First trip to Disney world

[lkkwus]

Hi

I'm new to the forum and also is gonna be the first trip to disney from the 1st to 8th July . Was wondering which is a good restaurant to have dinner on the 4th as it's my sons birthday and would love for him to see the fireworks as well . He's gonna be 2 :) please advice . Thanks

[Reedy Creek Buccaneer]

Chef Mickey's if you can get in.

[Strmchsr]

:welcome: to Intercot!!

Just be warned that you're going during one of the 2-3 busiest weeks of the year. It's going to be insanely hot and crowded, especially in the Magic Kingdom. So, with that said - just see what you can, knowing you won't be able to see everything. Get to the parks early if possible as you'll get to do more before lunch.

On the actual 4th, Chef Mickey's is a good one, as is Crystal Palace. Those are both character meals but also very popular and hard to get in. Ohana is another good, but difficult, reservation. But, since you're already well under the 180 day start mark for reservations and that is such a busy day I would recommend just going to the online reservation and see what's available then make your choices from there.

[mechanic]

If you don't want a character meal, or can't get a table at the previously listed places, try the plaza or tonys. Both usually easier to get a spot.
If you get there early,( an excellent idea), you will need to take an afternoon nap break I imagine your 2year old wont make it through to the fireworks.
We always leave around 3. Come back 8 or so. And after fireworks head away from exit, catch a few rides for an hour or so, then leave after crowds thin out.

[ANG]

:welcome: to Intercot!!

Just be warned that you're going during one of the 2-3 busiest weeks of the year. It's going to be insanely hot and crowded, especially in the Magic Kingdom. So, with that said - just see what you can, knowing you won't be able to see everything. Get to the parks early if possible as you'll get to do more before lunch.

On the actual 4th, Chef Mickey's is a good one, as is Crystal Palace. Those are both character meals but also very popular and hard to get in. Ohana is another good, but difficult, reservation. But, since you're already well under the 180 day start mark for reservations and that is such a busy day I would recommend just going to the online reservation and see what's available then make your choices from there.

Ditto! My kids love Chef Mickey's.

[TheHD]

Just don't leave the park on the 4th itself as MK, if not all, will be at capacity and you will likely not get back in. Get there early as well. The crowds develop by 10am just to get in the park.

[mdricks]

When I had little ones we would try and get in for the early breakfast at crystal palace. At the time (may still be true) you would get into the MK before the gates officially opened. While you had to go directly to the restaurant, you still got to walk down main street before everyone else got in. Made for a great picture of the family with the castle.

The first two hours the park is open are the best IMHO. Your will get to ride most of the rides a 2 year old will want with minimal waiting. Once the park starts to fill up you can head back to the resort for some down time. It is doubtful you will get an early reservation on the 4th but you might later in the week.

Crystal palace is pooh and friends so the characters are especially appropriate for a 2 year old.

:number1:

[disneynarula]

Chef Mickey's if you can get in.

I agree. The food is mediocre at best but the character interaction with a toddler is priceless.

[VacationDisney]

As stated before you may NOT want to leave MK once you get there. There is a capacity crowd attendance number, that if achieved, might prevent you from entering MK once you leave it.

Our daughter went a few years ago, with friends, and she said that by 11:00am , on July 4th, they were not allowing any more people into MK. The park had reached its capacity.

Call or get online and see where you can get reservations.

Have a great vacation!

[Scallywag]

We did dinner @ the Plaza on the 4th back in 2009. Crazy crowded in MK. It's a nice spot close to the castle. Better get your ADR's soon if you haven't already.

[wdwfansince75]

We have done WDW over the 4th on multiple trips. We usually avoid MK on the 4th. My personal favorite for the 4th has been EPCOT. Note that they do the same fireworks show on the 3rd as well. I suggest you consider doing MK on the 3rd instead.

On the 4th, they usually close the entrances due to capacity...usually late morning to late afternoon...and the late afternoon is questionable, because of park hopping guests coming to MK for the evening. If you are staying on property, you almost always would be allowed into the MK....but there have been reports of even Disney Resorts guests being turned away.

For the birthday dinner....If you do go to MK, it is difficult to get ADR's this late, especially at Crystal Palace or Cinderella's Castle, but Liberty Tree Tavern is an alternative, and usually available. The Plaza or Tony's are also alternative choices for ADR's, even at this late date. Note that these 3 do not have character meals. If you go to MK late, and the entrances are closed, they will allow you in with an ADR...Guest Services is to the right of the Turnstiles, so if you are turned away, try there.

For the alternative park...Garden Grill at EPCOT is a fun meal, with characters. For Birthday events, you can pre-order a birthday cake. Just request it when you make your ADR's.

And please note the heat...It is almost always very hot at that time of year....do consider an afternoon break, back to the hotel for napping, or swimming....