Christmas eve dinner plan

[marathon]

We will be staying at Hyatt Grand Cypress with a party of 8. It seems not many ADR left for my party size for Christmas eve, temporarily booked on Cape May Cafe. But I heard the experience is different now due to not being a buffet anymore, and snow crab leg is no longer included. I guess I probably will cancel and opt for below options, but need your insight to see whether it's realistic to walk in on Christmas eve. Both are outdoor seating, which is a big plus to us. I read some reviews, it seems ambience is good, and menu items are unique and to our liking. We will probably take bus from Disney Spring to get to either one(in case resort doesn't allow non-guest drop off without ADR). ADR is not available in either places, but are they quick service type that you order and pay at the counter, or are you still being served there? Any other suggestions will be welcome too. Thank you in advance!

1. Geyser Point Bar & Grill at Wilderness Lodge,

2. Three Bridges Bar & Grill at Coronado Springs Resort

 

[MakiraMarlena]

You can sit and be served, but since you can't reserve, you could be waiting a long time. Both will allow ordering online for pickup, which if you select that it should probably be done early. Also, both are mostly outdoors, so weather could be an issue (they are covered, but I don't know what they do for heating if it's needed)

 

[marathon]

Thank you MakiraMarlena. If we do mobile order for pickup, will we be allowed to eat in their outdoor seating? I don't know their outdoor seating is open seating like a cafeteria or not. I'm leaning towards Geyser Point Bar & Grill at Wilderness Lodge, because we can arrive early, put our name on the list, if it takes 1-2 hours waiting, we can take the boats to resort hopping in that area, and see water pageant during night. Plenty entertaining in a relaxed mode. THank you all again!

 

[Marthasor]

If you want a sit-down meal, you may want to consider one of the restaurants at Swan/Dolphin - they take reservations through opentable and, typically, have far more availability than WDW restaurants. They are also, all, IMHO, some of the better restaurants on property. Perhaps consider the new, Amare restaurant at Swan Reserve. I believe parking is free at Swan/Dolphin if you have a reservation. Consider bluezoo, Il Mulino, Shula's and Amare. If you would rather have something more casual, the Cabana pool restaurant/bar at the Dolphin is very nice and you could walk around the Boardwalk before or after dinner. You may also want to consider the QS at Grand Floridian (Gasparila's). They food is decent and they have lovely outdoor seating with a view of the MK castle.

 

[marathon]

Thank you Marthasor. I will definitely look into those suggestions!

 

[tiana1989]

Geyser Point is DELICIOUS! I would highly recommend that, and it’s right next to a great viewing spot for the water pageant. We went last year during Christmas week and didn’t have to wait. It was during limited capacity though, so fewer guests trying to eat there but fewer tables available. So I don’t know how that will translate to this year. And they did have heaters if it’s cold! We plan on going back this year.

Wilderness Lodge is also the most Christmas feeling resort, IMO, so it’s worth it just to go enjoy the lobby and sit by the fire if you have to wait.

 

[marathon]

Thank you tiana1989 for your sharing. That's very helpful!

 

[ande2428]

Geyser Point would be my choice as well. Never had a bad experience there and one of the reasons we are staying at Wilderness Lodge on our upcoming trip.