week of restaurants

[pelvis]

Hi! We're first-time visitors, going for a week in February, with two kids, ages 14 and 7. We'd like to eat at places with excellent food, but we threw in Chef Mickey's for one character meal. (The kids aren't into princesses so we didn't bother with one of those.) We just have our last night to figure out. Any must-do places we're missing? Or one that's really fun for the kids?

Here's what we've got booked so far:

California Grill - Saturday
Jiko - Sunday
Chef Mickey’s - Monday
Ohana - Tuesday
The Boathouse - Wednesday
Tiffins - Thursday
Friday - ???

Thank you!!

 

[NYwdwfan]

Hi! We're first-time visitors, going for a week in February, with two kids, ages 14 and 7. We'd like to eat at places with excellent food, but we threw in Chef Mickey's for one character meal. (The kids aren't into princesses so we didn't bother with one of those.) We just have our last night to figure out. Any must-do places we're missing? Or one that's really fun for the kids?

Here's what we've got booked so far:

California Grill - Saturday
Jiko - Sunday
Chef Mickey’s - Monday
Ohana - Tuesday
The Boathouse - Wednesday
Tiffins - Thursday
Friday - ???

Thank you!!

What park(s) do you plan to visit that day? All of the restaurants listed are outside the parks - do you want another restaurant outside the parks?

 

[pelvis]

What park(s) do you plan to visit that day? All of the restaurants listed are outside the parks - do you want another restaurant outside the parks?

Tiffins is in Animal Kingdom, isn't it? We can eat anywhere--in one of the parks is fine. We have park hopper tickets.

 

[DisAl]

Hi! We're first-time visitors, going for a week in February, with two kids, ages 14 and 7. We'd like to eat at places with excellent food, but we threw in Chef Mickey's for one character meal. (The kids aren't into princesses so we didn't bother with one of those.) We just have our last night to figure out. Any must-do places we're missing? Or one that's really fun for the kids?

Here's what we've got booked so far:

California Grill - Saturday
Jiko - Sunday
Chef Mickey’s - Monday
Ohana - Tuesday
The Boathouse - Wednesday
Tiffins - Thursday
Friday - ???

Thank you!!

The Wave at the Contemporary had some of the best steaks we had for the week when we went last March.
If you go to the California Grill for dinner you can watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the observation deck on the same floor.

 

[Heppenheimer]

If this is your first visit, I might suggest eating more in the parks. The restaurants you listed are all good choices and better than the Disney World average, but they're not extraordinary enough that I would sacrifice all that park time just to eat there. Transportation around Disney World, especially between resorts, can take quite a bit of time.

At least as of the last time I ate there, Skipper's Canteen was easily the best restaurant in the Magic Kingdom.

 

[dreamfinder]

I'd follow on with the PP asking where are you going to be. Yes, you have hopper tickets. But going from park to resort back to park can take several hours out of the day. Even more so if you are going to a different part of the resort.

You have 3 bookings in the MK area, one each at DS, AK and AKL. If that last day is going to be at DHS, Brown Derby is reasonable choice. If it's going to be at Epcot the new Japanese restaurant is supposed to be outstanding. And both are within walking distance/boat ride to Flying Fish.

 

[Hockey89]

Bluezoo is very good... Can walk around the boardwalk after...

If you want the best place, Capa at the Four Seasons....

 

[ppet]

My kids at that age loved Teppon Edo in Japan. They thought the chef's act was great and enjoyed the food.

 

[NYwdwfan]

Tiffins is in Animal Kingdom, isn't it? We can eat anywhere--in one of the parks is fine. We have park hopper tickets.

Yes it is - my apologies.

I’ve heard great things about Skipper’s Canteen.

Some of our favorites are The Yachtsman, Frontera Cocina, The Wave or Via Napoli.

 

[pelvis]

We're staying at Wilderness Lodge, so in Magic Kingdom area. In my head at least, we'll leave the parks mid-afternoon, go back to the hotel, shower etc, and then head to dinner, so wasn't thinking we'd have to eat in whatever park we were in for the day. Skipper Canteen does sound like a great last night spot, though!

 

[NiarrNDisney]

How about:

Bluefish (Dolphin)
Flying Fish (BWR)
Homecoming (DS-L)
Narcoossee's (GFR)
Olivia's (OKW)
Raglan Road (DS-L)
Toledo (CSR)

 

[TheGuyThatMakesSwords]

Hi! We're first-time visitors, going for a week in February, with two kids, ages 14 and 7. We'd like to eat at places with excellent food, but we threw in Chef Mickey's for one character meal. (The kids aren't into princesses so we didn't bother with one of those.) We just have our last night to figure out. Any must-do places we're missing? Or one that's really fun for the kids?

Here's what we've got booked so far:

California Grill - Saturday
Jiko - Sunday
Chef Mickey’s - Monday
Ohana - Tuesday
The Boathouse - Wednesday
Tiffins - Thursday
Friday - ???

Thank you!!

Just to get a little more data? Are you using DDP, Tables in Wonderland, or going OOP (out of pocket)?

Don't want to suggest that which does not fit your arrangements.

 

[pelvis]

Just to get a little more data? Are you using DDP, Tables in Wonderland, or going OOP (out of pocket)?

Don't want to suggest that which does not fit your arrangements.

Er, I'm not even sure what Tables in Wonderland is. Decided to go OOP, because I was overwhelmed the logistics of planning this all and dealing with the DDP. We'll have cheap lunches, I figure.

 

[Heppenheimer]

We're staying at Wilderness Lodge, so in Magic Kingdom area. In my head at least, we'll leave the parks mid-afternoon, go back to the hotel, shower etc, and then head to dinner, so wasn't thinking we'd have to eat in whatever park we were in for the day. Skipper Canteen does sound like a great last night spot, though!

Ok, your dining picks at the Magic Kingdom resorts will be a little easier to manage.

 

[danyoung56]

Er, I'm not even sure what Tables in Wonderland is.

It's a discount card for DVC members, locals, and AP holders. It costs around $150 per year, but gives 20% off most table service restaurants and even some quick service, INCLUDING ALCOHOL! If you plan it right, it can really save you a bunch of money!

 

[Po'Rich]

I suggest adding Boma. It is one place my kids insist on eating at during every visit. One kid is willing to try new things, and always finds things to like. The other kid is extremely picky, and also always finds things to like (and even occasionally tried something). BOTH kids love the place!

 

[TheGuyThatMakesSwords]

Er, I'm not even sure what Tables in Wonderland is. Decided to go OOP, because I was overwhelmed the logistics of planning this all and dealing with the DDP. We'll have cheap lunches, I figure.

Let's try to help?

DDP (Disney Dining plan, many levels) tends to save cash with folks going to moderate dining. Got Children that tend to get hungry every 5 minutes? (I had FOUR, long ago) - this can be very good .

Tables in Wonderland ("TIW"). This is a discount card that you must first QUALIFY for to buy. Any AP holder, any DVC Owner, FL Residents.
UP TO a party of 10, it gives you 20% off ANYTHING at participating Restaurants. It also imposes an 18% Gratuity. Yearly cost? $150 to $175 depending on your qualification status. Tends to work best for those that visit on a regular basis - but CAN pay off on one trip, depending on eating habits. A great option for those going to mostly Higher-End Restaurants, including several that are NOT Disney Owned. But probably worthless, unless one tends to tip. WE have gotten this for about 12 years running.... but we are an older couple, no children, tip 20% anyway, and tend to visit SIG Restaurants a good 16 nights per year. We also know how to get this card to work over three trips, spaced at 6 month intervals.

The real answer is painful.... you sort of have to run the numbers for YOUR Family. Depending on group size, eating habits? There is no "wrong" answer .

Now, an addition? PLEASE don't make the mistake I made YEARS ago, taking my DW & 4 Children to WDW.... with NO Reservations? Please - don't do that . Regardless of "plan", GET those Ressies? Multiple nights of "Room Service" really stink .

 

[DisAl]

We're staying at Wilderness Lodge, so in Magic Kingdom area. In my head at least, we'll leave the parks mid-afternoon, go back to the hotel, shower etc, and then head to dinner, so wasn't thinking we'd have to eat in whatever park we were in for the day. Skipper Canteen does sound like a great last night spot, though!

Unless you have the Parkhopper option on your tickets you will only be able to enter one park per day. If you were in the Magic Kingdom for the day you would not be able to go to a restaurant in Epcot. So, you would need to plan to eat in the "park of the day" or at one of the resorts. There are a lot of good restaurants at the resorts so you won't go hungry. Unless weather is an issue you can take the boat from Wilderness Lodge to the Contemporary which gives you access to both California Grill, The Wave, and Chef Mickey's. You also have Whispering Canyon and Artist Point at Wilderness Lodge.
If you have not already done so you can see every menu for every restaurant at WDW at this page: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/

 

[danyoung56]

We also know how to get this card to work over three trips, spaced at 6 month intervals.

This is exactly what I do - get three trips out of an AP and the TIW card.

 

[JillC LI]

Kona Cafe for breakfast. Raglan Road for dinner.