Dining suggestions for extended family

[1833]

I'm planning my first family trip to Disney in 20 years. My kids (1 and 3), my 3 sisters and my parents and I are going together in November. We are staying at OKW and looking for dinner options for our gang of 8. I'm trying to plan it all myself and I'm a little overwhelmed.

First, can we make PS for 8 people?

One night we'd like to go to a nice restaurant for my mom's 65th birthday? Does anyone have any suggestions near MK? Based on what I've been reading, I'm considering California Grill or Artist's Point (at the Wilderness Lodge). Would either of these places be ok with small kids? Do either of them afford views of fireworks? (Around what time would fireworks be in November?)
Are there any better suggestions?

One night we'd like to do dinner and then have an evening out (well evening out for my sisters & me--grandparents are looking forward to babysitting!). We were thinking either the boardwalk or DD? Again, any suggestions for dining given the size and scope of our group?

Finally, are there any "Must Do" nighttime activities we should try and plan a meal around. I was under the impression the parks are not open late in November so we should plan dining elsewhere, but then again I've read posts about things like illuminations and fantasmic (but truthfully don't know much about them.) Is it worth planning dinners in the parks to see nightime acitvities, and if so which ones are enjoyable across the generations? Where are the best places to eat to catch them?


Sorry for all of the questions. I appreciate any advice you have to offer.

 

[wdwgoofeeee]

For your mom's birthday I would say the California Grill is an excellent choice. If you time it right you can watch the fireworks from your table. I suggest you go over to allearsnet.com to check out all the menus at WDW. This will give you a better idea of where to eat. The November hours should be out right after September 1 so check them out on allears or disneyworld.com. The Disney site lists the times for fireworks, etc. This will give you all the information you need to go ahead and make your priority seatings.
ps......I'm not sure about ps for eight people. I'm sure others will know and post.

 

[Grumpy92]

Well 8 is not considered Group dining so as long as you plan ahead and make your PS before you arrive you should be fine.

A Nice Dinner - Definitely Cal Grill the views of the fireworks & WDW are incredible. Not to mention the wonderful food. It will be special and make sure they note the bday on the PS.
My other suggestion would be Narcoossees.

BW Area - Flying Fish or Yachtsmans Steakhouse, both are excellent. You also might try the nearby EC restaurants like Le Cellier or Mitsokoshi Teppanyaki

Nighttime: Illuminations is held on the lake in WS at Epcot. Many enjoy dining at Rose & Crown and watching the fireworks & show from their outside dining area. The show starts at nine every evening but can be seen all around the lake.

Fantasmic is another fireworks & show but in a special theater area. Those with the dining pkg get reserved seating and depending on when you are going this is a popular show and a line does form. I would suggest Brown Derby or Mama Melrose, 50s Pt is fun too.

You might want to hit one of the resorts that has the electrical water pageant every evening on the lake. Poly with Konas, WL with WC, GF with Narcoossees.
FW can be fun. The Trails End has been named the best deal at WDW by guest in a poll last year. Eat at the buffet, watch the ELP and take the hayride afterwards.

Hope that helps.

 

[CHIPSTER]

This suggestion is not for the "special dinner" but since you are staying at OKW don't overlook Olivia's for dinner. They have a nice variety on their dinner menu, prices are moderate for Disney standards and we have never felt rushed in their.

 

[1833]

Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[bunny66]

We really loved Boma at the AKL. The lodge itself is beautiful, and the food and variety were outstanding. We also tried 50's Prime Time Cafe and were disappointed. Too much money for very medicore food and no interaction. Chef Mickey's was great for our family!!! The characters were great!!!! Enjoy your visit and your meals!!!!!