First time at Disney and not using ADR’s

[sicknote]

We upgraded the dining plan to DDP, this was probably a mistake for our family.

[loves2plan]

You will be able to get TS places every day, but if you have your heart set on certain places or want to take the children to eat with characters, then a bit of planning is needed. The easiest thing to do is boom them and then designate that day to the park that the restaurant is in. If you don't pre book character meals, then please don't tell your children that they'll be able to eat with Mickey, Tigger, Cinderella etc, as they'll just be disappointed if you can't get them on the day.

To get an idea of on the day availability now, just have a look at the Disney site to see what restaurants are available. Bearing in mind that it's peak Easter time, which is one of the busiest times of the year, you'll find even more in the day availability when you're going.

[mandco]

Originally Posted by sicknote

We upgraded the dining plan to DDP, this was probably a mistake for our family.

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I don't think it was a mistake it probably just seems a little overwhelming with the need to try and know in advance where you'll be and when you want to eat. The thing to do is just book some based on a rough plan and change/cancel if needed. We've been on the ddp a couple of times and even so I still struggle to work out what/where to book and end up changing things around.

With kids the ddp can be excellent value esp if you do the character meals as its a great way to meet characters and they are very expensive oop. There are some great disney ts restaurants and being on the ddp gives you the freedom to try ones you might not otherwise do due to cost.
Another thing to remember is if you don't use all your TS credits you can swap them for qs credits so they wont be wasted but it is a poor use of them.

[sha9]

Originally Posted by sicknote

We upgraded the dining plan to DDP, this was probably a mistake for our family.

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Depending who you booked with it may not be too late to change back to QSDP if you think that would suit better.

[sicknote]

So far I have managed to book the following:

Crystal Palace
TuskerHouse
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
Boma
Ohanas
Chef Mickeys

I can’t get BOG and was wondering if anyone has restaurant ideas that the kids might like or any other restaurant recommendations that we should try?

When travelling to the water parks from CBR do we need to take 2 buses?

[Eccle]

Do they like Little Mermaid or Tangled? The Bon Voyage breakfast at Trattoria al Forno is really nice.

Also what about Hollywood and Vine with the Fantasmic dining package?

[Eccle]

On the water parks, I think you have to change at AK for Blizzard Beach, and Disney Springs for Typhoon Lagoon

[loves2plan]

Garden Grill is lovely and features Chip N Dale, Mickey and Pluto.

Teppen Edo is a completely different experience and the chef's put on a great show. Don't worry about it being spicy or Chinese food as everything is cooked to order in front of you and then you have dipping sauces to add more flavour/spice. So if your children will eat things like rice, noodles, chicken etc, they'll be fine.

Have a look at Mickey's Backyard BBQ too.

The Whispering Canyon Cafe is meant to be really good fun. Get your son to ask for ketchup!

Rainforest Café and T-Rex always seem to be popular choices for kids too.

[nquart]

I’d second Garden Grill, the food is good & the characters are great.
Hollywood & vine is a good use of credits if you get the fantasmic dining package, it’s Disney junior characters at breakfast, Minnie & others at lunch & dinner.

[Guest]

Originally Posted by NewtoOrlando

Table service restaurants can get really busy, especially if you want character dining and the really popular restaurants.

I would still book some, if you don't fancy it on the day you can cancel it without charge (make sure you cancel it though or you will be charged) at least that way you have the options. If you don't know what parks on what day then fast passes will be hard to get too!

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In theory, the cancellation must be done not less than 24 hours in advance or you will be charged $10 for each person in your party. If you do it on the actual day it is up to the restaurant manager's discretion based on the reason.