Dinner Wed. night - which would you prefer

[Tagrel]

There has been a suggestion and interest shown in two different dinner choices for Wednesday night.

The tried and true Begin at the End meal at Trails End.

Or something new - a group meal at Whispering Canyon.

From my own point of view, I see it likely that there would end up being two dinners - one at each venue. This way people get the dinner they prefer and can meet up at the followup Dogs Tours at 7:30. (plenty of time to catch the boat after dinner from WL to FW to make this). And smaller group meals are always easier to coordinate.

But - for planning purposes, its a good idea to see how many people would be interested in which meal. So, let us know what you think...

Trails End or Whispering Canyon?

[WillCAD]

I still prefer Trails End. It's a buffet, which allows us to walk around and mingle a lot more than a regular TS meal, and it also allows more menu flexibility and ease of service than a standard TS meal.

That's not to say I wouldn't like a Whispering Canyon meal, but I like buffets for meets, particular large meets, as our Wednesday meal has become, for the flexibility and ease of ADR aquisition. Getting a group of 60 into Trails End is not terribly difficult, but getting a group any larger than 20 into most of the non-buffet TS places is getting more and more difficult every year. Kona Cafe, for example, didn't want Deb Wills' Tonga Toast meet this year because it was a group of 40, and the Wave at the Contemporary told me flat out that they don't accept large groups at all.

Smaller groups are easier to coordinate, and easier to get into any particular place, but I like having a meal or two with a large group in either a buffet or a large food court.

That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

[SusanL]

I voted for Whispering Canyon, mostly cause it is the only night that this will work and I have never eaten there and I am a little Prime Time'd out.

[Lou-Ann]

For billing purposes it is always easier to have a fixed price and everyone knows up front how much money they must bring. So much easier to figure out the bill.....I vote the buffet at Trails End. (Although I love Whispering Canyon as well.)

[kathleena]

I would prefer NOT to see the group split. To me that is like saying we'll have two of these events, one in Epcot and one at DHS at the same time, so people can choose. I can see it if it was a privately arranged dinner (eg folks just getting ressies at PTC on DHS day), but where is it a group event, I'm just not feeling like it's the right thing to do.

ETA I voted for Trail's End also.

[Bookwood]

I'm voting for Whispering Canyon - I've never been there and I can't think of a more fun group to go with than the Tags. I'm sure we can eat early enough to get to the Ghosts, Goblins and Dogs tour! (and I get to ride on the boat too- another plus, which is actually for either but I do love me those Disney Boat rides)

[FLSharon]

I am a little Prime Time'd out.

Susan, I'm with you one this one kiddo.


But, I"m voting for Trails End and not b/c I'll be in the campground. ;) for all the reasons everyone mentioned before... buffet, one price, can mingle more. But I think i'd go with the group since that's what the whole thing is all about.

[roodad]

I voted for Trails End - just because I think it will be easier to mingle there and I enjoyed it so much last year.

[WDWNJ]

I have to admit that I am torn over this. I have never been to WC and have heard all the fun stories. But, I have to agree with all the PROS for going to TE with a large group. So, I voted for TE.

I really hope we do not split the group over this. The fun part about these meals is having everyone together.

[tdelaney]

I'm with John--I'm torn. I think I'd PREFER WC (it is a ton of fun), but for the ease of "dealing," "paying," and mingling, I guess Trails End works best. By the way, they have

SWEET TEA!!!!

[Robin]

I voted for Trails End for a number of reasons.

1. I like tradition of Beginning at the End.

2. The CMs at TE have bent over backwards to accommodate our large group. Last year it seemed like they brought us in as the first group of the night to ensure we could all sit together.

3. Why pay more for smaller portions of the same food elsewhere? And there is no reason we can't mock our own people who ask for ketchup. :lol: TE is a good value for you money.

2. Not having to drive to both the WL and the Campgrounds.

[Tagrel]

Just a clarification - This poll is really just to get numbers and get a handle on interest at either location. You can't FORCE people to eat where they don't want to, and I can't (and won't!) say, "No you can't have your group get together at 'Trails End' or at 'Whispering Canyon'. So - if some decide to eat on their own that night, regardless of where - that is completely their choice - As it always is! :yes:

But - since we are listing preferences and reasoning - I'll share mine as well. Myself - I'd prefer to go to Whispering Canyon.

- I'm tired of PrimeTime and Trails End. I want a change and find this location can combine a bit of both experiences and more food choices.

- People pay for what they want to eat not the entire buffet. And there is an all you can eat option at WC as well if you are so inclined.

- After attending MANY dinners where people paid their portion of a large check, I found we had no problem dividing things up. With the available menus and pricing (Thanks All Ears!) its just as easy to add up your cost for a buffet as it is ordering from a menu.

- If we do have a group at WC, MFT has offered to help get us in at opening, and take care of the group reservation. I LIKE not having to worry about dealing with the restaurant! :)

- I did not find it easy to mingle at Trails End. Outside, yes, but in the restaurant its really disruptive to the other diners. I KNOW we were blocking traffic quite a bit this past year... WC is loud to begin with. They expect a hubbub and if we are seated first our group would be together making it just as easy to mingle in either location.

- The Wilderness Lodge has a wonderful lobby to meet and chat before/after dinner. Rain or shine its still a great location.

- A Boat and bus is available to take you directly to Fort Wilderness or those so inclined could even walk on the pathway between the two. If you take a car or bus to FW you still need to park out front - grab a bus - go to dinner - tour - back to bus stop, wait for bus - back to car/bus/taxi. Similar to catching boat to/from WL. If you are returning to MK to catch transportation, you can go from MK to WL for dinner, WL to FW for Tour, and FW to MK for bus back to resort. And there is plenty of time for dinner at either location.

[MargaretJ]

I voted for Whispering Canyon Cafe, I would really like to eat somewhere new this trip.

[Rosebud]

But - since we are listing preferences and reasoning - I'll share mine as well. Myself - I'd prefer to go to Whispering Canyon.

- I'm tired of PrimeTime and Trails End. I want a change and find this location can combine a bit of both experiences and more food choices.

- People pay for what they want to eat not the entire buffet. And there is an all you can eat option at WC as well if you are so inclined.

- After attending MANY dinners where people paid their portion of a large check, I found we had no problem dividing things up. With the available menus and pricing (Thanks All Ears!) its just as easy to add up your cost for a buffet as it is ordering from a menu.

*** snip ***

- I did not find it easy to mingle at Trails End. Outside, yes, but in the restaurant its really disruptive to the other diners. I KNOW we were blocking traffic quite a bit this past year... WC is loud to begin with. They expect a hubbub and if we are seated first our group would be together making it just as easy to mingle in either location.

- The Wilderness Lodge has a wonderful lobby to meet and chat before/after dinner. Rain or shine its still a great location.

- A Boat and bus is available to take you directly to Fort Wilderness or those so inclined could even walk on the pathway between the two. If you take a car or bus to FW you still need to park out front - grab a bus - go to dinner - tour - back to bus stop, wait for bus - back to car/bus/taxi. Similar to catching boat to/from WL. If you are returning to MK to catch transportation, you can go from MK to WL for dinner, WL to FW for Tour, and FW to MK for bus back to resort. And there is plenty of time for dinner at either location.
What he said - although I'm not really tired of Prime Time. I however have been tired of Trails End for a few years now. I used to love it and love the price, but lately I think the price is way too high for the quality. Even doing the salad bar only was pretty expensive and not worth it.

[Stinkerbelle]

I voted for WCC. I prefer the food, location & atmosphere.

Food: I am not a buffet fan (with the exception of the Crystal Palace breakfast.) We were both underwhelmed by the food quality for the price. So while paying a set price is fine for some, paying a set price for food I don't particulary care for is not so good. I'd rather pay for food I actually enjoy. Ditto for Ken.

Location: WCC is much easier to get to IMHO. I rent a car b/c I don't want to be held captive by Disney's bus system. Having to park then take a bus to the location is a pain.

Atmosphere: The lobby of WC is gorgeous and very relaxing. The staff at WCC is a hoot and I can imagine even more so with a large group. We always go with adults only so we don't get a whole lot of interaction. With a big group I am sure we will. WCC is already so loud we would hardly be noticed!

A final thought... have you tried WCC's milkshakes?OMG!!! I am already dreaming of my next one sometime in September.

[Lou-Ann]

Whispering Canyon is really a lot of fun. I would agree that a great time would be had there. The Lobby, itself, is to die for. I had forgotten about the fact that folks can pre look up their pricing and be ready. I , also, really prefer to order what I want and not have to eat the full meal. Being with the group is going to be so much fun, wherever we are. :)

[wdwr]

I voted for either. I like both places and will eat where ever I can be fit in. Heck, I would eat at both if we did them on different days.

I am just happy to be eating with my fellow Tags and introducing you all to my sister and niece...no pressure guys.

[ripkensnana]

I had to go with Trail's End...partly because of the buffet, partly because MyBob loves it, but mainly because "Begin at the End" makes more sense if this is the restaurant of choice.

[Tagrel]

I had to go with Trail's End...partly because of the buffet, partly because MyBob loves it, but mainly because "Begin at the End" makes more sense if this is the restaurant of choice.

LOL - well yes, the meet name would be different for those going to Whispering Canyon! :D

[GloriaK]

I love WC. They have great food and a fun atmosphere. I took my boys on their first trip and they loved it.. The all you can eat platter is great for those with big appetites and it does give a good variety of items. Of course I love WL and alhought I can't stay there I try to visit every trip.

[OhMickeyYoureSoFine]

WC has a few things in common with prime time -- LOUD, waiter jokes and eater participation.
I went to a big mousefest meal there a long time ago, would enjoy going again.
It's a kid friendly restaurant.

How well does WC combine with the FT dog walk around all the camp decorations?

Is this easy or a huge hassle? Park at WL, eat at whispering canyon, boat to FT, walk around the decorations, boat back to WL.

If it's easy then no worries try whispering canyon for a change. If it is a hassle then do trails end instead. I haven't done the boat so I really don't know.
I vote, "I like either and will choose later when more info is available". I'm happy whatever y'all choose.

I don't remember WC being good for mingling, cause people standing would disrupt the food runners and kiddie horsey trains.
Ask the staff and see what they say.

[Carl]

I have been to neither. Which is cheaper? Which is easier to get to if you are using Disney transportation?

[ripkensnana]

Trail's End is cheaper. I, personally, have found it easier to get to Ft. Wilderness than to WL, but that's just me.

[WillCAD]

I have been to neither. Which is cheaper? Which is easier to get to if you are using Disney transportation?

Trail's End is cheaper, but WCC is definitely easier to get to.

To get to Trail's End, you have two options: 1) Using WDW transportation, go to MK or to Contemporary, then take a motor launch to Ft Wilderness. A short walk up the hill, and you're at Trail's End. 2) Driving yourself, go to Ft Wilderness, then take an internal FW bus from the Outpost (where the parking lot is) to the Settlement (where Trail's End is).

To get to WCC, simply go to Wilderness Lodge, either by car, bus, or boat, and proceed to the main lobby. WCC is easy to spot when you get there.

[Tacey]

If you are going ahead and getting MEI to get us into Whispering Canyon, please add Crystal and I to this.

If you decide to go as one group to trails end, we'll do that too. I just like the food at WC better.

I am very excited that we are arriving Wed instead....let the games begin...lol

[Daddio]

Cathy and I would be happy at any restaurant but I guess the first choice would be Trail's End. No, wait... Cathy says, WCC. I say TE. No wait, it's WCC. Not. Back to TE. Nope, I lost. It's WCC. Ah heck, wherever......

[MargaretJ]

Cathy and I would be happy at any restaurant but I guess the first choice would be Trail's End. No, wait... Cathy says, WCC. I say TE. No wait, it's WCC. Not. Back to TE. Nope, I lost. It's WCC. Ah heck, wherever......


Daddioooo, tell Cathy she can dine with me at WCC while you dine at TE. :)

[Snickerdoodlesmommy]

Speaking on the condition of anominity, I can say with some authority....... ;)

That the food is MUCH better at Whispering Canyon. :yes:

At Whispering Canyon they will put us all in one big section so essentially we would all be together. Not to mention the entertainment this restaurant provides, it would be a blast with such a large group!!!

[wdwr]

I see we have a thread for dinners at both places now. How the heck am I supposed to decide now.:confused:

I know!! I'm delegating to my guests. lol Let's hope they don't have a split vote because then I'll have to break the tie.

I might have to sit down and think through the other places they want to eat and see what I'm eating the rest of the week. (ESPN, Coral Reef, LTT and Beaches N Cream for some dessert) Hmmm, I wonder which goes best. lol