Coolest themed restaurants for atmosphere only

[Morgalla]

OK we have only 5 days in early May to spend at the parks. I am figuring at eating at least one meal (probably lunch) at each park. I want to choose our restaurants carefully, and the criteria we have decided on is "coolness".

My kids are 10 and 4 1/2, and neither are into any Disney "characters" except the Nightmare Before Christmas ones. They are picky eaters, and no matter how nice the venue, they'll stick with pedestrian choices like chicken nuggets, french fries, and pizza. DS will eat Mexican food and Chinese, but DD will eat only starches at those restaurants (ie chips, rice). My husband and I love everything- sushi to greasy spoon hamburgers.

I don't want to drop a bundle or squander precious park time going to places for character dining they wont care about, or expensive menus they won't sample. Nevertheless, we do have to eat. We are willing to dine during odd hours (like a 2pm lunch or a 5pm dinner).

So I am asking all you experienced WDW folks out there to recommend a restaurant based on the awesomeness of the theming. Reasonable pricing will win out over more expensive places. Since all the kids will want anyhow is a pizza, or a chicken leg, we might as well choose a place based on ambience.

I would also rather defer to what the kids find interesting, than to what DH and I would prefer. They like Mythology, Star Wars, Alien creatures, Pixar movies, Knights and Pirates, Nature (animals). DD is not into princesses or girly things, and since they don't watch the Disney channel they aren't keen on the traditional characters. So having Mickey personally sign our napkin is not something I want to schedule our day around.

I have heard good things about Pizzafari at AK, and I suspect Pizza Planet at DHS would be a good choice. I'd prefer to not have to make advanced reservations, as that doesn't leave our schedule flexible enough. There is also a possibility that we may spend one or more evenings in the Downtown Disney area, or Disney Quest- so any advice on venues there is welcome.

We are staying off-site, but our hotel restaurants are ridiculously overpriced.
I'd like to choose a spot we could "walk in" and eat without too much hassle.

Thank you all!

 

[Dreamfinder2]

Hmmmm ... so we're looking for cool counter service, right?

Pizzafari in AK is pretty cool, and the dinosaur-dig theme in Restaurantasaurus is fun.

In Epcot ... there's not anywhere that grabs me as "cool," but Sunshine Seasons has a great variety. The CS spots with all the countries are gonna be themed to their host country.

MK? - Columbia Harbor House, Pecos Bills, and Cosmic Ray's all have nominal theming.

And for DHS ... that's tough. Maybe Backlot Express, with it's movie-prop-storage vibe.

If you want to bite the bullet for one TS that you'd need ADRs for, then based on what you've shared about your kids, Sci-Fi would fit the bill nicely.

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

I love Flame Tree BBQ.

It has so many levels of seating! It is situated on the river at Animal Kingdom in a spot that was originally going to be a theater. Think of the seating as tiered. Each seating area is covered and this is where some of the theming comes in to play. Each covered area is decorated with animal carvings and paintings but they are all predators & prey! There are ants and ant eaters, owls and rabbits, etc... In addition to that, there is a lily pad pond with a waterfall and bridge in a courtyard area. It is so peaceful and the music is fantastic Not to mention the ribs are super yummy!

I disagree with the above poster about Columbia Harbor House. I think it is beautifully themed! Nautical with hard wood and old fashioned glass. Liberty Tree Tavern is exceptionally well themed too! Having been to colonial Williamsburg several times I can tell you it is quite authentic.

At DHS there is Pizza Planet! If your kids like Toy Story they will remember this place

Epcot, nearly every restaurant in World Showcase is themed but San Angel Inn has a lovely atmosphere. It is inside in a courtyard that appears to be outside under the moon and stars in some little mexican village.

 

[aurorae]

at DHS I would have to say Sci Fi drive-in. The food is ordinary, but the theming is unique.

Since the kids are not going to eat anything unusual, and you want convenience, you might want to eat CS quite a bit. In MK, I'd suggest Cosmic Rays, to listen to Sunny Eclipse. And in AK, I'd echo the suggestion for Flame Tree.

In Epcot, there is a richness of choices. Hard to go wrong just about anywhere there.

 

[brendaziz]

Well we love Pizza Planet. Not as cool as I had hoped when i went in the first time- i woulda liked it to be a little more like the movie But my DS LOVES it. It's a must do.
I agree that Sci Fi is awesome though! We love it there. So base that decision on if you wanna do sit down or counter service.

I would def try T-Rex at downtown disney. Def can't beat the atmosphere.

at MK I would just do counter service somewhere and I honestly have very little preference there. Really I think it's more fun to just snack on all the yummy places adn go to the bakery and candy areas and stuff more than eat at a restaurant.

AK- flame tree and pizzafari are both good. But we LOVE yak and yeti as well. Sit down, but good food and cool atmosphere.

At Epcot- i think it's cool to just go around World Showcase and let each person pick which country's stuff they like best. LOTS of good counter service options.

At resorts- we love Beaches adn Cream at the beach club, fun juke box feel type of place. Also, anything at the Polynesian is great for atmosphere. Ohana or Kona.
Whispering Canyon can be fun.
Boma's also great for atmosphere and yummy food!

 

[LUVDZNY2008]

Sci-fi is really cool-my DS8 loved it
I've never been, but people are saying they like T-Rex
Planet Hollywood also has a cool atmosphere
Whispering Canyon is fun

 

[LovinPooh]

TRex has a really cool atmosphere.

OT- does Pizza Planet count as a CS?

 

[hrh_disney_queen]

T-rex is really cool for the kids. It's not counter service, but worth the visit. You can easily split meals, and the Chocolate Extinction (huge, a little pricey) dessert is great! So eat a small meal and indulge in the dessert.

 

[sctigger]

Cosmic Rays is a good choice at MK. Sunshine Seasons at Epcot. Pizzafari at AK. Toy Story Pizza Planet at DHS.

 

[ShannonMB]

I think you would all GREATLY enjoy TRex Cafe in Downtown Disney, and while not exactly "cheap", maybe just a little more than a TGIF or something. They do take reservations, but my understanding is you could probably walk up at an odd time (say, 2pm). I hope you try it, we loved it!!! Let me know if you want to see some pics!

At MK, I haven't heard anyone mention Pinocchio Village Haus in Fantasyland. It is really cute in there, and some tables upstairs offer a view of people riding It's a Small World down below. The food is burgers/etc, counter service.

Ak, sounds like Pizzafari or Flame Tree would suit your family best.

HS, I agree you'd love Sci-fi for the themeing, but an ADR might be necessary.

Best of luck on your trip!

 

[Sweety_tweety]

My vote is for Sci-fi. We loved the burgers and shakes!

 

[Kelblum]

We love Sci Fi! Haven't eaten at T Rex, but looked like a lot of fun and great atmosphere. I also heard the Prime Time Cafe at DHS was a lot of fun. That is on our list for next time!!

Since one child likes Mexican, San Angel Inn has an excellent atmosphere too!

 

[mnosky]

It may not fit the bill because I think you'd need an ADR and it is probably more pricey. But maybe coral reef in Epcot if your kids like animals? Request a seat near the tanks. The 4 year old can have the usual kids meal food there and I don't think it's pricey but you'd get stuck with an adult meal price for the 12 year old.

 

[marcyinPA]

My vote is for Sci-fi. We loved the burgers and shakes!

Same here! My kids loved the movie clips, and sitting in the front seat of the car while my DH and I sat in the back. Not a CS meal, but worth the money for the "cool" atmosphere. The food was pretty basic too!

 

[vhartwell]

I vote for Sci-Fi too!!!!

 

[erinch]

I'd opt for a trip to Boma, and time to explore the resort, which has wonderful theming and real animals.

I hate, hate Pizza Planet...it is as loud as a Chuck E. Cheese.

Coral Reef...again for "real" fish

We go to San Angel for the atmosphere; lunch isn't too pricey

'ohana at the Poly is very tropical and atmospheric.

 

[Dreamfinder2]

Morgalla, just to make sure we're on the same page here, are you opting for NO table service restaurants, or just ones you might not need an ADR for?

In a sense, all Disney restaurants - CS and TS - are "themed," because it is Disney after all. Some are admittedly "cooler" than others.

 

[Traveliz]

ESPN on the Boardwalk is a good choice for picky eaters and has a neat atmosphere - I am not even into sports and love to go there just for the atmosphere. Food is good too and its usually pretty easy to get into at opening or mid afternoon (assuming its not some big game day)

Liz

 

[TinkerbellinLouisian]

I typed a LONG answer and lost it.....

I think the last is a good question. PIcky eaters is one topic, "Cool" eating is another.

For MK - you can have both with Cosmic Ray's. Cosmic Ray's offers a HUGE selection and you have entertainment as well with Lounge Lizard entertainment.

For all others...I think I had TS recommended but you are not wanting TS.

SO let me know if that is not the case and I'll tell you the "Coolest" TS offered in My opinion...

Hugs,
Mary

 

[bluejasmine]

Ok I have a mix of TS and CS for cool (themed) places my kids liked when they were younger and not considering food not to say these are good just some are ok...
MK-TS-castle CS-Pinnochio Haus (so they can watch the ppl on the ride)
EP-TS-San Angel(stictly for theming) CS-Sunshine Seasons
HS-TS-Sci Fi or PT CS-backlot express or TSM
DTS-TS-Trex or RFC

Like I said there are much better choice for food like...
MK-CS-PB, CHH,CR
EP-TS-CR,Biergarten CS-Tangerine altho Sunshine is also very good
DTD-CS-WGPE and EOS