So Many Choices!!

[meganwdw]

We are revamping our upcoming trip for next April to include our good friends! The only one of them that has been to WDW is the hubby and that was 25 years ago! I'm so excited they'll be joining us and am already mapping out our trip to make it as magical as possible for them!! Can yall help me with some ideas for must do dining for first timers??? At least 1 character dining experience, a couple of our favorites, but what else?? What would you recommend as I happily begin my revamp??

 

[lostpro9het]

Quintessential for first timers, IMO:
'Ohana for breakfast(character) and dinner.

 

[karl75]

Hoop Dee doo. It's finger licking good food and good old entertainment under one roof.

 

[Blackburn23]

Cali Grill during Wishes is an unreal experience.

Beaches and Creame is a great time with a great theme and even better food

Artist Point is a quiet and relaxed atmosphere with incredible food

 

[Matt_Black]

Prime Time 50s is a must do, in my opinion.

 

[popcenturylover]

I agree with California dinner/Wishes & 'Ohana for dinner. Love Kona, Akershus & Crystal Palace for breakfast!

 

[Figgy1]

Crystal Palace for breakfast one hour prior to park opening is a must do for first timers. Walking up an almost empty MSUSA is quite remarkable! The food's also quite good

 

[englanddg]

Crystal Palace for breakfast one hour prior to park opening is a must do for first timers. Walking up an almost empty MSUSA is quite remarkable! The food's also quite good

I'm going to second this one.

Also, for first timers with little girls, I'd say Cindy's Royal Table (eat in the Castle) is a must do (plus it's a much better way to meet the princesses than standing in a long line at Fairy Tale Hall!).

 

[Tinkerkelle]

Am also onboard with CP breakfast, especially if you can get an early entry reservation. Also love Tusker House at AK for breakfast and recommend early entry reservation there too. Ohana for dinner on our last night is a family tradition now. We love Liberty Tree Tavern but it is closed for refurb this year .

 

[Courtney6682]

IMO..Chef Mickey's is a must do for first timers...

 

[DisneyJunkie]

DEFINITELY DO:

1. Coral Reef in Epcot (lunch or dinner)
2. 'Ohana at the Polynesian (dinner)
3. Nine Dragons in Epcot (dinner)
4. Crystal Palace at MK (breakfast)
5. Biergarten in Epcot (lunch or dinner)

MAYBE DO:

1. Sci-Fi Drive-in (I say MAYBE because it is good for one time just for the experience; food isn't much though)
2. Chef Mickey's (I say MAYBE because it can simply be too loud, busy, and packed full of kids)
3. Whispering Canyon Cafe at Wilderness Lodge (Maybe....if you have kids with you, it can be a lot of fun)

 

[meganwdw]

All excellent options and most are ones I was thinking about!! I've given my friends "mouse work" to look over dining options and make a list of what sounds good to them. Then we can sit down and discuss to make our decisions. I just love the planning process!!! There are so many fun and exciting things I want to do with them since I know this will likely be the only time they'll go and we go every year!

 

[HouCuseChickie]

This is the hard thing...everyone has their opinions...many vary...and there really is no right or wrong.

As for character meals...
I think everyone needs to go to Chef Mickey's at least once. If not Chef Mickey's, at least a meal with Mickey..Garden Grill would probably be my other choice b/c of unique setting, food quality, service, and character interaction.
I also think either CRT or Crystal Palace for a pre-park opening meal is a must.

Beyond that...
While I have decided that the flatbreads and sushi are the most consistently reliable items on the Cali Grill menu, I think a meal up there timed with Wishes is a must for everyone.

I also think...
Special experience dinners/meals are a must. Not a ton, but at least one...whether it's 'Ohana dinner, WCC, 50s PT, Sanaa or Sci Fi...something that feels more unique to WDW.

Finally...
I think BOG and CRT, setting-wise, are worth a visit. Food can be hit or miss, but both have a nice wow factor.

A side note...while there is lots of other great dining, especially signature dining, but outside of V&A or Narcoosee's timed with Wishes (still prefer Cali Grill), the rest don't have as much of a Disney vibe.