A nice big lunch for the day we arrive?

[dan.k78]

We'll be arriving in Orlando at about 9:30am, and figure by the time we get our luggage, and make our way to the Swan, check in, and dump our bags, it'll be around noon and we'll be starving. Any recommendations on restaurants for a nice hearty lunch? BTW, we plan on doing Epcot that day, so restaurants in/near The Swan/Dolphin, Boardwalk, or Epcot would be awesome. Thanks for your advice...

 

[Golf4food]

The Biergarten is a great hearty meal, and it is a buffet so you can eat as much as you want - all sorts of meats, sides, veggies, desserts, etc.

 

[daisygirl902]

For a very hearty CS meal in EPCOT we always go to Tangeire Cafe at the Morrocan Pavillian. It is so delicious and the portions are huge.

 

[soulmates]

Epcot, the choices are endless. I wouldn't eat anywhere BUT Epcot if it were my 1st day!! Germany is a filling lunch. It will get you through till dinner...yummy!

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) I would walk to the Dolphin, next door.
2) Jump to the Mediterranean Market.
3) You can have a great buffet lunch before hitting Epcot.
4) Spain, Italy, France, Greece and Morocco with a domestic flair.
5) Should get you really in the mood.

 

[qohweddings]

Our first day spot is ususally Wolfgan Puck Express at Disney Marketplace...

We find that usually our rooms aren't ready at noon so we head over there to spend a few hours, look for new pins, and stock up on bath supplies for the Jacuzzi tub at Basin.

Wolfgan Puck Express is only a CS if you are on DDP, there a really nice selections of flatbread pizza, sanwiches/wraps, salads and pastas...all with pretty big portions.

We've done several items and enjoyed all of them-

 

[I Love Thumper]

You might try the Rose & Crown in UK pavilion at Epcot. Great fish n chips and shepherds pie...and ice cold bass ale. Great start to the vacation, maybe? Ressies are advised thru 407-WDW-DINE.

 

[Joan S.]

Hi, Captains Grille at the Yatch Club has a VERY nice lunch. You can then walk or catch the boat from there to Epcot. Joan

 

[dan.k78]

Thanks for all the replies! I guess I didn't even think about our room not being ready when we get there (I guess I"m used to Vegas where it seems like your room is available no matter what time you arrive ). With so many good recommendations, I guess I'll have to pull up the menus for these places and see which ones look most appealing.

 

[LUVDZNY2008]

Just one thing to keep in mind, be careful of making a reservation at a place for lunch, what if your flight is delayed??

 

[marylouwho]

I vote for Sunshine Seasons in Epcot. No ADR's needed and the strawberry shortcake is awesome (and I don't even like strawberry shortcake )

 

[ROEDISNEY]

If you want to go to the boardwalk Big River Grill looks good

 

[momandseandodisney]

I say garden grill - get your charater fix the first day

 

[ntsammy5]

ESPN - FWIW Garden Grill no longer serves lunch

 

[focusondisney]

Hi! I second Big River Grill @ The Boardwalk. My DH & I ate lunch there last year on our arrival day. The selection was great so everyone should be able to find something they would like. Also the food was so good we're looking forward to eating there again in Sept. It was a little loud but not crowded so felt relaxing. There are also outdoor tables so it would be nice to sit watch the Friendship boats come & go while you plan your first day's adventures. Good luck & have a great vacation!!

 

[hoosiermike]

Tangerine Cafe - get one of the platters. Plenty of food (and a great deal as well). You'll be full for hours.