1st timers, must try restaurant?

[Luv Donald Duck]

Hello all. We are going to Disney in May. It will be me (been to disney 5 times), my son (8 yrs old been to Diseny 4 times) and my parents (NEVER been to Disney). I really want to take them somewhere nice to eat. Preferably a sit down restaurant, but I want it to be one they won't soon forget. They probably will never go down again so I want this trip to be one to remember forever. ANy suggestions???

 

[kjs1976]

The castle is always an experience, plus the food is great.

Scheduling a PS for California Grill before Wishes would be a great meal and experience!

 

[Dolphin_Girl008]

I'd pick O'hana. It's fun and the foods are great!

 

[henrylovespooh]

For grandparents, I would go with California Grill or CRT. I ate at CRT for dinner last week and really enjoyed it. I liked our meal and liked the atmosphere of the castle. Kids loved the milkshakes.

 

[lissawynn]

Make a PS for the California Grill sometime during the fireworks. You will love it.

 

[princesstommi]

My favorite favorite restaurant in Boma at AKL. But for first timers, and for Disney *experience*, I would choose California Grill or CRT.

 

[Luv Donald Duck]

Can you view the fireworks from anywhere you sit at the California Grill? Is there a place that shows the menu for the California Grill? I checked allears but it wasn't listed from what I could see. Thanks for all your help.

 

[Stiff]

I vote for Ohana

 

[MinnieM21]

The Crystal Palace Breakfast in the Magic Kingdom. If you have an early PS, about 8:05am, you'll be able to enter the MK before it even opens! The character interaction is great (Pooh characters) and the food is very good.

 

[beccasmom]

I'd vote for Crystal Palace, too. So many of the places we visited on our first trip are gone or resurrected as something else. CP is very pretty and the food is pretty good.

 

[heffalump9]

I would suggest LTT at MK, but your parents might enjoy the Rose and Crown and Illuminatons at Epcot, if you make your PS at the 90 day mark you might luck into a terrace table and a great view of Illuminations (we make our PS about 7:45pm).

 

[dznyntnh]

CRT for dinner is wonderful 'first-timer' experience. The California Grille is a nice choice if you are around to see 'Wishes'.

But, there are so many great dining choices in wdw, it's best to do your research and find a place with a style and menu that appeal to you and your family.

 

[lfama]

Cinderella's Royal Table is wonderful for dinner. Also, if you're looking for a breakfast, don't pass up Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary. 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian is great for either breakfast or dinner, and so is The Crystal Palace at Magic Kingdom. If you like ethnic foods, I would definitely suggest Alfredo's, in Italy in Epcot, as the food, though expensive, is to die for. Also, your parents may enjoy the Prime Time, at MGM, or the Sci Fi, also at MGM, because of the 1950s-themes. Hope this was a help, and good luck in your dining search!

 

[05ChristmasSurprise]

Le Cellier at Epcot,
Biergarten at Epcot,
Liberty Tree Tavern (delicious homestyle cooking) at Magic Kingdom
Cinderella's Royal Table at Magic Kingdom,
(circa 1950s) retro Prime Time Cafe in MGM

 

[Buzz2001]

Chef Mickey's
LTT
Cape May Buffet

 

[crisi]

Can I ask what you are looking for in "remember forever?"

Great Food? A Great View? An experience they aren't going to have anywhere but Disney? Do you want a Disney Disney experience (Chef Mickey's) or a non-Disney Disney experience (50s Prime Time)? What kind of food do they enjoy? How much are you interested in spending? Are we talking Hoop De Doo Review or are we talking Flying Fish?

 

[Luv Donald Duck]

I am very flexible as far as the cost goes. This is my treat to them and I am saving a couple hundred dollars for this meal. I really want an experience that they can only get at Disney. They aren't picky eaters, just not fans of fish. Thank you all for any help.

 

[pbharris4]

I was just getting to say Fulton's Crab House, but then saw they don't like fish. Although, Fulton's does have great filet mignon and chicken as well. Fulton's was VERY nice. Maybe one of the restaurants in the Grand Floridian or dinner in the castle (that's always neat) or take them to the luau (although the food is just OK if they've never to been to the show or a luau they might like that. If they are more adventurous eaters you can try some of the other more ethnic type restaurants like in EPCOT. We took my in-laws who hadn't been to WDW since before EPCOT and they are very "small town, stuck in my ways" people. They liked the luau, FUlton's and Ghiradelli's (who wouldn't) and a few other places. My FIL is funny when it comes to food. I can't remember if you said it was a surprise, but if it isn't why don't you go to www.allearnet.com, click on menus around the world and pick a few and print them out and let them choose? That way they will have an idea of what they'd like. If it IS a surprise..just don't tell them you will pay for it. Hope it works out!

 

[jenr812]

I love hearing other people's opinions, esp. as I'm freaking out trying to decide on our PS's!! Thanks

 

[nhdisnut]

We love Boma at the AKL both for dinner and for breakfast. Not only is the food wonderful, but guests staying in a different hotel can experience a bit of the African atmosphere and the animals that AKL offers. I know some people are afraid of what "African" food might be like, but we found plenty that we enjoyed (we are willing to try new things) as adults, and plenty for our kids (a bit picky) as well. Also, the desserts are fantastic!!