May dining with the kids

     We have decided to go with the regular Disney dining plan this go round so we had 6 reservations to lock up for our May departure.  This is never an easy task because we enjoy dining at Disney and have our must do's everytime.  However we are also the lets try something new kind of people so that is always out there to distract us as well.  We decided to let each child pick one favorite and then my wife and I each picked one as well.  That way everyone gets something just for them and that only leave us with two to make as a family.
     My youngest daughter was torn between a couple of places and decided to go with the princess character meal at Epcot.  Last year we enjoyed Cinderella's castle for lunch which was fun but it was two credits so we opted for Akershus in Norway.  If you have never had the opportunity to experience this place it is pretty good and the princesses come right to your table.  My youngest is 5 and is in love with all the princesses so this is her typical choice so it wasn't a big surprise.  We usually see Belle, Snow White, Jasmine, Aeriel (with legs), and Aurora but we have often been surprised and also got to see Mulan and Mary Poppins so you just never know!  Cinderella is never here she stays primarily in her Castle at the Magic Kingdom.  We actually really enjoy the food here and even though it is Norway it is not too far out there if you have a picky family.  The kid food is typical Disney fare with a couple of exceptions so the children will be fine!

   My oldest chose Crystal Palace at the Magic Kingdom also not a big surprise because she picks this every time.  She is an avid Piglet fan and the rest of the characters are great also.  Pooh, Eeyore, Piglet and Tigger come to your table for pictures and autographs and both my kids love this place.  The food although buffet style is actually pretty good and has a wide diverse selection for everyone.  There once again is plenty of food choices for the little ones so no worries there.  It can be a little wild and crazy which is good because if your kid is having a bad day with crying or being upset most people will not even realize it.

   My wife chose Teppan Edo which is the Japanese (hibachi style) restaurant at Epcot.  We have never actually eaten at this one so it will be new but Hibachi style is always a winner in our book.  The reviews are always pretty good for this location and we are definitely looking forward to this one.  The food selection for my youngest will not happen but we will get her something before we go.

    My choice was easy O'hana's at the Polynesian resort is my first choice every time.  I love everything about this place from the atmosphere to the view, but the food is unbelievable.  From the appetizers/starters, to the skewers of steak, shrimp, turkey, and pork, to the succulent bananas foster bread pudding this is my favorite place to eat in all of Disneyworld.

   Then we had two slots left and the debate began.  After all was said and done we were left with Chef Mickey's for dinner and Mama Melrose at Hollywood studios.  Let me begin by saying that the food at Hollywood studios is well below the quality of the other parks in our opinion.  The last couple of times we chose Mama Melrose (Italian) for the Fantasmic Dinner Package and ended up being pleasantly surprised.  The service was good and the food was pretty good also.  That being said we have had a couple of sub par meals here in the past but the last couple have been good.  Due to the overwhelming lack of choices for us at Hollywood Studios it is kind of a de facto choice since we are planning on going to Hollywood Studios twice!  The Chef Mickey's selection was different because every year since our first trip to Disneyworld we have gone to Chef Mickey's so it is a tradition.  However each time we have done breakfast and this time it will be dinner so there is a subtle change but still staying with tradition somewhat!

     As you can see we have chosen to use our table service meals at dinner each time because that meal costs the most and allows you to maximize the value of the dining plan.  We usually chose to utilize our counter service meals at lunch for the same reason and many times we use our snack credits for breakfast.  The snack credit can be used for a muffin or pastry at any bakery on property and is usually enough to tide us over until lunch if we choose to do that.