Dining

Of course if you read what I wrote about Disney you would know I recommend staying at their resorts. Eating at them is my next suggestion. You have so many options for all types of appetites. Here are my favorites: Whispering Canyons at Wilderness Lodge, a family style restaurant with hands on fun including pony races. Love this place! We had visited the lodge in the past and love the rustic atmosphere that makes you feel far from Florida with its majestic ceilings that extend to the top story, massive fire place and coziness not found in many other places. During a Christmas trip to Disney we decided to eat Whispering Canyons, which is located in the lobby. We had a very large crowd, I think 20 of us and soon realized to seat all of us together would take too long so we told them we could be divided into 2. We were seated soon. The food is chicken, skillet meals all you can eat served on a Lazy Susan, ribs etc. but save room for dessert because it’s even better. It is a little more pricey then some places but worth it.

The next place I love is the Polynesian. They have 2 great options for dining. First Ohana – we went here with the kids, my brother and his wife a few years ago. Pay one price, eat all you can, keep in mind children’s prices only go up to age 9…since when is a 10 year old an adult? Anyway, you start with bread & salad, and then appetizers of dumplings and wings – remember it is all you can eat so ask for more if you are up to it. The main course is a variety of things cooked over an oak fire including shrimp; steak, pork and turkey…again eat up. The dessert is the best, bread pudding with bananas and caramel sauce. Until then the thought of bread pudding made me cringe, wet bread, no thanks. But I have to say this dessert was to die for. Even my non eating dessert husband asked for 2nds. If you time it right and sit in the right spot you can watch the fire works at Cinderella’s castle from your table. I look forward to going back to Ohana. The other option is The Spirit of Aloha Luau which is outside. This is a fest with entertainment. You sit at a long table with others unless you have a huge party, and courses are brought out. Again this is a pay one price dinner. You start with the salad and bread, not plain bread but sweet island bread, then vegetables, rice, chicken and ribs follow, finally a volcano dessert is delivered to the table. Prior to entering they do take family photos that can be purchased, and fireworks can be seen from here as well when timed right. Make reservations for this meal. Of course the Polynesians has other choices for food but these are the 2 I have been to.

Another place I love, especially for young kids, is Chef Mickey located in the Contemporary – the hotel the monorail goes through. We went for dinner quite a few years back, this is all you can eat buffet, so you pay one price. The main Disney characters (Mickey, Minnie etc.) come to you which is great; you do not have to move except to get your food. Each one stops at your table and gives you enough time for photos. The dessert bar has many options; see a trend in what I like? Again they take a family photo with characters for you to purchase.
As any Disney place, don’t forget to look for the hidden Mickey’s.