The best ADR I can make for my 2 1/2 year old Daughter

[6laurac]

Hi,

My DH and I have been to WDW many times as a couple but never with our daughter. She will be almost 3 when we go and loves Mickey Mouse and Princesses. Also, she tends to get overwhelmed at very large crowds. I am only booking one ADR for her to meet some characters for May 2013 and am not sure which one to choose.

Please give me your suggestions and what times are the best time to go.

Thank you!

 

[crispy]

If she loves the princesses, a meal at Akershus would be great. They usually have at least five princesses, and it's little girl heaven. It is busy, but I don't think the crowds are overwhelming.

For a meal with Mickey, I highly recommend Garden Grill. The food is great, the characters really spend a lot of time with the kids, and it is probably the quietest and most peaceful character meal because of the way the restaurant is set-up.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

I agree about Akershus over CRT for princesses. You'll get a nice variety with both, but for whatever reason...my kids tend to be far more relaxed at Akershus. Which is funny b/c I think the dining room at CRT is more laid back, but being in the castle turns into sensory overload for my girls. While we're trying Garden Grill for the first time next week- I've heard it's much more relaxed than Chef Mickey's and Tusker House. Ohana breakfast is at least one other more sedate Mickey meal, although she might not like the parade they do.

Now, if you have to pick just one...I think that's more of a "which does she like more?" sort of decision that only you could make.

 

[stlbobby]

It's not the characters you sited, but I've had great success with the Crystal Palace for kids under 3. The Pooh characters are generally smaller, softer, and lower key than Mickey and friends. I think the color palate of the restaurant and the characters themselves is soothing, putting little ones at ease. I like breakfast for the food and it is just a great way to start the day at the MK.

 

[jlsHouston]

I would do Akerhaus for the princesses if I were going to only go to one character dining event... I don't think I could go to WDW and only do character dining once though...

 

[popcenturylover]

I would have to agree with previous posters about Akershus. We went there in September for breakfast with my very shy almost 4 year old. She loved it! The princesses all come around to each of the tables & give your princess special attention. They also do a princess parade in which my daughter held Snow Whites hand & walked through the restaurant with her. It was very special! We will definitely book it again next time!

 

[wiigirl]

I would do Akerhaus for the princesses if I were going to only go to one character dining event... I don't think I could go to WDW and only do character dining once though...

That would be my suggestion too!

 

[Cassie S.]

You are going in May 2013?? so are we... 5/19-5/24. It will be my family's first trip and we are going to do breakfast at CRT. Waaayyy too excited and 6 more months to go. Whatever you decide, I'm sure you will have a magical time.

 

[6laurac]

You are going in May 2013?? so are we... 5/19-5/24. It will be my family's first trip and we are going to do breakfast at CRT. Waaayyy too excited and 6 more months to go. Whatever you decide, I'm sure you will have a magical time.

Hope that you have a great time...
We will be there May 4-11 and this is our family trip too. As a couple, we feel like old pro's about knowing what we like to do. This trip will be more kid friendly and paced too.

 

[DizneyPryncess]

For the least overwhelming character restaurant, I would choose Garden Grill. We just took our 1 year old, and she absolutely loved it. She is younger, but gets overstimulated in big crowds. Garden Grill was the most relaxing meal we had, because of how the tables are situated. If Mickey & the Princesses are pretty equal, that's what I'd choose. If Princesses are more important than Mickey, choose a Princess meal. I've been to both CRT & Akershus, and really can't recommend one over the other. I had similar experiences at both. Okay food, felt rushed, but it was fun meeting the Princesses. =-)

 

[Figgy1]

Garden Grill is great and quiet. love Crystal Palace we had a great view of the castle last trip. Sorry to say never done a princess meal have boys they wont go even for all you can eat.

 

[aw14]

For princesses without question ashkerhaus. For Mickey and friends, I would go chef mickeys at the contemporary.

 

[Mrs Potato Head]

definitely Akershus for the princesses. I personally love Tusker House for Mickey and friends though it can take a while for the characters to come around and if you're in a side room you don't even get the bonus of them being in view all the time.

I also agree with another poster about Crystal Palace. It's not your list of favorite characters but the decor is very soothing for a little one. And since it's one giant room she can still be seeing them from afar.

We are doing Garden Grille in a month and so excited. Couldn't get ADRs last time and I heard that was fantastic interaction too. We took my daughter at 18 months, 2 1/2 and now 3 1/2 in a few weeks. She will LOVE it!!

 

[WDWFanDave]

I have to agree with the Crystal Palace. We've taken my daughter there when she was two, and then 4 and 5, and we always had the best experience there. She's a huge fan of the princesses, and loves all the characters, but there's just something a bit different, and more special there, at least for us.

For the princesses specifically, I'd agree with Akershus for the opportunity to see so many of them. This past visit though we also went to 1900 Park Fare at the GF and really enjoyed both the breakfast (Mary Poppins, Alice, Pooh) and dinner (Cinderella and family). Liked the atmosphere there, and the fact that it didn't feel as big as the other places.

We also did Chef Mickey's...not sure if we'll go there another time. It was o.k., but really felt rushed when it came to the characters.

Hope you have a fantastic trip!!!!

 

[BigRedDad]

At 2yo, she may be afraid of the characters (Mickey, Minnie, etc.) Princesses are people and will not frighten her. If it is Princesses, Akershus cannot be beat.

 

[bmarkelon]

I am posting to say I agree with a lot of above comments. Akershus breakfast for princesses for sure. But if I was only booking one character experience I would have to choose one where my main mouse is at. Garden Grill is a good suggestion for you since you mentioned that she does not like crowds. My kiddos around that age bring tears of joy and magic to my eyes when they get to meet Mickey and the gang. It is just too sweet and magical to miss!! Though my older DD at around 3/4 when she met the Princesses and Fairies at the M&G's (not at meals) also brought on the tears.

 

[6laurac]

Thank you everyone! Hope I'm not to late to try and book Akershus.

 

[tare]

If she loves the princesses, a meal at Akershus would be great. They usually have at least five princesses, and it's little girl heaven. It is busy, but I don't think the crowds are overwhelming.

Yes this is a great breakfast. My dd live all the princesses. Milan gave her a lipstick kiss on the cheek.

 

[tare]

Mulan I mean.

 

[tare]

Also chef mickeys is an excellent choice with a great breakfast buffet.