Best Dining experience for my 11 yr old, help !!!

[chunkichik]

My son will be 11 while we are in Florida next and I wanted everyones opinions on dining.

We have done Rainforest Cafe, Planet Hollywood

He likes the idea of Dining with Shamu but I did read somewhere on here that it might not be all it's cracked up to be

Thanks everyone[msnsmile2]

[amy]

Why not try one of the character meals in Disney, at 11 does he feel too grown up for that[msnwink]

I a little older and still enjoy breakfast at Chef Mickey's..........

[Kissyme]

Depends on what he likes really I have 3 boys and they like Golden Coral it`s a all you can eat buffet and very reasonable.
The big boy likes it cos he can stuff his face to his hearts content and the fussy one just eats the salad stuff and the deserts.
It`s not fancy or themed but very clean and the service is very good.
TGI`s is another favorite and if you take a cake in with you I`m sure they will make the effort, to celebrate his birthday.
Also agree with Amy a character breakfast is good fun, Disney used to do a barbeque at the Wilderness Lodge and the staff are very lively and good fun.
Hopes this helps

[Nostromo]

I think Rainforest Cafe meal is excellent for a 11 year old's birthday. Planet Hollywood and the Hard Rock Cafe are other options. I agree that breakfast at Chef Mickey's is an excellent character meal, as is the one at Cape May Cafe of the Beach Club Resort. You may also want to consider Coral Reff Restaurant at Epcot with 'tankside' tables.

Some of these need early booking and early turn-up to get good tables, especially if your son's birthday falls at a busy time of the year.

[Joolz]

I havnt been there yet!! but what about Race Rock on I Drive??
Seems themed for boys!aged (0-100!!!)[msnsmile2] What do others think who have been there??

[weemac]

I would definately recommend Race Rock on I-drive. It is a great themed restaurant with loads to see while you are eating great food. There are motorbikes, racing cars and boats all round the restaurant - even some hanging from the ceiling!! There are also loads of games machines for the kids to play on so take plenty dollar notes that you can change to tokens! The hardest bit was to try and get my 6 year old to actually eat anything as he just wanted to play on the games!! :):)

[CarolAnn]

I am a Big fan of Rainforest cafe, great atmosphere, great food. Disney itself may be a little young(?)
How about the ESPN bar on the Broadwalk? That can get quite busy of an evening, but we go there most trips(hubby likes the sports on ALL the screens, BIG KID!) There is a shop(of course!) then you have the Broadwalk itself to stroll along! There are often activities going on too, FREE!!! Worth considering! :)

[LiesaAnna]

wouldve said Macdonalds!! but am hoping mine will like Race Rock resteraunt!!
menus look good, have you read the menus Anita? quarter midget meals!! under $5 for kids 12 and under, looks great!!

[MTP]

Another option would be the Tepanyaki Room at the Japanese pavilion in Epcot - they cook the meal in front of you on a hot griddle and usually have some fancy knife work that is very entertaining - our kids love it (aged 6&3, but it is not aimed at the kids in particular). The only thing is that there are 8 seats at each station so if you are a family of less than eight you will probably be sharing with other diners - this can be quite nice [msnsmile2] (or not [msnsad] ).

[chunkichik]

Thanks very much everyone, I must admit I never thought of Race Rock, he is mad about cars and knows just about everyone their is!!! that would be ideal for him [msnsmile2]

[melfrank]

We were on the beach at Siesta Key eating a bag of crisps (chips) when a mating herd of manatees came inshore. My 11 year old loved that.

[Magical Dreams]

Why not put some idea's to him, in the normal "If you have your way.........." and see if he knows of something different!!

Although, a champagne breakfast and an early morning Hot Air Balloon flight might be the perfect start to the perfect day!!
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[chunkichik]

I would ask him, but have decided to keep Florida a secret. Trouble is I already said that we were going, so have told him we might only be able to go to Spain instead!!!

He is really looking forward to Spain now and won't stop going on about it!!, still he will love the surprise, just wondering how long I can keep the secret going!!

[Magical Dreams]

Well that will depend on when you are going!

Diane struggles to keep secrets from the kids!!

ME?? I find it easy!! [msnwink][msnwink][msnwink][msnwink]

[LiesaAnna]

ah thats well cool!!!!, he'll love what ever "surprise" you do!!!!!!

[jolliffee]

How about at Fantasmic, quite a good choice of meals and a great view of the fireworks, water displays etc.