That sounds like a great compromise to me! We had booked an ADR for LC earlier this year but chickened out, I really can't wait to hear how your experience is! I totally trust your opinion with what you volunteered about yourself and Chef Mickey's!
And I remembered that the one place I would never ever do again was CRT at the Castle. We took our twins when they were 3,4. I have heard it changed to a different theme and menu right after--which is good because our experience was pretty rough, yet funny to look back on. When we checked in, the woman corralling all of the other reservees I liken to what a female prison guard must be like. She was very rough with cropped hair, barking at everyone to stay in line. They should have at least have put her in a wicked stepmother outfit she was so in your face rude. My girls were so terrified that when they got their turn in line to get a pic with Cinderella (who was very nice) they just cowered and hid their faces. Once our jailer seated us, the real fun began with the food. We saw one man stick a fork in his cake and hold it upside down and they both laughed, it was so hard it just sat there on the fork upside down intact with frosting. I've heard much better experience since we went, but it's a one and done. I remember going there a few times when I was young and it was very good, not themed, but very good food.
