Best restaurant for celebration

[lhsgrad2000]

There will be 6 adults and 2 preschoolers going to Disney in Sept 2017. We are celebrating 2 anniversaries and 2 birthdays. I am looking for a restaurant for dinner that has a wide variety of foods. Most of the people in our group don't generally like to branch out on new or different foods so 'normal" foods would be good. Any recommendations as I will be hitting my 180 day reservation window soon. Thanks!

 

[JZCubed]

Plenty of suggestions, but first we have to walk through some basic questions/ideas/comments.

1.) Must/Can the meal be inside a Park, Resort, Disney Springs?

2.) Most Disney-run establishments, that are not buffets, have been moving to more limited menus where 'wide variety of food' becomes the problem.

3.) The most basic answer for 'normal food' would be for your group to focus on 'steak' kinda' places like Yachtsman, Shula's, Boathouse, etc.

While my family has yet to go, Boathouse seems like the best choice simply because the menu is the most extensive.

A case be made for fireworks places like CA Grill & Narcoossee's.

A case can be made for non-Disney places like Capa (Four Season), Shula's (Dolphin), and Bull & Bear (Waldorff).

And these are all high-end places (Signature's), but you can also go with a dining package for Fantasmic! or have an add-on like the Dessert Parties.

I could go on and on.....but you've offered very few parameters.

 

[ChasingLeslie]

What is "normal" to you...? Are you talking burgers and chicken strips, or steak and seafood? Are you trying to appeal more to the adults or to the preschoolers?

I always suggest Italian food as a "unifier" because most people like pizza and pasta, and the Italian menus usually offer a good variety. If you want upscale, you could try Il Mulino at the Swan (not DDP); or if you want casual/fun, then consider Via Napoli in Epcot.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I think it depends on what kind of atmosphere you are looking for. If you want something upbeat and fun with a wide variety of non-adventurous foods, I would probably consider a character buffet - Chef Mickey's, 1900 Park Fare, Crystal Palace or Hollywood and Vine (didn't include Akershus or Tusker as they may not fill the non-adventurous bill). If you want to go fancy, with characters and simpler food, maybe CRT. For something special but more upscale, consider California Grill. The menu is pretty straightforward and the view is stunning enough for all ages to appreciate.

You might also want to consider Hoop De Doo Revue. It's a meal served family style, but it's very basic food - chicken, ribs, corn on the cob, strawberry shortcake. The show is really fun, they acknowledge special occasions and you can also visit the stables and play at the Ft. W playground. It makes for a pretty special evening!

 

[janicept]

T-Rex at Disney Springs has a neat environment for kids.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/disney-springs/t-rex/menus/

 

[lpizzuro123]

What about Cape May Dinner Buffet at The Beach Club. Yes there is seafood, shrimp, crab legs, etc. (not sure if that is part of your normal food) but there is also pasta, chicken, bbq ribs, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, red potatoes, salmon, mac and cheese, Hand-carved Strip Loin, salad and cheese pizza. There are all kinds of rolls and bread and a great assortment of desserts. This way everyone can pick and choose what they want. It is also a nice resort to visit.

 

[LaBelleVie]

Buffets obviously have the most variety, if that's what's most important; I second Cape May Cafe, or 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian might be a good choice if you don't mind characters.

Les Chefs De France at Epcot could be a good choice. It has foods that are more familiar (steak, chicken, macaroni and cheese) in a more elegant, celebratory atmosphere. If you're more interested in fun than elegance, Whispering Canyon Cafe at the Wilderness Lodge; the know kids especially would love just it.

If you don't mind a more limited menu that's filled with traditional comfort food, Homecoming at Disney Springs could be a good choice.

 

[MKCP5]

We went to Cali Grill in the contemporary last year for a celebration. It was amazing. Not inexpensive but oh so very lovely and then we went outside to watch the MK fireworks when we were done. Wish I could have that night all over again <3