Dining help, please!

[pixiechick]

We've finally gotten the whole Disney "thing" down to a science. Now, we are visiting US/IOA for the first time so we're starting from scratch! We'll be splitting this trip, 3 days at Universal , with a DVC stay so I'm willing to hit as many decent places as necessary! I can save money on meals later in the week when we have the kitchen.

Where should we eat? Where should we run in the other direction? We(2 adults and a well traveled 7 yr old) are staying at HRH.

What's the deal with FOTL with the restaurants? (or am I imagining that I read that?)

Any special character meals worth the effort?

Thanks!!

 

[kellymonaghan]

You get "priority seating" not FOTL at the restaurants. It means you'll get the first available table at the time of your PS. Sorta like a reservation, but not quite.

As to restaurant choices: Mythos in IOA is the best restaurant in a theme park anywhere.

Outside, you might want to splurge at the two Emeril's restaurants (The new one is Tchoup Chop at the Royal Pacific.) Island Dining Room in RPR is also excellent.

Mamma Della's at PBH is also fun.

In CityWalk I recommend Margaritaville and NASCAR for fun dining. My pick for best food value is Latin Quarter.

 

[gschmerl]

As Kelly stated, Mythos in Islands of Adventure is the BEST restaurant. We also like the Latin Quarter. Great reviews on these forums on Tchoup Chop. You son might enjoy the Hard Rock Cafe. It's VERY LOUD though. We had a few great lunches at Lombard's Landing in Universal Studios.

 

[webray]

Lot's of great restaurant choices, unfortunately non of them at your resort.

I agree with Mythos...excellent. Also for a quick meal in IOA...try the Enchanted Tree/Tavern. Great chicken/corn on cob.

In Universal...go back by Finnegans...homestyle...Irish food. If you don't want a sit down meal...they have a deli type place that serves boars head meats and cheeses...very very good and fresh sandwhiches. Hot or cold.

We like Tchoup Chop...great for lunch or dinner....menus very similar. Easy to leave the park...take the boat to Royal pacific resort then go back to the park after lunch.

Emeril's nice for lunch/dinner. Need reservations long in advance.

Latin Quarter is one of our all time favorite restaurants at City Walk...outstanding food/service. When we were there they had singers/dancers during dinner on the stage...that was nice as well.

We love margaritaville for a snack or light meal. NBA City is ok as well.

Also...don't count on getting seated immediately with your room key. Although they do give you the next available table...the waits can be long. I recommend making reservations to be on the safe side...especially for the more popular places.

 

[daannzzz]

I went to Mythos in 2000 and really liked it. This last trip I tried Confisco Grill instead and was a bit dissapointed. The food was not bad or anything just nothing special. The restaurant isn't nearly as interesting as Mythos. Over at Universal Studios I ate at both Finnegin's and Lombard's Landing and both were very good. Finnegin's feels like a typical downtown old bar and grill. The Celtic Chicken Salad was really great. Lombard's Landing feels like a fancy Captain Nemo designed place. Food was really good here too,

 

[pixiechick]

Thanks everyone! I just got your book Kelly and I'll have to sit down and make some choices. Thanks to everyone for the restaurant suggestions ( webray: thanks for the warning! )
I be sure to call in some reservation/Ps times.

 

[ScarletIndigo]

PLEASE please tell me more about Mythos!! So many people say that it's an "awesome" place, but I'd love to hear more! My tummy is grumbling just thinking about it! ;-)