Our vacation is only days away, but we began planning months ago. To ensure we would get the ADRs (advance dining reservations) we wanted we had to start thinking about food a while ago. If you are staying on property you can make your dining reservation 180 +10 days out.
Our usual strategy is to choose one table service a day. To choose those meals we think about our hotel, which park we will be going to and if there are any special occasions. This year is special as James and I will be celebrating our anniversary while we are there. We new we wanted to do something very special that day. The rest we chose either individually or as a family.
So without further ado, here are our dining picks for our 2013 vacation.
Boma– Family pick:This year we will be staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Because of that we knew we must try Boma again. We first at at Boma in December 2010. I immediately came home and looked up the recipe for their carrot ginger soup. Since I was pregnant the last time we were there, I didn’t try the zebra domes, but they are on my must try list this year!
Via Napoli– Family pick: Last summer, we ate at Via Napoli for the first time, and it instantly became one of our favorite restaurants in Walt Disney World! We loved the atmosphere, the service, and the food! In our opinion, the pizza was absolutely perfect! I still rave about the Arancini (Fried Risotto Balls with Mozzarella and Meat Ragu) It’s a perfect family restaurant. We can’t wait to eat there again this trip!
Cinderella’s Royal Table (breakfast)- Family Pick: Eating inside Cinderella’s Castle is something that everyone should do at least once. We have eaten there in the past for both breakfast and dinner. Although we were impressed with the atmosphere and interaction, the food was disappointing. However, we recently learned that CRT changed their menu. Upon reviewing the changes, we knew we needed to give it another try. It will be Jackson’s first time in the castle.
Be Our Guest (dinner)– Family pick: Our family was fortunate enough to secure a reservation for dinner at Be Our Guest. What makes this reservation even more special is we will be celebrating our 8 year wedding anniversary that day too. We have heard great things about the menu and the theming. I already have my eye on the Ratatouille. Maybe we’ll even be lucky enough to enjoy a plate of “The Grey Stuff.”
Sanaa– Lisa’s Pick: I chose this ADR for 3 reasons. One, it’s also located at AKL and I wanted to take advantage of everything the hotel had to offer. Two, from the dining room, you can see animals out on the savanna. I knew my kids would love that. Three, it’s menu boasts many vegetarian offerings. Although I am not strictly vegetarian, I do enjoy eating meat free.
Play and Dine Breakfast at Hollywood and Vine– Bella and Jackson’s pick: Our kids are big fans of Disney Jr.. On our last trip, we tried out the Play ‘n Dine breakfast at Hollywood and Vine and it was a lot of fun! The food was good, and the character interaction was great! Not only did the characters come by for pictures and autographs, but there were also some great moments where the characters invited the kids to get up and sing songs and dance with them!
‘Ohana– Bella’s Pick: One of our favorite Character Meals is the Best Friends Breakfast at ‘Ohana, located at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. In addition to Lilo, Stitch, Mickey and Pluto coming around to say “Aloha!”, ‘Ohana features some really great food. Some would say it’s magical. On our last visit, Bella was wishing for more Mickey waffles, and while a friend stopped by to say hello, the waffles magically appeared on her plate! She still talks about it and we can’t wait to see what new magical surprises await us on this upcoming visit!
So what do you think of our choices? Did we choose one of your favorites? Let us know!
Beth Doda ~ disneymom2jhe
Tuesday 16th of July 2013
We did the character breakfast atOhana our last trip and loved it! We had always done dinner there (a family favorite) and we were not disappointed by the breakfast. Pluto was playing some pranks on our server that had my kids giggling so hard they hardly could eat! Great family memories!
teacherlady117
Wednesday 17th of July 2013
Thanks for sharing your favorite dining experience with us! We've yet to do 'Ohana for dinner because breakfast is such a hit for our family. Pluto put on our son's sunglasses the last time we were there. He is one funny dog! Thanks for stopping by!