40th birthday dinner recs?

[browning02]

Hi! I will be celebrating my 40th birthday at WDW in April 2016. I would like to celebrate with a special dinner somewhere on the monorail loop. I’m staying at Poly. I will be with my 10 year old DD, who is a picky eater (think chicken nuggets). I am not so concerned about that – I’m sure she will find something to eat. However, I am looking for something with a more relaxed atmosphere that is not too adult. However, I want very good food. I love all types of cuisine.


This is only my second trip to WDW and my experience with the various restaurants is limited. I’m hoping to receive some recommendations from the experienced folks on this site.


Right now, I am leaning toward Citrico’s because the menu appeals to me and my impression is that it’s more casual (I could be wrong).


Thank you for any and all advice or recommendations!

 

[jimandami]

I will also be celebrating my birthday at WDW in April 2016....but I'm only turning 39 . Anyway, we are going to California Grill. I think the combination of food, atmosphere, and ability to watch Wishes from their observation deck after dinner just makes it very special!

ETA: we have eaten their twice without children and I don't think it is too adult or stuffy at all...we are taking our then 7 & 12 year olds this time!

 

[wdwjeffc37]

I agree with the California Grill. Try for an ADR around 8:00 - 8:30 pm so you will be there for Wishes. Don't worry about your DD. If there is nothing on the menu that appeals to her, just ask your server about different options for a picky eater. We had a great time when we ate there. Your server should be able to time your meal so you can go outside to view Wishes. The food and the service was top notch. Cheers!!!!!!!

 

[3 Hobbits 2 Disney]

So a smidge of of the Monorail, but an easy boat ride, is Artist Pointe in the Wilderness Lodge. A nice atmosphere, not too stuffy, and they've hired a new chef who is getting very good reviews.

Edited - chose the wrong restaurant when I posted earlier. I do like Whispering Canyon too but I was referring to AP. My bad.

 

[Mainemama]

I second the Whispering Canyon, only because they make a fun fuss over you! I had my 40th birthday (okay it was a breakfast at lunch time), but it was fantastic. We had planned other meals, but that is the one I remember after the fact! Another choice would be Hoop-de-Doo... Again off the monorail, but worth it!

 

[kastoney]

Happy almost birthday. I did my 40th at WDW too and it was perfection!!!!

Citricos is good but I think either narcoossees, artist point, or Cali grill are better options from a food perspective. We've taken our daughter (4) to all 3, so they are all kid friendly. For me Cali grill and narcoossees have a more special feel to them and with the addition of fireworks at both should be a good option. I'd just go where the menu moved you most

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) Citricos is an EXCELLENT choice.
2) MrsRustyScupper and I frequent the eatery when we want a nice, quiet meal in pleasant surrounding.
3) The other choice would be taking the boat to Wilderness Lodge for Artist Point.
. . . boat from Poly to MK
. . boat from MK to Wilderness Lodge
4) In your case, either would be good, but I would lean toward The Lodge. (OK, personal and biased opinion)

****************************************************************************
Our Ratings of Artist Point: (*rev 7/21/2015*)
. . . food price value: B
. . . food quality: A
. . . food quantity per serving: B
. . . food prep speed: B
. . . food selection: B
. . . seating quantity: A
. . . seating comfort: A
. . . eatery atmosphere: B
. . . eatery convenience: C
. . . staff friendliness: A
. . . staff attentiveness: B
. . . character interaction: n/a
.
Our Recommendations:
. . . appys:... Dungeness Crab Cake
. . . entree:.. Berkshire Pork Loin, Wild Halibut
. . . dessert:. Strawberry Chèvre Cheesecake
.
NOTE1: Artist Point has lately made several changes to revive the old quality of the food
and service, and regained the reputation of the past. It has now replaced Monsieur Paul on
our TS list, and we only eat at five of them. If you eat there, get a window table. The view
of courtyard and lake are grand and romantic at sunset and after dark. In June-2015, Michael
was appointed head chef at Artist Point. With his new menu ideas, it looks like AP is returning
to its previous stellar reputation. We DID enjoy the new selections and food prep.
.
NOTE2: For a heavenly treat, do the highly prized Copper River Salmon which is available only
during mid May-to-early-June, with a side of Mushroom Soup. For dessert, we used to LOVE the
Cobbler, but since the size and recipe change, it is not on our radar.

*******************************************************************************
Our Ratings of Citricos: (*rev: 1/9/2015*)
. . . food price value: B
. . . food quality: A
. . . food quantity per serving: B
. . . food prep speed: C
. . . food selection: B
. . . seating quantity: B
. . . seating comfort: B
. . . eatery atmosphere: B
. . . eatery convenience: C
. . . staff friendliness: A
. . . staff attentiveness: B
. . . character interaction: n/a
.
Our Recommendations:
. . . appys:... Prosciutto de Parma, Heirloom Melon Salad
. . . entree:.. Veal Chop, Pan-Seared Sea Scallops
. . . dessert:. Warm Chocolate Banana Torte with Vanilla Ice Cream
.
NOTE: Citricos is a gracious and relaxing place to eat at GF. It has a Mediterranean
flair, but is tailored to the American taste. We're fond of the pan-roasted Veal Chop
for the entree. Try the nice Heirloom Melon Salad. Need to state that this is only one
of five sit-down eateries that we patronize at WDW, and only one of the two that are
owned by WDW. The menu, service and price are definitely upscale. A nice place for a
really quite and romantic dinner, as opposed to the noisy, Narcoossee's or equally noisy
California Grille. Overlooks GF lawn and gardens, and no major water or fireworks views.
Valet parking at the Grand Floridian is not paid/validated.

 

[LBlovesM&WDW]

The California Grill is great if you time your dinner with viewing Wishes. They pipe in the music and you can go out on the observation deck--really neat experience for you both!

 

[TheRustyScupper]

really neat experience for you both!

1) If you can find a way to talk to each other over the din of the other dinners.
2) And, frequently with kid noises and/or kids running around.
3) VERY NOISY, and many times VERY UNRULY. *

* We avoid Cali Grill more than the plague. At least in today's time, there is a cure for the plague. Not so for the noise at CG.

 

[LBlovesM&WDW]

The thing is she's not wanting a romantic, quiet experience. She'll be there with her 10 yr old daughter. If it was romance, I would choose AP.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

The thing is she's not wanting a romantic, quiet experience. She'll be there with her 10 yr old daughter. If it was romance, I would choose AP.

1) You do make a good point.
2) But, for the cost of Cali Grill, I would expect a more refined and calm atmosphere.
3) I . . . personally . . . do not like to pay that much and be disturbed by others.

 

[JZCubed]

Hi! I will be celebrating my 40th birthday at WDW in April 2016. I would like to celebrate with a special dinner somewhere on the monorail loop. I’m staying at Poly. I will be with my 10 year old DD, who is a picky eater (think chicken nuggets). I am not so concerned about that – I’m sure she will find something to eat. However, I am looking for something with a more relaxed atmosphere that is not too adult. However, I want very good food. I love all types of cuisine.


This is only my second trip to WDW and my experience with the various restaurants is limited. I’m hoping to receive some recommendations from the experienced folks on this site.


Right now, I am leaning toward Citrico’s because the menu appeals to me and my impression is that it’s more casual (I could be wrong).


Thank you for any and all advice or recommendations!

A few options for a 'special occasion' on Monorail Loop:

CA Grill - simply the best view at Disney. Yes, it might seem to be 'too adult', but don't be fooled, many young children dine here. If done correctly, your ADR can coincide with the fireworks. Mention it's your birthday and ask for a seat away from the kitchen.

Narcoossee's - an upscale New England-style seafood house. Upscale is relative to a typical seafood shack, not meaning particularly fancy. You can also schedule your ADR around the fireworks.

Citrico's - maybe a more solid menu than Narcoossee's for the non-seafood lover. But no fireworks.

Tea Party's - there are a few tea party services at Grand Floridian. Some adults find it charming to celebrate their own birthdays by elevating their children.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?restaurant.id=305
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?restaurant.id=555
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?restaurant.id=227

Artist's Point - a short boat ride from Monorail hotels. Less bustling. Food almost on par with Citrico's (I find the menu more limited).

Happy birthday!!

 

[browning02]

Thanks everyone for your recommendations! Artist Point was off my radar, so I will definitely look into that. California Grill was certainly on my list for consideration, and I'm still considering it. It's great to get opinions on atmosphere and menus. Atmosphere especially, because it's sometimes hard to tell from photos. Thanks again! My ADR window opens in a couple of weeks, so I will need to decide soon...

 

[jacksgirl]

My 40th birthday dinner was at Ohana -- not a signature, I know, but it is my favorite WDW restaurant. If you want signature, I second the Artist Point suggestion. It's a wonderful meal.

 

[kwdw]

I love Citrico's! I like their menu choices better than California Grill or Narcoossee's. For a nice meal, I also like dinner at The Wave. I did my birthday dinner there this past year. Cali Grill is overrated, IMO. If you have never been over to Wilderness Lodge, riding the boat over there and walking around the resort can be nice. I would head to Artist Point vs Whispering Canyon Cafe for a nice meal. I actually like the food and atmosphere at WCC, but it doesn't seem 40th birthday like. Now, the Hoop Dee Doo Review could also be a fun night for a birthday if you have never done that!

I'd suggest just going with the menu that appeals to you the most. Of the monorail dining options, they all have good reputations and it's really about what atmosphere, food, location to explore that appeals most to you. For example, personally dislike O'hanas and Cali Grill, but they are huge favorites for others! And I'd never pick Narcoossee's because their food choices are unappealing to me. But it's a family members favorite place!

Most importantly, make sure Mickey knows it's you birthday when you visit him at Town Square Theater.