Where to eat for Christmas

[AZDisneyFan]

Hi there. I am a Disneyland vet, but my family is taking the trek to DW for 9 days. We have 3 kids between the ages of 4-7, and want to set up a meal for Christmas day at the park (or around Christmas). I haven't been to DW in years, so I am unfamilier with it, and the resturant list is overwhelming. Does anyone have suggestions on their favorite resturants with kids for a special day? Thanks :)

[Drince88]

Are you really interested or really not interested in a character meal, or does it not matter to you? The list of character meals isn't too overwhelming, and I think at this point, any of those places that has an opening on Christmas, would be the best choice. You're going at a very busy time of the year, and the restaurants have been VERY booked lately, so I recommend you make reservations very soon for any meal you want at any restaurant that accepts reservations.

There was another thread recently about restaurants here (http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/showthread.php?t=49853) that talks about some sources for information about restaurants.

[LeslieM]

I'd also make a park plan for Christmas. It will be extremely busy, so take that into consideration. That will narrow down your restaurant choices considerably and give you a starting point. As Drince says, I'd be getting some ADRs (Advanced Dining Reservations) ASAP.

If you do a WDW forum search for Christmas, you'll get a gazillion hits to browse through with some tips. I'd also read some of the WDW trip reports from the Holiday timeframe. Both will give you some clues about what not to miss and dealing with the Christmas crowds.

Sounds like a wonderful trip for you and the kids - have a great time!
Oh, and ask any questions here -- someone always knows the answer and we are all very opinionated!

[Mark Goldhaber]

As Drince says,
She's a Drince88, not a Drince! :D :p

[disnut8]

One hint here. We just made plans to go to Disney World for Christmas and I was concerned with getting a reservation for December 25th. I called after deciding on Tappenyaki in Japan (I know, it's like a Benehana but we've never eaten here and will enjoy the chef thing, something we used to do with dear friends so we'll remember them). When the Cast Member asked me what day, I started to chuckle and said "December 25th if anything is left". She started laughing and said "I'm laughing with you, not at you". I wisely had decided on a lunch. There were plenty of available seatings for that meal. We're in at 1:30 after being given about seven other times to choose from.

So check on lunch time availability if you can't find what you want for dinner. Be flexible with your times and your restaurant choices.

[LeslieM]

She's a Drince88, not a Drince! :D :p
I know, I know! And, a fine Drince88 she is! It's that pesky shortening-names-into-nicknames thing I have going on. If her name was Cathy, I'd probably call her "Cath" ;) , just like I do my bestest friend.

Please forgive me, oh beautiful, magical Drince88, for calling you a Drince! :p :)

And, now, back to Christmas feasts...

[Drince88]

I know, I know! And, a fine Drince88 she is! It's that pesky shortening-names-into-nicknames thing I have going on. If her name was Cathy, I'd probably call her "Cath" ;) , just like I do my bestest friend.

Please forgive me, oh beautiful, magical Drince88, for calling you a Drince! :p :)

And, now, back to Christmas feasts...
Ah, no worries - even my sister signed up here as Drince's sister!

oops - sorry for derailing even more.

I'm glad you were able to get ADRs still, Disnut8 - that makes me hopeful for AZDisneyFan!

[AZDisneyFan]

O.K. I will call right away. I have done so many character meals at DL, and the kids like them. BTW, I was kind of hoping to dine in or near the park we will be visiting that day. Any recommondations on where to spend Xmas day? I figure we will have to see Magic Kingdom earlier in the week.
Thanks so much for all your help. I'm sure I will have a million more questions before Dec.

[brazen wench]

Any recommondations on where to spend Xmas day? I figure we will have to see Magic Kingdom earlier in the week.
Most people would say Epcot because its size allows it to hold the largest number of people without feeling overwhelmingly crowded. Epcot also has numerous counter service restaurants in case you have trouble making an ADR that you like.

For ADRs on Xmas day, keep trying if nothing is available now, even up to the same day. There are sometimes additional seats unblocked from the reservations systems, and also, some cancellations.

[MinnieSummer]

My park choices for Christmas Day are always the same: NEVER go to MK as it is way too busy and many times filled to capacity. We go to AK -- usually no lines at all and then head over to Epcot mid day for the CLP Dinner Package. The Garden Grill has a really nice Character Meal at Epcot. If you want to do a character breakfast the Breakfastasaurus at AK is also fun. On Christmas Eve you can try Liberty Tree Tavern for a character dinner (a must on every trip for us).