WDW 2012, Part 2 (The Food Edition)

Normally, where to eat would be the most important part of a vacation for me.  However, as much as I love Disney, I am not completely convinced their food is anything to write home about. With that being said, when in “the World”, it is always wise to have a plan especially when it comes to dining!

As mentioned in my previous post, we did a different meal plan this year compared to last.  Reason for this was the deluxe meal plan offers: too.much.food.  Those who know me best will attest, if I’m claiming it’s too much food, it’s too.much.food.  Don’t get me wrong. Last trip we ate and ate and ate some more and really didn’t complain.  But quite frankly who needs appetizers and dessert at every meal.  Want? Yes! But, need?  No! 

So, we simply booked the Disney Dining Plan: 1 quick service meal, 1 snack, 1 table service meal and a refillable mug for 4.  Dining plans cannot be purchased for children under 3, so Frances either ate from our plates or shared with her brother and sister.  And guess what? It worked.  I have to admit, because we carried a 2 year old around a majority of the time, I worked up  quite an appetite, so there were meals where I found myself wishing for more.  But for the majority of the time, there was more than enough food, and I think we enjoyed each meal more because we weren’t super stuffed from the previous meal. 

Another benefit to the lesser meal plan, we weren’t constantly rushing around to arrive on time for reservations.  The other plan included more table service meals which equals reservations.  We usually had in mind which quick service we would aim for but didn’t have any constraints beyond that.  It was quite nice!

Now, of course, we had to supplement this meal plan by bringing our own breakfast, snack foods and drinks, but that really was not a problem, especially since we drove. Breakfast was mostly a breakfast bar or granola bar along with drinks from our refillable mugs. Snacks mostly consisted of the same thing: granola bars, peanut butter crackers, cheese crackers, gummies and Capri Suns.  

Our dining strategy this go ‘round:  more ethnic food and restaurants we didn’t dine at last time.  The line up…

Quick Service:

Restaurantosaurus, Animal Kingdom

Backlot Express, Hollywood Studios

Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café, Magic Kingdom

Tortuga Tavern, Magic Kingdom

Boulangerie Patisserie, Epcot (France)

Beaches Pool Bar & Grill, Grand Floridian

Table Service:

1900 Park Fare, Grand Floridian (character meal)

Nine Dragons Restaurant, Epcot (China)

San Angel Inn, Epcot (Mexico)

Coral Reef, Epcot

Crystal Palace, Magic Kingdom (character meal)

 

 Thoughts on our dining experiences:

·         I love character meals because of the interaction with the characters.  I don’t love character meals because you are constantly awaiting interaction with the characters.  Read:  the kids are extremely distracted and not in a good way!   We did three character meals last year, and only two this year.  I think two was ample! 

·         I considered it a score that we were able to eat in the Airstream trailer attached to Restaurantosaurus.  There are only two booths in the trailer, so this was a biggy!  Thank you Disney Food Blog for the heads up. Another plus here: the kids meals are served in a sand bucket with shovel!

·         Our most relaxed meal was at the Nine Dragons in Epcot (China).  I think it was because there was not much in the restaurant to stimulate the children.  Believe it or not, even they need a break from all of the action.  It was a simple, quiet meal.  And crazy enough, the kids have already asked to go back! 

·         We also loved the atmosphere at San Angel Inn. We lucked out and were seated right along the water with a perfect view of the volcano.  Don’t forget to ride the Gran Fiesta Tour starring the Three Caballeros.  It was a favorite!!!

·         We didn’t have reservations at 1900 Park Fare, but they were able to seat us within 30 minutes. 

·         We aren’t big seafood fans, so Coral Reef will probably not be on our list again. Plus we weren’t seated anywhere near the large “aquarium” so the kids weren’t too impressed.

·         I can’t believe we didn’t eat at Casey’s Corner (Magic Kingdom) this trip. It was definitely a favorite last time.  

·         We hope to eat at Tony’s Town Square next visit.  We cancelled reservations there to dine at Crystal Palace.  We are glad we did, but still want to give it a try!

·         Snacks that deserve some recognition: Butterfinger Cupcake from Starring Rolls (Hollywood Studios) and caramel popcorn from Karamell Kuche (Epcot, Germany).