Business Dinner for 12--where?

[Merriwind]

DH is planning a dinner at Disney for several co-workers and their spouses, plus the two of us. His first choice was California Grill. I laughed, but made the call anyway to be told the first available table was at 9:30pm--for a table of 6 and a table of 5! I guess I'd be staying home!

I am going to stop by Contemporary Concierge this week, as they were able to get us into Chef Mickey's, which according to WDW-DINE was completely booked. But, I am also working on plan B.

Anyway, we are trying to think of other good ideas. We would like a place in a resort with a kids club, as we will have DD8 with us. (Any other childcare ideas to expand our options would be welcome.) We are looking for good food, a place conducive to conversation (not too quiet, not too loud), someplace memorable. Price isn't a concern.

While I start scouring menus on AllEars, I thought I would ask the DIS experts for input.

TIA!

 

[Scratch42]

What about Boma's or JIKO! Jiko would be my first choice.

They have a kids club at AKL.

j

 

[zurgswife]

I was going to say Jiko also. Quite and the also have a private room if that fits your needs.

Though a bigger question is how long until you are planning this. From your post it sounds like immediately, which would make it rather difficult for such a large party. The other suggestion is to have Dining connect you to group dining which they should anyway for such a large party and have them see what are the options.

 

[Hopefully]

My thoughts would be either Jiko or Yachtsman's Steakhouse, if price is not an issue. Both resorts have child care facilities on site.
I ate at Jiko for the first time in April and I loved it. I loved the atmosphere, the food and it was relatively quiet.
The Yachtsman's Steakhouse would have you at the Boardwalk which is such a fun area. You could stroll around the Boardwalk after a nice dinner, or perhaps even try Jellyrolls for a fun conclusion to your evening. (DD would still have to be at the Child Care Center as I believe you must be 21 to enter Jellyrolls.)

 

[3princesses4us]

For that situation, I think the perfect place (unless you want to use DP credits) is Shula's Steakhouse in the Dolphin. It caters mainly to conventioners and was full of large groups of business men and women. Plus, since they don't allow children (no kids menu!), they will give you 2 hours of free childcare in the Dolphin's kids club (forgot the name of it). Not to mention that it's a top 10 steakhouse and the food is to die for. Good luck with whatever you choose!

 

[BCV23]

I agree about checking with group dining. At CAlifornia Grill there is another room for private dining although I know nothing about expense, minimum number, etc.

Besides the good suggestions of Jiko and Yachtsman's, Citricos at the GF is excellent. There is also a kids club there and you could take the monorail to dinner which we always enjoy. Or best of all V&A if that fits the budget.

 

[Merriwind]

Thanks for the ideas. The date we are looking at is July 14. Clueless DH expected no problems, as it's more than a month away.

Having already struck out at Cali Grill and Jiko, I will stop by their concierge desks and try calling group dining come Tuesday.

Thanks!

 

[Amyrlin]

How about Jiko, also Cape May does not get as booked up and is very nice.

 

[Quinn222]

It's probably a good thing you missed out on CG. Recent reviews suggest it's really loud and full of kids. Not the best atmosphere for a business dinner. How about Citricos?

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Its going to be very hard to get 12 people onto one table.

I might recommend Citricos. Very classy, and elegant atmosphere, and they do have some large round tables that might be able to accomodate 12. Not 100% sure on that, though. You still might have to be split.

 

[BCV23]

What about the Chef's Table at Citricos, Tyler? Does it seat 12? I know that's not quite the right name. I believe there is a minimum $ amount for that experience.

As for CG, I don't find the % of children there to be any different than Jiko, YSH or even lately Citricos. It is a large room though so total will be higher. But there is a private room too as I said.

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

I'm pretty sure Chef's Domain is 10......

 

[webray]

For a business dinner and to impress people our top two choices would be Artist Point or Jiko, definately. Flying Fish is also an option if you can get the tables.