A lot to celebrate: where to dine?

[toodycat]

My DH and I find ourselves in the MCO area in January for a weekend because my brother-in-law is having a 60th birthday party. When we checked hotels for his city, we found that a lot of place are overpriced or fully booked and, it was cheaper to stay at the YC, so that's where we're staying. We plan to visit the MK during the day on Saturday and attend his function Saturday night. My birthday is on Sunday. We want to celebrate my birthday and the fact that I've finished my cancer treatment with a late lunch on Sunday. Where in Epcot would you dine for maximum celebration? Thanks!

 

[GeorgiaHoo]

We like Teppan Edo and Chefs de France. But I'd maybe go over to Yacht Club/Boardwalk area if that is an option and go with Yachtsman or Flying Fish.

 

[L&Lfan]

We'd go to Shula'a or bluezoo at the Dolphin.

 

[Hopefully]

We like Teppan Edo and Chefs de France. But I'd maybe go over to Yacht Club/Boardwalk area if that is an option and go with Yachtsman or Flying Fish.

We'd go to Shula'a or bluezoo at the Dolphin.

I agree these are all great for a celebration, but I don't believe any are open for lunch

 

[toodycat]

Thanks. I know Chefs de France is open for lunch. I would prefer to be in Epcot, if possible.

 

[Hopefully]

Yes. Of course the Epcot restaurants are open for lunch. Sorry I wasn't clear. I was referring to Yachtsman Steakhouse, Flying Fish, Shula'S & bluezoo not serving lunch.

 

[wench]

Teppan Edo is definitely open for lunch as well. As much as I love it there, I don't know that I'd recommend for this. Being at a table with all those strangers makes your celebration less personal.

 

[pangyal]

I would highly recommend the California Grill brunch! I had a lovely birthday meal there on a Sunday. I realize it's not Epcot, but it's monorail accessible, at least.

 

[alex9179]

I really wouldn't count on them to up the celebration vibe for you. There has been thread after thread where people lament how ordinary their dining was, even though they note a celebration, have buttons, make a point of saying something, etc.

However, from me. So Happy for you and your continued good health.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I think I'd vote for Chef's de France and a bottle of champagne. Congratulations on finishing your treatment!

 

[cgattis]

Whatever you decide, enjoy! Congratulations on finishing your treatments!!!

 

[toodycat]

I really wouldn't count on them to up the celebration vibe for you. There has been thread after thread where people lament how ordinary their dining was, even though they note a celebration, have buttons, make a point of saying something, etc.

However, from me. So Happy for you and your continued good health.

Thanks for your kind wishes. Honestly, they don't have to make a big fuss. I just want someplace with a "happiest place on earth" atmosphere. I have to say that we have been extraordinarily lucky with celebration pixie dust in the past. DH spent his 50th at WDW and the staff at AKL sent all kinds of goodies to our room. Boma gave him a cake. I think we got cupcakes on our anniversary, too. But, that doesn't matter. I'll just be happy to be there.

 

[Pmlocke]

I'll tell you what I did for my 60th Birthday. We ate at the Crystal Palace. My wife told our server that it was my 60th while I was away from the table. When I returned, suddenly the entire crew of costumed figures showed up with a cupcake and a signed birthday card. Then an announcement over the PA System announcing that the Crystal Palace wanted to aknowledge a very special young boy who was celebrating his 60th birthday. Winnie the Pooh dragged me out of my chair and I had my own parade around the restaurant. Best time and most cherished memory of my life. Talk about feeling like a kid again. Best gift ever.

 

[toodycat]

That is an amazing way to spend your birthday!

 

[jriveiro724]

The Garden Grill of Coral Reef!

 

[kastoney]

It's not in Epcot, but given its a Sunday I would totally splurge and go to California Grill for their brunch. It's your birthday and you're cancer-free go all out!!!!!!

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Where in Epcot would you dine for maximum celebration? Thanks!

BIRTHDAY-ANNIVERSARY-HONEYMOON-GRADUATION-ETC Celebrations "411":
1) It is a matter of the CM's personal initiative.
. . . depends upon how much they like you as a guest
. . . it always helps to wear a "Happy Birthday" or "Just Married" button
. . . depends if they feel like doing anything special today
. . . depends upon the phase of the moon
2) CM's can do a lot, or they can do nothing at all as they have immense control
. . . they are under no obligation to give goodies or even acknowledge any special day
. . . they can go way overboard, give lots of gifts
. . . they have A LOT of leeway for what they will or will not do for you
. . . they can see the event if listed on the ADR or hotel ressie and you hope for the best
3) Some of the things a CM can do for free are
. . . table with Mickey confetti
. . . your name/celebration on menu at TS locations (except BOG)
. . . best table location
. . . special personalized menu
. . . character-autographed birthday cards
. . . balloons
. . . balloon animals
. . . wine or champagne or Shirley Temples
. . . room towel animals
. . . appetizers or desserts
. . . cakes
. . . cupcake with candle (almost always available for the asking)
. . . place mats autographed by characters
. . . free appy or free dessert
. . . ride an attraction with a character
. . . personalization items for the Magic Bands
5) Some other items CM's can give for free
. . . room full of balloons and/or flowers
. . . fruit basket or wine basket in hotel room
. . . individual fast passes or booklets of several fast passes
. . . food and snack items (candy, popcorn, sundries)
. . . room upgrades
. . . attraction rides with characters
6) If you really want something special, buy it yourself.
. . . eatery: carry presents in and keep/hide them in a paper bag
. . . eatery: carry a cake in, but, WDW won't prepare, store, or serve it
. . . eatery: order non-decorated cake at the eatery podium check-in
. . . eatery: order decorated cake from the WDW Cake Hotline
. . . room: order special in-room celebration decorating by Disney
. . . room: order strawberries and cream, if resort has room service
. . . room: decorate the room yourself
7) If there are multiple celebrations for people during a trip
. . . do not do separate celebration locations or tables
. . . one person may get an enthusiastic CM and get goodies
. . . one person may get a lazy CM and get nothing
8) Hundreds, or thousands, celebrate everyday at WDW.
9) It is too much time/money for CM's to attend or recognize every one of them.
.
NOTE: I have personally given out freebies such as major room upgrades, fruit baskets, ine & cheese baskets, fast passes. It all depends upon how you act toward us and the mood we are in at that time. Of course, there are those guests for whom I would do absolutely nothing involving personal initiative.
.
NOTE2: If you are celebrating something, tell the SEATER (the podium person) when you check-in at the eatery. They will note it on the table-slip that is presented to the SERVER. The SERVER can determine if they want to do something.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

If you want something a little upscale, I would recommend Monsieur Paul in the France pavilion. The food and service are wonderful.

If you would like something a little less expensive, we really like the food at Spice Road Table. The staff are absolutely wonderful there.

If you want something with a happiest-place-on-earth feeling, I would go to Garden Grill!! Nothing happier than celebrating with Mickey himself!

 

[toodycat]

BIRTHDAY-ANNIVERSARY-HONEYMOON-GRADUATION-ETC Celebrations "411":
1) It is a matter of the CM's personal initiative.
. . . depends upon how much they like you as a guest
. . . it always helps to wear a "Happy Birthday" or "Just Married" button
. . . depends if they feel like doing anything special today
. . . depends upon the phase of the moon
2) CM's can do a lot, or they can do nothing at all as they have immense control
. . . they are under no obligation to give goodies or even acknowledge any special day
. . . they can go way overboard, give lots of gifts
. . . they have A LOT of leeway for what they will or will not do for you
. . . they can see the event if listed on the ADR or hotel ressie and you hope for the best
3) Some of the things a CM can do for free are
. . . table with Mickey confetti
. . . your name/celebration on menu at TS locations (except BOG)
. . . best table location
. . . special personalized menu
. . . character-autographed birthday cards
. . . balloons
. . . balloon animals
. . . wine or champagne or Shirley Temples
. . . room towel animals
. . . appetizers or desserts
. . . cakes
. . . cupcake with candle (almost always available for the asking)
. . . place mats autographed by characters
. . . free appy or free dessert
. . . ride an attraction with a character
. . . personalization items for the Magic Bands
5) Some other items CM's can give for free
. . . room full of balloons and/or flowers
. . . fruit basket or wine basket in hotel room
. . . individual fast passes or booklets of several fast passes
. . . food and snack items (candy, popcorn, sundries)
. . . room upgrades
. . . attraction rides with characters
6) If you really want something special, buy it yourself.
. . . eatery: carry presents in and keep/hide them in a paper bag
. . . eatery: carry a cake in, but, WDW won't prepare, store, or serve it
. . . eatery: order non-decorated cake at the eatery podium check-in
. . . eatery: order decorated cake from the WDW Cake Hotline
. . . room: order special in-room celebration decorating by Disney
. . . room: order strawberries and cream, if resort has room service
. . . room: decorate the room yourself
7) If there are multiple celebrations for people during a trip
. . . do not do separate celebration locations or tables
. . . one person may get an enthusiastic CM and get goodies
. . . one person may get a lazy CM and get nothing
8) Hundreds, or thousands, celebrate everyday at WDW.
9) It is too much time/money for CM's to attend or recognize every one of them.
.
NOTE: I have personally given out freebies such as major room upgrades, fruit baskets, ine & cheese baskets, fast passes. It all depends upon how you act toward us and the mood we are in at that time. Of course, there are those guests for whom I would do absolutely nothing involving personal initiative.
.
NOTE2: If you are celebrating something, tell the SEATER (the podium person) when you check-in at the eatery. They will note it on the table-slip that is presented to the SERVER. The SERVER can determine if they want to do something.

Thanks, Rusty Scupper. This is interesting. As I said, I'm not expecting CMs to do anything extra for me. Really, my pixie dust is just being here cancer free to celebrate my birthday at a Disney restaurant, Your post makes me realize how much CMs have gone above and beyond for us with room upgrades, presents, flowers, chocolates and other thoughtful gestures, especially at the GF and AKL. The one thing I would love is to have the Dapper Dans sing "Happy Birthday" as I head up Main Street, but I'm not sure how to accomplish that.

 

[toodycat]

Is Monsieur Paul open for lunch? We have to be at the airport at dinner time.