Artist Point...yay or nay?

[TarzansKat]

This year for free dining, DH, DS3, and I are staying at the Wilderness Lodge. I know Artist Point is a signature restaurant, but I've thought about going for appetizers and desserts and paying out of pocket, since those are really, really appealing to me. We've already planned our maximum number of ADRs, so I'm looking for your opinions. My reasoning for just apps and dessert is that with my 3 year old, I'd like to have a shorter meal so that we'll maintain good behavior and hopefully not disturb other guests. Usually, he's very good, but I know we won't be able to have a relaxed signature dining experience. That being said, would you go and just enjoy the atmosphere of the Wilderness Lodge?

How is the food there, I see very few reviews for it, so I'm curious.

Thanks in advance!

 

[jezebella]

I love love LOVE Artist's Point. I would go just for the smoky portobello soup and throw in a cheese plate for good measure!

 

[TarzansKat]

I love love LOVE Artist's Point. I would go just for the smoky portobello soup and throw in a cheese plate for good measure!

Thanks for the advice! I'm looking at the menu, and the spring rolls look amazing too.

That, and pretty much every dessert...umm...I'll take one of each please.

 

[ededmd]

Food is good. On par with a good to very good non-Disney restaurant for which you would pay real money.

Atmosphere feels a little formal for a 3 yo [I've done it with a 2.5-3 yo, don't remember exactly] but the food is enjoyable.

I think your food plan is good (apps / dessert is about the right timing). If you try to do the full meal, be prepared to take a mid-course stroll on the balcony - a nice place for mom and DS to wait for the entrees - so as not to burn out the sit-down, be-still meter.

 

[Kae]

Yay. I would do that.

Kae

 

[TarzansKat]

Food is good. On par with a good to very good non-Disney restaurant for which you would pay real money.

Atmosphere feels a little formal for a 3 yo [I've done it with a 2.5-3 yo, don't remember exactly] but the food is enjoyable.

I think your food plan is good (apps / dessert is about the right timing). If you try to do the full meal, be prepared to take a mid-course stroll on the balcony - a nice place for mom and DS to wait for the entrees - so as not to burn out the sit-down, be-still meter.

Thanks for giving me the low down on trying this place with a toddler. I think a full meal would just be too much for him, kwim? He is a very well-behaved kid, but even well-behaved kids have their limits, and I'm fully aware of his.

Yay. I would do that.

Kae

Thanks. With these positive reviews, I think I may have to be making a little WDW DINE phone call this morning.

Keep em comin'!

 

[madalex]

Great restaurant. Well worth the time and expense.

 

[TarzansKat]

Great restaurant. Well worth the time and expense.

Thanks.

 

[jezebella]

I never had a problem with dining at AP with a toddler----we moved here 4 years ago when DD was 3 and went to AP probably 5 times in that year alone.

Oh...and one tip...the cobbler is usually much more tart than sweet. The duck confit is very good as are the spring rolls. If you decide to stay for the full meal, I almost always get the buffalo.

 

[TarzansKat]

I never had a problem with dining at AP with a toddler----we moved here 4 years ago when DD was 3 and went to AP probably 5 times in that year alone.

Oh...and one tip...the cobbler is usually much more tart than sweet. The duck confit is very good as are the spring rolls. If you decide to stay for the full meal, I almost always get the buffalo.

Do you prefer the buffalo to the salmon?

 

[jezebella]

I'm not a big fan of salmon....I love fish, but salmon not so much. I did get it one night though, to be fair, and it was quite good. I imagine if I actually like salmon it would have been great. Everyone I know has loved it and the presentation can't be beat.

 

[TarzansKat]

I'm not a big fan of salmon....I love fish, but salmon not so much. I did get it one night though, to be fair, and it was quite good. I imagine if I actually like salmon it would have been great. Everyone I know has loved it and the presentation can't be beat.

Thanks....I'm leaning towards getting us an ADR. I just can't figure out where I want to fit it in!

 

[SoundDude]

We're choosing to do Artist's Point for our anniv dinner but I think your plan is good with a toddler. We often hit the Outback at home for a kids meal and appetizer, then head home when the patience runs out. Most places are excellent about "rushing" a kids meal while you enjoy a cocktail and appetizer.

I can't find a menu but the Territory Lounge says the offer "light appetizers" which might be enough to get you a taste? Might take a phonecall to the WL front desk to see if you could order a dessert off the AP menu at the Lounge...that way you'd have the whole lobby for your litt'l'un to play in while you take turns enjoying some adult drinks and appetizers.

 

[TarzansKat]

We're choosing to do Artist's Point for our anniv dinner but I think your plan is good with a toddler. We often hit the Outback at home for a kids meal and appetizer, then head home when the patience runs out. Most places are excellent about "rushing" a kids meal while you enjoy a cocktail and appetizer.

I can't find a menu but the Territory Lounge says the offer "light appetizers" which might be enough to get you a taste? Might take a phonecall to the WL front desk to see if you could order a dessert off the AP menu at the Lounge...that way you'd have the whole lobby for your litt'l'un to play in while you take turns enjoying some adult drinks and appetizers.

Not a bad idea. That could actually, work, I never thought of the Lounge. Perhaps I'll post this question on the FAQ thread and see what people have been able to get there.

Thanks!

 

[flipflop]

I never had a problem with dining at AP with a toddler----we moved here 4 years ago when DD was 3 and went to AP probably 5 times in that year alone.

Oh...and one tip...the cobbler is usually much more tart than sweet. The duck confit is very good as are the spring rolls. If you decide to stay for the full meal, I almost always get the buffalo.

OT - Is buffalo similar in taste to beef? I am considering ordering the buffalo but I am not sure what to expect taste wise and I don't like meat that tastes "gamey".

 

[sydprincess]

You will not regret dining here. You are sure to have a lovely experience.

And do not worry about taking your toddler along. Just because you have a child that "may" not sit still the entire time doesn't mean you don't have as much right to dine there as anyone else. There are times when I am out to eat and the adults bug me more than the squirmy kids, either because they are talking too loud or eating in a gross manner, etc. So go and enjoy and don't think twice.

Last year my DD5 got the Mickey Puzzle for dessert and she loved it. Be sure to get it for your son to try!

 

[eapgourmet]

OT - Is buffalo similar in taste to beef? I am considering ordering the buffalo but I am not sure what to expect taste wise and I don't like meat that tastes "gamey".

Buffalo is a much leaner meat than beef, but I personally don't feel it tastes "gamey" at all. It's really a wonderful flavor, and Artist Point does a beautiful job with it. I'm assuming you probably don't like venison or lamb?

Back on topic, I love Artist Point. The atmosphere is really nice and the food is great. Granted, I've never been there with children, but I'm sure you won't be sorry if you try some appetizers and a dessert.

 

[ougrad86]

Loved Artist's Point, and love the mushroom soup. Can't remember what my son had, but it was from the Children's menu and he enjoyed it. The main reason we went there was for the geyser - he wanted to see it go off, and I wanted to see the resort, so we just fit dinner it with it. Boat ride is fun for a kid as well.
Several young kids in there while we were there. They do have a dress code - I wore a pair of slacks and a blouse - but my son wore jeans and a polo shirt.

 

[TarzansKat]

You will not regret dining here. You are sure to have a lovely experience.

And do not worry about taking your toddler along. Just because you have a child that "may" not sit still the entire time doesn't mean you don't have as much right to dine there as anyone else. There are times when I am out to eat and the adults bug me more than the squirmy kids, either because they are talking too loud or eating in a gross manner, etc. So go and enjoy and don't think twice.

Last year my DD5 got the Mickey Puzzle for dessert and she loved it. Be sure to get it for your son to try!

Thank you for those kind words about dining with children. I guess after reading some of the threads, I'm a little sensitive to what everyone thinks is appropriate...but it's our vacation too, right?

Back on topic, I love Artist's Point. The atmosphere is really nice and the food is great. Granted, I've never been there with children, but I'm sure you won't be sorry if you try some appetizers and a dessert.

Thanks for your opinon!

Several young kids in there while we were there. They do have a dress code - I wore a pair of slacks and a blouse - but my son wore jeans and a polo shirt.

I was aware of the dress code. I actually thought it might be nice to dress for one evening, since the rest of the time we'll be in our standard vacation gear. I love to dress up DS...when he lets me!

 

[LisaInNc]

Why not purchase a special small toy that will keep him fascianted, tuck it away and pull it out only minutes before he has had enough? That might buy you enough time to enjoy yourself and not have to rush.

Kudos for you for recognizing that your 3 year old has limitations in what he can endure!