Places not to miss on IDrive for food!

[UKDEB]

Originally Posted by kittykitty87

I do kinda wish I had made at least 1 ADR for Disney but I am assuming its too late now as we fly out next Sunday.

Absolutely not. People cancel all the time and the nearer it gets, the more likely that is. Keep checking back - even while you're there if you have internet access.

We hate being tied to ADRs and, with 20+ trips under our belts, there's nowhere we're really desperate to eat at these days. We've found it's perfectly possible to get in as walk-ups, particularly at slower times of year such as this. To maximise your chances, steer clear of the peak hours. Some restaurants open as early as 11:30am for lunch and that's when they're at their cleanest!

Am I right in assuming it's just two of you; no kids? Now that we're child-free Matt and I are partial to eating at restaurant bars and, as you can't make reservations to do that, it's usually easy to rock up and be seated straight away. Favourites include The Crew's Cup Lounge at the Yacht Club, The Wave bar at the Contemporary, Cafe Rix at Coronado Springs, Territory Lounge at Wilderness Lodge, Victoria Falls at Animal Kingdom Lodge, and T-Rex Cafe and Raglan Road at Downtown Disney. Fulton's has a really nice bar, too. Ditto Paradiso 37, although I've never tried the food and it doesn't get rave reviews. What about the sliders bar at Portobello? Sanaa at Kidani Village has a gorgeous bar area. Flying Fish Cafe is another possibility. At bars which are part of restaurants, you can choose from the main menu; standalone bars have much more limited menus.

This year we're going to try for an early lunch at the bar of Yak & Yeti. It's one of many places where we prefer to make a meal by sharing a selection of appetisers, rather than order entrees. So often we find ourselves saying that the starters are superior to the mains. Having seen a photograph posted by a friend on Facebook of the Wagyu Beef Cheeseburger Flatbread at the California Grill, we're thinking of popping up to the bar there for an early dinner. Again, it's from the appetisers menu, but the bar staff are used to diners choosing to do that. We have done the same thing in the main restaurants on occasion, but it seems more fitting at the bar somehow.

ETA: A feast of appetizers at Yak & Yeti (Seared Ahi Tuna, Pork Pot Stickers and Lettuce Cups for two, say) would set us back around $23. We'd have to fork out a similar amount for sandwiches at Pizzafari with all the charm, and slightly less taste, of a cardboard box!

[Disney Princesses LW]

Originally Posted by UKDEB

Orlando (Miller's) Ale Houses are amongst the best of the cheaper options in my opinion and they have a new-ish location at the bottom end of I-Drive near Pointe Orlando. The Pointe itself has lots of great eateries, but most of them are on the pricier side. Take a look here.

I haven't tried it, but Brick House Tavern & Tap opposite the old Mercado looks like it might be worth a visit.

Loved Millers we stayed opp here in 2009 my sons loved it has a sports theme

[kittykitty87]

Originally Posted by wilma-bride

Seconding the recommendation for Friendlys. One of our favourite cheap and cheerful options and a must-do for us on every trip. Chili's is also another favourite of ours for good food at a reasonable price.

If the Disney TS restaurants are a bit too expensive, the Plaza at Magic Kingdom might be a good option as it is a bit more casual and on the cheaper side but the food is really good. If you go at off=peak times, the chances of a walk-up are probably pretty good.

Why don't you try having a look online at what is available restaurant-wise at Disney for your dates, you might be surprised.

I don't think you can beat off-site restaurants though, for price and variety.

I sent the website link for Friendlys to my DBF and he has stated we MUST go there, so thats sorted then

I think I will take my chance with some walk ins to be honest but I will talk to DBF and see if there is any ADRs he would like me to try and book and like you said, see what is availible

[kittykitty87]

Originally Posted by madmumof2

Definitely not too late to book ADR's! You probably won't get CRT, Le Cellier etc but there will be loads you can get. And at this time of year probably a fair few walk ins too :D

We wouldnt be looking to go to CRT , so thats ok. I will have to sit down and discuss with DBF tonight to see if there is anywhere he fancies. Only problem, he has kind of left the planning all to me so he doesnt really know what restaurants are availible etc,

[kittykitty87]

Originally Posted by UKDEB

Absolutely not. People cancel all the time and the nearer it gets, the more likely that is. Keep checking back - even while you're there if you have internet access.

We hate being tied to ADRs and, with 20+ trips under our belts, there's nowhere we're really desperate to eat at these days. We've found it's perfectly possible to get in as walk-ups, particularly at slower times of year such as this. To maximise your chances, steer clear of the peak hours. Some restaurants open as early as 11:30am for lunch and that's when they're at their cleanest!

Am I right in assuming it's just two of you; no kids? Now that we're child-free Matt and I are partial to eating at restaurant bars and, as you can't make reservations to do that, it's usually easy to rock up and be seated straight away. Favourites include The Crew's Cup Lounge at the Yacht Club, The Wave bar at the Contemporary, Cafe Rix at Coronado Springs, Territory Lounge at Wilderness Lodge, Victoria Falls at Animal Kingdom Lodge, and T-Rex Cafe and Raglan Road at Downtown Disney. Fulton's has a really nice bar, too. Ditto Paradiso 37, although I've never tried the food and it doesn't get rave reviews. What about the sliders bar at Portobello? Sanaa at Kidani Village has a gorgeous bar area. Flying Fish Cafe is another possibility. At bars which are part of restaurants, you can choose from the main menu; standalone bars have much more limited menus.

This year we're going to try for an early lunch at the bar of Yak & Yeti. It's one of many places where we prefer to make a meal by sharing a selection of appetisers, rather than order entrees. So often we find ourselves saying that the starters are superior to the mains. Having seen a photograph posted by a friend on Facebook of the Wagyu Beef Cheeseburger Flatbread at the California Grill, we're thinking of popping up to the bar there for an early dinner. Again, it's from the appetisers menu, but the bar staff are used to diners choosing to do that. We have done the same thing in the main restaurants on occasion, but it seems more fitting at the bar somehow.

ETA: A feast of appetizers at Yak & Yeti (Seared Ahi Tuna, Pork Pot Stickers and Lettuce Cups for two, say) would set us back around $23. We'd have to fork out a similar amount for sandwiches at Pizzafari with all the charm, and slightly less taste, of a cardboard box!

Wow, great info thanks

Yup just the 2 of us, (no kids yet) so we are free to roam!

Thats some great advice etc you have given me, I will be showing all these posts to DBF tonight so he can see how much variety we have

[kittykitty87]

I have just done some searches on different dates throughout our trip on the Disney site for ADR's and I am actually supprised just how many places are availible

I thought it would all be REALLY busy! So thats cool then

[dixonsontour]

Originally Posted by kittykitty87

I had to stop reading your threads as it was making me SOOOO hungry!! Wow! The food looks amazing....!!!!

I think those threads are better read at home later when I have had my dinner

We've stayed at the Rosen Inn before at pointe orlando and it is a great location near lots of restaurants.

Alot of the places in my dining reviews are chain restaurants eg ihop and perkins. There are branches of both of those on I drive aswell.

I'd definitely try millers ale house - reviews always seem great and it is opposite your hotel.

[kittykitty87]

Originally Posted by dixonsontour

We've stayed at the Rosen Inn before at pointe orlando and it is a great location near lots of restaurants.

Alot of the places in my dining reviews are chain restaurants eg ihop and perkins. There are branches of both of those on I drive aswell.

I'd definitely try millers ale house - reviews always seem great and it is opposite your hotel.

Excellent! We certainly have a lot of places to check out

[katiec]

Definitely the Ale House - went to the one at the Pointe a few times. If u like sea food Joes Crab Shack is just a short walk & we had a great time/meal there.
And don't forget Bahama Breeze is close by too - we love it here too!!!

We didn't like any of the Ponderosa/Sizzler type places - have eaten there on previous trips but I think we've become more fussy.

We would drive to Downtown & grab a sandwich at Earl of Sandwich most days!!!!

Katie. X

[paulh]

http://cafetututango.com/ and there banana pizza for dessert is to die for. Near the convention centre
Paul

[kittykitty87]

Originally Posted by katiec

Definitely the Ale House - went to the one at the Pointe a few times. If u like sea food Joes Crab Shack is just a short walk & we had a great time/meal there.
And don't forget Bahama Breeze is close by too - we love it here too!!!

We didn't like any of the Ponderosa/Sizzler type places - have eaten there on previous trips but I think we've become more fussy.

We would drive to Downtown & grab a sandwich at Earl of Sandwich most days!!!!

Katie. X

Not a seafood eater but DBF likes it
I have heard lots about Earl of Sandwich so will be looking out for that

[~Piglet~]

Originally Posted by kittykitty87

I have heard lots about Earl of Sandwich so will be looking out for that

Mmmm!! I've been looking forward to going back to the EoS for about 18 months now

[kittykitty87]

Originally Posted by ~Piglet~

Mmmm!! I've been looking forward to going back to the EoS for about 18 months now

Wow! Must be good then That is definitely on the agenda

[~Piglet~]

Originally Posted by kittykitty87

Wow! Must be good then That is definitely on the agenda

Their hot sandwiches are delicious!

[kittykitty87]

Originally Posted by ~Piglet~

Their hot sandwiches are delicious!

Oooooh, your making me hungry