A review of the Zoo

[BCV23]

That is good news that they will validate parking for you there. Was that the case last time you dined there as well? When they instituted the charge for parking, we asked at Fresh and were told that no restaurants would do that....not even the Zoo. For those prices, they should!

It sounds like a wonderful meal. We have to get back there.

And shopping kudos to Mrs U!

 

[ufgator]

Thanks for the info, UncleR.

 

[goofy 28]

GREAT REVIEW, I will be at disney in three weeks and I am going to the Blue Zoo for dinner one night with my wife. I love fresh seafood, and this sounds like the place. thank you.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Bcv23:
I am fairly sure they did it last time too. Even the valet parking the car mentioned it to us when we pulled in.

 

[BCV23]

Thanks. It is good to know.

 

[TDC Nala]

I'm going to Bluezoo on the 4th of July. It's good to know that they validate parking. I won't need to - I want to have a couple of martinis, so I'll take the bus. I think the plan is to walk over to Epcot for fireworks that night and then catch the bus to PI from the Beach Club. Can't beat the location.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

Thanks for another excellent review. Blue Zoo along with Citrico's are both on our to do list for our trip this coming December.

 

[TexasCourt]

Can't wait to try this place out in July!!!!!

 

[mitros]

Wow! those prices are high. Do you know if the DDE can be used there?

 

[Uncleromulus]

Alas-they don't accept DDE--it's not a "Disney" restaurant.

 

[mitros]

Alas-they don't accept DDE--it's not a "Disney" restaurant.

I thought maybe that since you can use DDE at Wolgang Puck's Cafe, and Planet Hollywood, which are also not Disney restaurants, that perhaps the Blue Zoo would also accept it. Oh well..........

 

[Uncleromulus]

I also heard that Raglan Road accepts DDE too. Not sure what governs those decisions. But it would be great if places like Palio, Blue Zoo, Shula's, etc began accepting DDE!!!!

 

[TDC Nala]

The Swolphin restaurants don't accept DDE, but they do have a discount for DVC members...

EXCEPT for Bluezoo. They don't seem to accept discounts of any kind.

At Downtown Disney, as noted, Planet Hollywood and Raglan Road will take it...so will Wolfgang Puck Cafe. None of these are owned by Disney. Earl of Sandwich takes it for counter service and they're not either. Captain Jack's will too, but I think they are Disney.

 

[mitros]

The Swolphin restaurants don't accept DDE, but they do have a discount for DVC members...

EXCEPT for Bluezoo. They don't seem to accept discounts of any kind.

At Downtown Disney, as noted, Planet Hollywood and Raglan Road will take it...so will Wolfgang Puck Cafe. None of these are owned by Disney. Earl of Sandwich takes it for counter service and they're not either. Captain Jack's will too, but I think they are Disney.

As a matter of fact, Cap'n Jacks is the last remaining original Disney owned eatery in the Marketplace.

 

[skunkvette]

Literally just back from WDW (last night), as "major" dinners we did the V&A, Shula's, Flying Fish, California Grille and Blue Zoo.

Without a doubt the Blue Zoo was outstanding, a real close second to the California Grille.

 

[jwfla422]

Thanks for another great review! I liked how Mrs. U shopped before dinner - a good dinner and shopping are a great combo! I said this in your review of Citricos, but we're thinking about eating there when we go to WDW next week based on your and Mr. Disney's good reviews. Plus, I love seafood. And we've never eaten here before.

You said there were 3 fresh fish that night. Besides the grouper, what were the other 2? Also, is the restaurant quiet or noisy? Is the restaurant big? Is there a good area to request to sit? It would be just DH and myself. Thanks for any info.

The snapper was another choice which was EXCELLENT!! We FINALLY gave Blue Zoo a try a few weeks ago and it DID NOT disappoint. It was a definite A+ experience and it was just myself and my 7 yr old dd. (she was impressed as well!)

The restaurant was fairly busy on the Friday night we dined there (about 6)-but we sat right away. It was not noisy, it was just the right noise level (if there is such a thing). It is bigger than it looks from the entrance as there is a large room once you pass the bar/lounge area which has a very high ceiling which makes it feel even bigger. DD and I sat right in the middle of this area in a 1/4 rounded booth which was quite comfortable. Also has great views of the S/D area all around this room.

Food and service were top rate!! Wasn't sure at first if it was appropriate to take 7 yr old dd there but we were totally comfortable and I saw several other families with children of all ages. Would return again in a heartbeat (I think we need to count dh in next time --he always misses the good stuff!!)

We are also DDE members, although we stay at the Swan a lot we still get our money's worth since we eat at so many other places in WDW. However I didn't know this until last year, if you are a Starwood Gold member kids 9 and under eat free at the following S/D restaurants: Palio, Fresh, Garden Grove/Gulliver's. It's a nice little perk. Make sure to inquire at check in as you will need a card for this.

Keep in mind that some of the restaurants at the S/D (as well as DTD) are owned by "outside" establishments and not Starwood or WDW, that's mostly why they don't accept discounts at certain restaurants. Shula's and Blue Zoo are not owned by Starwood as many of the DTD restaurants have different ownership as well. This has also been the case with some of the Epcot WS restaurants although most are now accepting the DDE. (this was not the case a few years back). It is really up to the management as to whether they want to offer discounts or not.