Dining Suggestions for a Newbie

[kiwicassie]

I'm heading to the World next year with someone who hasn't been to a Disney park before. I'm a Disney veteran..but I'm having trouble picking the best restaurants to show him some 'disney magic' without smothering him too much. Good food and nice ambiance.. any suggestions?? I'd like to add that he's from New Zealand and they don't get as much info about the World here as they do back home in the States (no Disney commercials to make you teary, etc) so he's basically a clean slate.

Thanks in advance for all comments

 

[Micca]

Well, as you know Cassie "ambience" at WDW is in the eye of the beholder.
Having been to WDW so many times do you think he'd like the novelty places?
If you're really looking for fine dining there's Victoria & Alberts. Are buffets common in NZ? If not, a character buffet or two would be an eye opener.
50's Prime Time and the Sci-Fi diner are pretty unique.

Sidenote: I love Alice in Wonderland and I was going to get a t-shirt with "Mustard???? Don't Let's Be Silly" but I couldn't get a Mad Hatter shirt made at DTD.

 

[Nadjalu]

I would definitely do Crystal Palace with Pooh and friends if it is open when you go.
Then I would say ask him or send him copies of the menus and have him pick some dishes he likes and go from there. DW has such an overwhelming presence of food that I wouldn't just choose places without knowing what "type" of food he/she would like, then go from there.
But to get some DW magic....Crystal Palace for sure!

 

[cnorth]

How about California Grill timed to see the fireworks? We love to go about 1 1/2 hours before wishes starts. That way, the fireworks start right about dessert time.

 

[jenniferyawn]

I also vote for Crystal Palace. Another idea is Cape May Cafe. They have a character breakfast that's nice and quiet and also a great clambake dinner without characters. The atmosphere at the Beach Club is so beautiful and laid back. We love it!

 

[kiwicassie]

Thanks everyone! I think I will definitely do CP for Breakfast.

 

[abminer]

CP breakfast is my fave character meal as well.

I just took DP on his first WDW trip and chose our ADRs very carefully. My goal was to visit restaurants that serve the type of food he likes best (he's a big meat and potatoes guy) and had fun stuff to look at. He loved Rose and Crown (went at 7:45 - we had the most amazing view of Illuminations ever) and O'hana (7:35 ADR. we saw wishes from our table).

You may also want to check out Sanaa at AKL so you can see the animals.

 

[kiwicassie]

I have also decided on Ohana, because he is too- a meat guy Thanks!