My DH and I were incredibly disappointed with Captain's Grille. We decided to go there due to the abundant ADR openings (a bad sign) as we walked from Epcot to HS. We were hungry and wanted to get out of the heat (we were there in August).
In August, it is a mistake to dress up for the parks due to the heat. We were admittedly a big icky looking - I'm sure you could tell we had been in the heat all day long (we might have been sweaty, but we did try to clean ourselves up in a bathroom), and we were in athletic clothes. We arrived early for our ADR, and I could tell from the looks of the hostess that we were not the desired clientele. I've never experienced that type of attitude anywhere but Captain's Grille (not even restaurants at home). They had us waiting in the lobby for at least thirty minutes past our ADR time (I understand that can happen at any restaurant) but in the meantime seated several guests who were well-dressed (nice dresses and suits) and made-up. There is not a dress code at Captain's Grille. We had to keep checking in to make sure they had not forgotten us. I can't prove it, but I really think they wanted us to go away!
When they finally seated us, it took quite a while for our server to appear. She complained throughout the meal about various things, most notably that she was not happy to be working that night. It took a long time to get refills, and our order, an appetizer and meal (both of which we shared), took so long that we actually missed the show at HS that we should have been able to attend. I am a VERY careful planner, and even though we decided to go there on a whim (made the ADR as we walked over), we should have had time to spare.
The slow service and long wait were strange - the restaurant wasn't busy at all. It was an off time.
While the food was good, we didn't think it was "special," and it was quite expensive for what we got. We normally eat at more expensive restaurants at WDW, like Narcoossee's, Shula's, etc... I feel as though I know what the value of the food should have been.
Personally, I can't recommend this restaurant at all, and definitely not for a special occasion. There are so many amazing restaurants at WDW, many of them all in walking distance of the Boardwalk...
If I were you, looking for a place to celebrate a special occasion, I would consider Shula's Steakhouse at the Dolphin (SOOOO good), Yachtsman Steakhouse at the Yacht Club (we're trying it on our next trip), or Flying Fish Cafe at the Boardwalk (I've heard great things). My DH and I enjoyed Cape May Cafe dinner buffet at the Yacht/Beach Club on one of our trips if you're hoping to get some seafood at a more reasonable price.
