tempura Udon soup at Katsura Grill - perhaps hit up the French bakery for a midday snack (and this is a good snack. Turkey leg, popcorn, bag of chips...not so much - better to go hungry and burn some calories). For something that's a treat that IS healthy I'm a fan of the Voss Artesian Water in Norway - the Beer Cart as well as the bakery there will have it.

AKL - I'm a fan of the African Stew at the Mara. And the zebra domes (If I have a reservation at a restaurant there I go down there to get a bunch for my room - again a good snack, I try to eat just one a day). Try at some point to do the 'Cultural Safari' at 7:30 at the Sunset Lounge in Jambo House (I believe Kidani Village has one as well). Perhaps do it more than once (especially if a cast member from a different country is there). Your 'rest' day could very well be the day you enjoy the most - Many of the exterior stairways are extra wildlife viewing points plus the artifacts & displays all over the resort are great to look at.