Originally Posted By iheartmickey Hello all... We leave in 34 days!!!!!! and counting for Paris and will be ending our trip in DLP! Our daughter turns 5 on this trip and is going to DLP for her birthday. Are there any good character meals or something special you can suggest to take her to for her birthday? Something with a princess or two would really make her day. I have read about the Buffalo Bill show and think that might be fun. Would a just turned 5 year old get much out of it? Also, does anyone know if the Phantom Mansion closes for holiday renovations in September like it does in Disneyland? I hope not because I really want to see it! We're staying at the Hotel Cheyenne. Any suggestions as far as what building to request or other tips/ideas on staying there? Is there a number to call to make dining reservations like you do for DL? Any resturants that aren't to be missed in the Disney Village? Any that must be reserved ahead of time? We're going Tues 9/16 and leave Friday morning 9/19. Thanks for all of the help. I've gotten lots of good info here to prepare!
Originally Posted By u k fan iheartmickey, I'm at work at the moment so I don't have time to respond fully now, but I'll try and post my thoughts later!!!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Hi iheartmickey. For characters there are a lot of choices - Cafe Mickey in the Village (like goofy's Kitchen at DLH but it is al a carte italian rather than a buffet), Inventions in the Disneyland Hotel - expensive but includes Lobster and fillet mignon usually, great buffet, Lucky Nugget (rather than a Billy Hill or revue show, it is now a tex mex buffet restaurant with characters and a live band), and for princesses - Auberge de Cindrillon is a palace style restaurant with tapestries and stained glass (and a gold pumkin coach) with the princesses walzing and the mice from Cinderella. It is a set menu, and seems expensive, but your wine is included and your daughter would receive a free tiara. The cheapest character option is the Birthday Tea at Plaza Gardens in the afternoon. All you can eat cakes and tea with characters. As for Buffalo Bill's it is an awesome experience IMHO, but it depends on your daughter. My brothers loved it when they were her age, and I am taking my kids (age 5 and 3) on their first trip there in August. It has native american indian dances, guns, horse stunts, and stampeding buffalo, it is wild and loud. I love it.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Phantom Manor is indeed very cool, and quite different than DL's (love them both, but I give DLP the edge). we don't have a layover, but traditionally it goes down for maintanence in November.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo I've looked at one of my sources, and so far it seems like the only thing planned to be down is Autopia for a week starting on the 8th. Cheyenne is a fun option, with bunk beds. There are two areas to aim for (can't remember the names) either opt for one near the main building for access to shops, bar etc. and near the bus stop. Or if you like walking, ask for one as close to the Hotel New York as possible, makes for a shorter walk. For me, there are a number of fun places to dine. for fine dining California Grill is the DLP version of Napa Rose (not quite the same), for Steakhouse 55 quality, the Steakhouse in the Village is great. With a 5 year old though, Annettes (burgers and shakes place) - walk ins, Rain Forest Cafe and King Ludwigs are good choices in the village (no reservations needed). For a Club 33 feel and for imagineering fans, Walt's is very special (reservations recommended for Cal Grill, all character dining, Walt's, Silver Spur, Blue Lagoon, Auberge, the Steakhouse, and any of the hotel restaurants). Make restaurant reservations in advance Before your departure (up to 2 months before your arrival date), by calling +33 1 60 30 40 50 (Dining Reservation Service); Or when you arrive through the reception desk at your hotel, city hall or at the restaurant directly.
Originally Posted By iheartmickey Thanks davewasbaloo...as always, you have great info! UK Fan looking forward to any additional thoughts you have. Do you/can you purchase the Buffalo Bills tickets ahead of time? If we're not sure, do you think we would be able to purchase when we are there in September? Thanks so much for the info!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo No problemo. Yes, you can buy them in advance or when you get to the resort. There is a box office in the village, or you can buy them from the concierge in the Cheyenne. Any other questions, let us know.
Originally Posted By u k fan Sorry, not to have posted more yet, but I've been really busy. I'll do my best to get something up today!!!
Originally Posted By u k fan Ok, sorry it took so long. Regarding character meals your best option for Princesses is the Auberge de Cindrillon for lunch. I have never eaten at Chef Mickey's as I always thought it looked expensive compared to what was nearby, but I did eat there years ago when it was the LA Bar and Grill. Characters were still present then and it was a lot of fun. I have been to the birthday teas several times and they are a great budget option, but they are busy and loud with more of a party atmosphere. They are a lot of fun, but it depends what you want. I love the character breakfast at the Plaza Gardens. I don't know how EMH affect it, but I love entering the park while it's quiet for an early seating. Having Main St to yourself is cool! Restaurant wise I echo Dave's recommendations. I really like Annette's, but last time I visited there were some changes to the menu and it looked a bit dumbed down. I'm planning to try it again in a few weeks to see what's what. It used to one of the few places at DLP where a meal could be shared as the portions were so big. I remember being underwhelmed last time. Most places in the Village are pretty good. I've had good meals in all of the ones I've eaten in. We tend to eat lunch at DV on a WDSP day, but now the have the Remy (Ratatouille) AA I may try eating in the park again. With a bit of planning watching the parade from Walt's is a lot of fun. It shouldn'r replace watching it curbside, but if you're happy to see it twice it's worth while. We usually make a reservation for about 30 minutes before the parade is due to hit Main St. On the day we visit the restaurant in the morning and request a table near the window for the parade. We then ask again when we arrive. We've only ever been disappointed once (as Dave will remember!) and even then we were able to move across to watch when it started. Unless your kid is a Toy Story fan avoid eating anywhere in Discoveryland. I hear that things have gotten better recently, but I'd still think twice! I think Dave answered your question about Phantom Manor. If you are a HM fan you really shouldn't miss it. September is a great time to visit. There'll be less entertainment than the summer, but the crowds will be thinner and the weather should be good. Buffalo Bill's could be a toss up. It's a lot of fun, but gets quite dark (in terms of light not tone) and it does have it's quieter more thoughtful moments. My nephew has just turned five and I'm not sure I'd take him as I'd be concerned about disturbing other guests if he got bored or rowdy. I stayed at the Cheyenne about 10 years ago so I doubt I'm much help there, but I did really enjoy it. The theme is definitely one of my favorites. I'm going to DLP at the end of the month so if I can help with anything planning wise just let me know!!!
Originally Posted By Zarniwoop September isn't that quiet anymore. Especially resort hotels are full (most of them already are).
Originally Posted By u k fan But the crowds will be thinner (especially midweek) than in August and the weather shouldn't be sigificantly cooler!!!
