Welcome to planDisney, Elizabeth!
Wow, 10 years since your last Walt Disney World Resort trip! There's a whole new world to experience and enjoy. In each and every park, you'll be thinking (or singing), "there's something there that wasn't there before."
I'm glad to see you're planning ahead. You'll be able to make dining reservations 60 days in advance of your trip. If you're staying at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel, you can make your reservations 60 days in advance
plus the length of your stay (up to 10 days).
With so many options, it's difficult to highlight only a few. However, let me offer up my recommendations:
DiningFor something special, consider the following three restaurants:
Chef Mickey's - Enjoy breakfast with Mickey and his pals at Disney's Contemporary Resort. Although the food is average, you're mostly paying for the magical experience. The kids will love it! If you want a similar character dining experience, but with better food, try Garden Grill Restaurant in EPCOT.
The Crystal Palace - In the words of Pooh Bear, "What could be more important than a little something to eat?" Our friends from the Hundred-Acre Wood will join you as you feast on tasty Country Fried Chicken with Black Pepper Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, and Carved Prime Rib. Kids can also enjoy their own menu with things like pizza, mac and cheese, and quesadillas.
Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria - This classy Italian pizzeria in EPCOT does possibly the best pizza on property. As a fellow parent, I always think pizza is a good option when eating out with kids.
However, I know with kids (especially a two-year-old) you might want to eat somewhere a bit more low-key.
Satu'li Canteen,
Flame Tree Barbeque,
Connections Eatery, and
Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo are some of my favorite quick-service restaurants in the parks.
ShowsDepending on how long you're visiting for, I would try to see the nighttime spectaculars, Happily Ever After, EPCOT Forever (both returning April 3), and
Fantasmic! Here's a tip: I have young kids who are sensitive to noise. Therefore, the fireworks were too loud for them. However, we bought some noise-canceling ear muffs for them and so now they're able to enjoy the nighttime spectaculars.
Again, depending on your schedule, I'd also recommend checking out
Finding Nemo: The Big Blue... and Beyond! and
Festival of the Lion King at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, and
Festival of Fantasy Parade at Magic Kingdom Park.
I hope that's helpful, Elizabeth! Thanks for stopping by planDisney.
Mike