Be honest... I can take it!!! A few of these are new to us, but some are favorites.

Saturday 9/13/08 - no ADRs since we get in pretty late... we'll probably do Cosmic Ray's if we decide to hit MK that night or I'll make an ADR for Boma (one of our favorites anyway).

Sunday 9/14/08 - Breakfast: Chef Mickey's
Late Lunch: Tony's Town Square

Monday 9/15/08 - Lunch: Yak & Yeti (haven't been - might end up doing counter service at Yak & Yeti instead of table service)
Dinner: Flame Tree (haven't been)

Tuesday 9/16/18 - Lunch: Sunshine Seasons
Dinner: Cinderella's Gala Feast at 1900 Park Fare

Wednesday 9/17/08 - Lunch: Backlot Express
Dinner: The Hollywood Brown Derby

Thursday 9/18/08 - Breakfast: Main Street Bake Shop
Lunch: Columbia Harbour House
Dinner: 'Ohana

Friday 9/19/08 - Breakfast: The Mara (food court @ AKL)
Lunch: Yakitori House (not my fave at all, but trying again)
Dinner: Akershus (never been)

Saturday 9/20/08 - Lunch: Pizzafari
Dinner: Jiko

Sunday 9/21/08 - Breakfast: Kona Cafe
Dinner: California Grill (never been)

Monday 9/22/08 - Breakfast: Boma

This will be the first time going without the dining plan. We have LOVED the dining plan, but I don't think it is worth it the way it is now. I certainly don't need to order an appetizer and dessert with all of my meals - if the dining plan included the appetizer instead of dessert I would consider purchasing it, but I don't even really like dessert that much and since I'd have to pay for tips anyway the cost just isn't really worth it to me. On the other hand, if the free dining is offered again this year, I might change my reservation to a split stay and do half of the trip with the deluxe dining plan and the other half with no dining plan at all.

Looks reasonable to me, Wendi. Who is in your group?

The only "flag" I saw was the Monday 9/15 dinner. What time does AK close on that day? Is that going to be late enough for you? Are you going to be wanting the end of your day at AK to be eating, and not enjoying attractions?

Have you considered LeCellier that is so good. other than that looks good to me. Have a great time!

Looks like a great plan. When you dine at Flame Tree, don't take the first seats you see. Go down the steps - it's like you're going further into the ruins. You can get a seat all the way down on the water, with a great view of Everest across the way.

You're really gonna love the California Grill! Ask for a seat by a window facing the MK. You didn't mention what time your dinner is, but if it's anywhere near fireworks time in the MK, plan on going outside and viewing them there. There are speakers up there that pipe the music in, and the wait staff are more than willing to keep your food warm while you're outside. Enjoy!

Looks reasonable to me, Wendi. Who is in your group?

The only "flag" I saw was the Monday 9/15 dinner. What time does AK close on that day? Is that going to be late enough for you? Are you going to be wanting the end of your day at AK to be eating, and not enjoying attractions?

Just me and my son, Max - he's 6.

Thanks for the advice, you are right, AK closes at 5pm and that's too early for us West Coasters... we'll do it if we're hungry, but if not we'll probably just have dinner at Boma or The Mara after swimming.

Have you considered LeCellier that is so good. other than that looks good to me. Have a great time!

No, we are one of the only families on earth who did not have a good experience or good food at Le Cellier... maybe we'll go back someday, but I'm in no rush.

And did you notice that with these plans - vs what you'd do on the dining plan - you're eating at a lot more 'nicer' table service restaurants than you would otherwise! (I counted 13 table service credits, but I could be off by a couple)

Looks like a great plan. When you dine at Flame Tree, don't take the first seats you see. Go down the steps - it's like you're going further into the ruins. You can get a seat all the way down on the water, with a great view of Everest across the way.

You're really gonna love the California Grill! Ask for a seat by a window facing the MK. You didn't mention what time your dinner is, but if it's anywhere near fireworks time in the MK, plan on going outside and viewing them there. There are speakers up there that pipe the music in, and the wait staff are more than willing to keep your food warm while you're outside. Enjoy!

Thanks! I've seen that area before and it looks really nice and peaceful... maybe we'll go take a little break there even if we don't have dinner.

I can't wait for CG!!! I actually don't remember the timing on our dinner and fireworks, but I think it might work out... I left my notes at work so I'll have to check later today on the time.

And did you notice that with these plans - vs what you'd do on the dining plan - you're eating at a lot more 'nicer' table service restaurants than you would otherwise! (I counted 13 table service credits, but I could be off by a couple)

Yes, and I'm such a compulsive planner that I made a spreadsheet of what we would actually eat (the way we want to eat, rather than what we'd eat on the dining plan) and the cost is slightly less than what we'd spend on the dining plan, plus we are eating what we truly want. I don't need appetizers (though I admit they are nice sometimes) and I really never eat desserts, so the dining plan doesn't have the same appeal as it did in previous years.

Monday 9/15/08 - Dinner: Flame Tree (haven't been)

Absolutely love it !!! It's a MUST whenever we're in AK. It's considered "counter service," so I don't think you can do ADRs there.

Wednesday 9/17/08 - Lunch: Backlot Express We enjoyed their burgers. But same thing--counter service vs ADRs.

Thursday 9/18/08 - Dinner: 'Ohana We've had a great time there on multiple visits. Food is good (& "all you can eat"), and the atmosphere is fun.

Friday 9/19/08 - Dinner: Akershus (never been)
Have not been there for dinner, but we've been for a princess breakfast & enjoyed it.

Ohh ohh - I almost missed this! At 'Ohana, make sure you request the pineapple with caramel dipping sauce instead of the default bread pudding. It's a simple little dessert, but it is just indescribably delicious! It's the perfect ending to a meat-heavy meal. They discontinued it for awhile, but I just read that they've started it up again. I'll be eating there in a couple weeks - can't wait for that pineapple!

Ohh ohh - I almost missed this! At 'Ohana, make sure you request the pineapple with caramel dipping sauce instead of the default bread pudding. It's a simple little dessert, but it is just indescribably delicious! It's the perfect ending to a meat-heavy meal. They discontinued it for awhile, but I just read that they've started it up again. I'll be eating there in a couple weeks - can't wait for that pineapple!

Yes, I've heard that it may not only be available again, but it may be replacing the bread pudding in the near future. I am actually sad about that because the bread pudding is one of the only desserts that I absolutely love in WDW.

I do enjoy a good bread pudding. But that pineapple and caramel combination just works so well for me. Can't wait!

I do enjoy a good bread pudding. But that pineapple and caramel combination just works so well for me. Can't wait!

Do you think it would be good to someone who isn't a pineapple lover?

I'm gonna say no, as it's just pineapple and caramel. Stay with the bread pudding.

Sunday 9/14/08 - Breakfast: Chef Mickey's - great
Late Lunch: Tony's Town Square - not so great - at least my experience


Monday 9/15/08 - Lunch: Yak & Yeti (haven't been - might end up doing counter service at Yak & Yeti instead of table service)
Dinner: Flame Tree (haven't been) was just ok


Tuesday 9/16/18 - Lunch: Sunshine Seasons epcot? if so was good

Dinner: Cinderella's Gala Feast at 1900 Park Fare - great


Wednesday 9/17/08 - Lunch: Backlot Express
Dinner: The Hollywood Brown Derby wasn't impressed


Thursday 9/18/08 - Breakfast: Main Street Bake Shop
Lunch: Columbia Harbour House - pretty good

Dinner: 'Ohana love it but you gotta love protein


Friday 9/19/08 - Breakfast: The Mara (food court @ AKL)
Lunch: Yakitori House (not my fave at all, but trying again)
Dinner: Akershus (never been) can be an acquired taste


Saturday 9/20/08 - Lunch: Pizzafari
Dinner: Jiko

Sunday 9/21/08 - Breakfast: Kona Cafe - tonga toast

Dinner: California Grill (never been) food was a bit stuffy... just went last week... get the Banana/Butterscotch buzz for dessert - it was almost orgasmic in flavor


Monday 9/22/08 - Breakfast: Boma

This will be the first time going without the dining plan. We have LOVED the dining plan, but I don't think it is worth it the way it is now. I certainly don't need to order an appetizer and dessert with all of my meals - if the dining plan included the appetizer instead of dessert I would consider purchasing it, but I don't even really like dessert that much and since I'd have to pay for tips anyway the cost just isn't really worth it to me. On the other hand, if the free dining is offered again this year, I might change my reservation to a split stay and do half of the trip with the deluxe dining plan and the other half with no dining plan at all.

I commented on the ones I thought... it's not worth it if you don't do the appetizer and dessert but if you do those it is worth it. I like not having to do tips though. The issue I had was I hated doing counter servce. Also we didn't do the snacks so ended up buying like 10 bottles of water to take home with us.

I have to chime in and disagree with hershey's assessments. I'm not saying she was wrong - just that my experience greatly differs.

Dinner: Flame Tree (haven't been) was just ok

Flame Tree is a must stop for me at DAK. I love their ribs, but I really enjoy the pulled pork sandwich. Combine the food with the well landscaped terraced seating, looking across the water at Mt. Everest, and you have a really memorable meal.

Dinner: The Hollywood Brown Derby wasn't impressed

I just don't know how one can not be impressed with the Brown Derby. It's a very elegant restaurant, with a somewhat upper scale menu. I just ate there this week, and had a wonderful crab cake appetizer and a 12 ounce sirloin strip steak, both terrific. And the sourdough bread with fresh butter was tasty enough to make a meal out of.

Dinner: California Grill (never been) food was a bit stuffy... just went last week... get the Banana/Butterscotch buzz for dessert - it was almost orgasmic in flavor

This was the comment that forced me to respond. The CG is simply my favorite restaurant on the planet. To say that their food is stuffy is to simply not understand fine dining. The location up on top of the Contemporary Resort offers a stunning view of the Magic Kingdom and surrounding waterways. The service has always been excellent - friendly and efficient without being overbearing in any way. They feature sushi appetizers created by one of the top sushi artists in the world. And the tamarind bbq marinated beef filet is just a perfect piece of beef - cut with a fork, melt in your mouth tasty! Add in some fine wine and a light dessert (never had the banana/butterscotch buzz, but it sounds good!), and you have the perfect meal. I've had a meal there last 2 1/2 hours, and not felt a bit neglected. Consistently the finest restaurant I've ever had the pleasure of visiting.

Sorry, hershey - hope I wasn't too rude there! ;)

I think Hershey and I have different tastes too because we LOVE The Hollywood Brown Derby. I also think Columbia Harbor House is VERY good, and I like 'Ohana (and I don't love meat) - actually I think the food at Kona Cafe is much better, but I like 'Ohana for the kid's activities so it kind of evens out.

My plan for the California Grill is to probably have just a salad and a sushi/sashimi platter... and maybe dessert too, we'll see.

We all do have different tastes and that is what makes us unique. I guess the problem I was having with CG was the atmosphere that night. There were alot of kids running around being very noisy... now I have kids so don't say I am anti-kids ... just on this night it was very hard to hold down a conversation with the person sitting directly across from us.

I had the steak/beef option and it was good.... but it was not the best I'd had at WDW. Pretty much the only restaurant I haven't eaten at is the one at the Grand Floridian where the name has escaped my head and Chefs de France... only cause I prefer Bistro de Paris.

Now as far as Columbia House - I just don't care for counter service too much and don't eat it unless I have to while I'm there.

I may have hit Brown Derby on an off-night or something but it was one we went to and was like eh.. it's alright... it wasn't a rush back to. I guess I have to give it a try again.

I love to have a well cooked meal - I don't really care about the cost as long as it is GOOD. One of the main reasons I go to WDW is to eat and enjoy the food.

Saturday 9/13/08 - no ADRs since we get in pretty late... we'll probably do Cosmic Ray's : Big fan of both Cosmic Rays and Boma


Sunday 9/14/08 - Breakfast: Chef Mickey's- good choice
Late Lunch: Tony's Town Square- best of mediocre list of MK TS


Monday 9/15/08 - Lunch: Yak & Yeti - never been
Dinner: Flame Tree - the best CS in WDW

Tuesday 9/16/18 - Lunch: Sunshine Seasons- good choice
Dinner: Cinderella's Gala Feast at 1900 Park Fare- never been

Wednesday 9/17/08 - Lunch: Backlot Express- average. DHS has poor CS
Dinner: The Hollywood Brown Derby- good choice

Thursday 9/18/08 - Breakfast: Main Street Bake Shop- good
Lunch: Columbia Harbour House- good
Dinner: 'Ohana- very good

Friday 9/19/08 - Breakfast: The Mara - never been
Lunch: Yakitori House - never been


Saturday 9/20/08 - Lunch: Pizzafari- I just assume go back to the Flame Tree, pizza as a general rule stinks at WDW and it certanly does here
Dinner: Jiko- good choice

Sunday 9/21/08 - Breakfast: Kona Cafe- good


Monday 9/22/08 - Breakfast: Boma- my favorite but for dinner

Wendi, let me know how your food choices worked out. After having a few so-so meals at DLR, it will be nice to see how you did. I am planning for Oct, so this will help.

No problemo... I did a foodie-style trip report on another board (maybe here too, but if so I don't know if it still exists). Let me know if you want me to send you a link to it. Have you made any ADRs yet, or are you looking for advice on anyplace in particular?

Oh, and even though I'm a Disneyland die-hard, the food at WDW is waaaaayyyy better. (So sad that Florida has better food than California, huh?)

Not really sure what "ADR's" are, so no planning for that yet.

Yea, Just wanted to see which places are not to be missed places. Since it will be a first time trip.

Not really sure what "ADR's" are, so no planning for that yet.

Yea, Just wanted to see which places are not to be missed places. Since it will be a first time trip.

My advice would be to go to allearsnet.com and check out the menus - make some choices on where you would like to eat and at least make a few Advanced Dining Reservations (ADRs) for your trip. Restaurants book fast and you can reserve 180 days in advance, and most people are chomping at the bit for their 180 days to get there - they book as soon as they possibly can! It's nuts... totally different from Disneyland where you can walk into just about any restaurant and get seated fairly quickly. At WDW you will be turned away if you don't have ADRs from many of the restaurants.

Who is in your party? What are your dates? Where are you staying? Do you know which parks you will be going to on which days? If you post some of your details as well as what types of foods you like, I'm sure you will get lots of advice on great restaurants.

Some of my favorite table service places are:
The Hollywood Brown Derby (2 dining credits if you are on the dining plan)
Boma - great African buffet at the Animal Kingdom Lodge (breakfast or dinner)
Les Chefs de France - Epcot World Showcase restaurant
Kona Cafe - very good food, at the Polynesian
'Ohana - good food, great for kids, served family style, also at the Poly

If you want unique places:
Cinderella's Royal Table - dining INSIDE the castle (can't do that in DL!)
Sci-Fi Dine In Theater - like a drive-in movie, sit in cars (haven't been there, sounds fun, but the food doesn't sound appealing to me)
Coral Reef - Enormous aquarium, great atmosphere, mediocre food

Chef Mickey's is a classic character breakfast - I would compare it to Goofy's Kitchen, but it is a lot better IMO. You can monorail or walk to MK after breakfast, this restaurant is in the Contemporary.

Cinderella's Gala Feast at 1900 Park Fare has Cinderella, Prince Charming, Lady Tremaine and the stepsisters at dinner... what a fun character experience! This is a buffet with food above buffet standards at the Grand Floridian.

I can go on and on about food, so I think I'd better stop myself right now... please post if you want more info!!!

redimpss5 just wanted to make sure you understand the whole ADR thing. From what I hear you don't have to make to many ressies in DLR, in WDW you pretty much have to make them if if you really want to be sure to be able to eat at a certain restaurant at a certain time. Depending on when you go and how many people in your party it may be all but impossible to walk up and get seated in a reasonable amount of time. If something comes up and you change your mind you can always cancel the ADR no harm no foul (with the exception of a few prepaid ADR's). You can make your ressies at 180 from the day you want to dine. Since you said October you may want to start getting your ideas in place because your 180 window will open soon or may have already.