Best Off-site locations for dinner

[SnowWhite2]

I returned to WDW last year after several years of DCL only vacations. We are DVC members and stayed at SSR and loved it. We purchased the dining plan and it seemed to work OK as we used all of the credits and were extremely full most of the time.

DH and I are returning again this year and have decided not to do the DDP for several reasons: 1. The removal of the appy and tips - we are not big dessert eaters but do love a salad or soup with our meal. 2. All of the sit down restaurants seem to have the same menu. 3. Many times, not always, the food at chain restaurants is better.

So this year I'd like to try some local places for dinner. Anyone have suggestions?

 

[OKW Lover]

There are so many different off-site restaurants its difficult to answer your question without knowing more about your likes and dislikes. Safe to say that you can find just about any dining experience you are interested in within a very short distance from WDW.

 

[disnut8]

We've eaten at Benigan's, Red Lobster, Lonestar, Ruby Tuesday's and Logan's recently. If you go out to Highway 192 and make either a right or a left, you'll find plenty of places to eat. I know there is a Chili's on that stretch and I believe an Applebee's as well. We actually will just get on the highway and drive until something jumps out at us.

 

[debbiepump]

Carrabba's! This is a chain but we love it. There are none out here in the West, so it's a treat for us when we can find one. It's on the way to the outlet mall.

 

[sdzman]

There is a Pizzeria Uno at the Crossroads by the Lake Buena Vista entrance not far from SSR. Its a chain but really good Chicago style pizza and pasta dishes.

 

[tiggr33]

but do love a salad or soup with our meal.

If you have a car and the time, Sweet Tomato's on International Drive, by Wet and Wild. That is the off property must do must do for us. We are big soup and salad eaters, so this is right up that proverbial tree.

 

[La2kw]

We have eaten at Chili's, Romano's Macaroni Grill, Chevy's, and Qdoba, which are all very close to the DD entrance to WDW off Apopka Vineland Rd. If you are willing to drive a bit further, BJ's Brewhouse is worth a drive (near Mall at Millenia, which is also worth the trip), or Whataburger (love their burgers and we have none in California), which is near the Florida Mall. Panera Bread, Subway, Outback, and Publix markets are all over near the Outlet Mall. Since DDP has lead to such boring, standardized menus, and the prices have increased while quality continues to decrease, we give WDW less of our dining dollars. With our DVC kitchen, we also eat some meals in our room.

 

[gatorfreud]

My favorite from the days when I loved in Orlando is Cafe Tu Tu Tango on I-drive, just north of 528. It is small plates... so order a bunch and share. Really yummy and lots variety. The have a website with the menu (cafetututango.com I think...). They also take "priority seating" reservations, so call in advance of your trip if you want to go. I don't think the wait is too horrible, but why not call ahead?

Enjoy!

 

[disnemimi]

Look no further.....there are really good restaurants in Celebration, just outside of WDW. Our favorite is the Town Tavern with great seafood. Columbia's, good cuban food, and for something special, we love the Plantation Room at the Celebration Hotel. There is also an Italian restaurant, Japanese and even a diner-type grill restaurant on the corner. A fun place to walk around and enjoy the lake sitting in the rocking chairs.

We always stay on property at Disney, but drive to these restaurants for a nice change.

Enjoy
disnemimi

 

[ededmd]

Roy's Hawaiian
Sand Lake Road west of I4
http://www.roysrestaurant.com/index.asp

more upscale / expensive than mid-tier, emphasis on fish dishes but good variety

If you want to venture into Orlando proper, one of my favorites from when I lived in Orlando was Le Coq Au Vin.
http://www.lecoqauvinrestaurant.com/
French (obviously), not too expensive, local chef / owner

 

[rontu78]

We love Sweet Tomatoes for the buffet salads, soups, pastas and homemade breads.

Also, Boston Lobster Feast (www.bostonlobsterfeast.com) for the seafood and lobster buffet with prime rib. It's pricey at $35 per person, though.

 

[Princess Giselle]

We really enjoyed off-site restaurants for dinners in our last visit. Our favorite was Seasons 52 and Emmeril's. Bit pricy but great experience!!

 

[Princess Giselle]

Also Celebration got really nice restaurants!