Best dining option for DDP in boardwalk area.

[WallE71]

Wanting to know best dining option for Boardwalk/Beach Club area for June with Deluxe Dining Plan. I have seen Compass and Ale mentioned a few times. Group wants to try ESPN zone, but not heard great things there. Any thoughts? We want something that has a decent value on the DDP without having to go to DS. We are annual pass holders, but the rest of the group is not.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

We only like ESPN for the atmosphere as DS10 is a huge sports fan. In terms of food, it isn't great and you certainly won't get the biggest bang for your DDP buck there. If you are specifically looking for 1 TS credit meals, I would consider Ale & Compass, Trattoria al Forno and Cape May. We had breakfast at Ale & Compass a few weeks ago and thought it was fantastic. I loved the atmosphere - very sleek and sophisticated - and the food and service were excellent. We've been to Trattoria al Forno a few times and while it isn't the best Italian food in WDW, IMHO, it's good, has a varied menu and a lively atmosphere. It's also right on the Boardwalk, so it's kind of fun, IMHO. My least favorite is Cape May, but that's because I"m not a huge fan of buffets, but that may appeal to your group. I wouldn't consider Big River Grille. The food is on par with ESPN's without any atmosphere at all and, again, not a good value on DDP, IMHO.

 

[epcotobsessed]

Cape May Cafe. Best buffet on site, imo, and excellent 1 credit value.

 

[crabbygal902]

Cape May Cafe Seafood Buffet is a great way to spend your DDP credits for monetary value, ESPN not at all.

I don’t like buffets in general but Cape May is an exception.

 

[DisBuckMan]

The 3 best restaurants in the Boardwalk area do not take the DDP, so you're behind the 8-ball there.

Next best are Flying Fish and The Yachtsman...but they're both signature restaurants that require 2TS credits to dine there...and from your original post, probably not what you're looking for.

I guess after that, flip a coin between Trattoria (Italian) and Cape May (seafood). I've never been particularly impressed with any seafood I've eaten at Disney, but everyone is different, and lots of people love it at Cape May.

 

[DisBuckMan]

whoops...double post

 

[Jadyreen1282]

Cape May or Yachtsman.

 

[WallE71]

The 3 best restaurants in the Boardwalk area do not take the DDP, so you're behind the 8-ball there.

Next best are Flying Fish and The Yachtsman...but they're both signature restaurants that require 2TS credits to dine there...and from your original post, probably not what you're looking for.

I guess after that, flip a coin between Trattoria (Italian) and Cape May (seafood). I've never been particularly impressed with any seafood I've eaten at Disney, but everyone is different, and lots of people love it at Cape May.

I assume you mean the top three as Bluezoo, Shula's, and Il Mulino? We have eaten at Bluezoo and it was hands down the best option in the area. We had a great meal and desserts. I just noticed they take TIW which we will add for this trip, but I will have 36 DDP credits to use between 5 adults. We booked Ale and Compass for first night. We will still have the option to do Cape May for breakfast on our next to last day.

 

[DisBuckMan]

I assume you mean the top three as Bluezoo, Shula's, and Il Mulino?

You got it.

 

[RPM1214]

I would also say Cape May Cafe for dinner

 

[mi*vida*loca]

We aren't on the DDP but we have Yachtsman booked. We also want to do Il Mulino but that isn't on the DDP.

 

[GeorgiaHoo]

Yachtsman or Flying Fish. ESPN is basically pub food, but has a decent beer selection. I'd eat there before I'd eat at Cape May. If you've had decent seafood anywhere before you'll be disappointed with the quality at Cape May--or at least we were, and we have 3 seafood lovers in our family. If Epcot is an option then I'd walk in the back entrance and eat at Chefs de France or Via Napoli (sitting outside) if looking for a 1 credit place.

 

[BuffaloJim]

Since you’re on the DxDP, I’d suggest Ale & Compass for a single credit. They have some good (and expensive, but free on the DxDP) appetizers, plus it’s an entirely different vibe than Cape May.

 

[Huff]

If you enjoy seafood then Cape May is a very good buffet. If most in your party are not seafood lovers then this would not be a good choice. Flying Fish is excellent but is a signature restaurant. Tratoria has decent Italian, nothing fancy but good. Our last visit we had horrible service but that has happened now and then at other Disney restaurants as well.

 

[Remy is Up]

Lots of talk about the 3 swalphin restaurants and to be honest bluezoo is ok, not amazing flying fish or boathouse serve equal quality food. Shulas is more hype than quality. I've had better steak at yachtsman, cali grill, or even flying fish. Il mulano is without a doubt the best italian food on property

 

[epcotobsessed]

Lots of talk about the 3 swalphin restaurants and to be honest bluezoo is ok, not amazing flying fish or boathouse serve equal quality food. Shulas is more hype than quality. I've had better steak at yachtsman, cali grill, or even flying fish. Il mulano is without a doubt the best italian food on property

Agree 100%! Stick with Flying Fish or Cape May for better seafood, Yachtsman for better steak, go to Il Mulino if you really want Italian.

 

[WallE71]

Lots of talk about the 3 swalphin restaurants and to be honest bluezoo is ok, not amazing flying fish or boathouse serve equal quality food. Shulas is more hype than quality. I've had better steak at yachtsman, cali grill, or even flying fish. Il mulano is without a doubt the best italian food on property

We have eaten at Bluezoo and we loved it. I think it was way better than okay. Never been to Flying Fish or Boathouse. We had the option to do Flying Fish last years trip while at Boardwalk and ordered pizza instead and stayed in since it was raining. We still regret that. Has anyone had the steak at Ale and Compass and how it compares to Yatchsman? We may change to use extra credits since just adults.