Dinner recs for 4 adults and one toddler?

[merin]

We'll be there a week and are thinking 4 dinners out while we're there.

One will be Boma's because we love it - the food is good and the atmosphere is kid friendly and there is the bonus of looking at the animals.

One night when we eat in, we will go out for snacks on the boardwalk and watch Epcot fireworks from there...

So that leaves 3 nights and I am looking at:

Chef Mickey's
Hollywood and Vines
1900 Park Fare
California Grill
Narcoosee's

Trying to narrow it down to three of those, but am also open to other suggestions (just not at the boardwalk area since we have that covered) - and I'm thinking maybe one kid oriented and 2 more adult-leaning but where having a small and squiggly child won't be a major issue...


thanks in advance for any nudges or suggestions!

 

[jenjersnap]

Well, IMO, Hollywood & Vine has the worst dinner buffet at WDW so I'd skip that.

Though you will see kids at California Grill, I keep reading that it's a long meal with not a lot of distraction for the little ones. I am a bit worried about our ADRs there, to be honest.

Narcoossees, OTOH, we've been to and find it the most child friendly of the signature restaurants. Not sure why I feel this way as there aren't many distractions there either (LOL) but service was brisk and the atmosphere is more casual.

1900 PF and CM are both fun for little ones.

Have you considered 'Ohana? My kids love everything about that place, even as toddlers. They are also fascinated by the fish tank at Coral Reef.

 

[mickeynut1]

It's not on your list but how about Ohana's? They have coconut races for the kids and when we were there in September, there was a Hawaiian guy walking around with a uekele (sp?) singing......so it's not your quiet kind of restaurant (if you're worried about the little one ). We also like Cape May at the BC for dinner (no characters).....great buffet with plenty of variety .

 

[karenr766]

I am not sure I would take children to a signature restaurant. My child is eight and I would not subject him or other diners to what could possibly be a devastating experience for everyone. Typically these are more expensive restaurants. Most adults are going to these restaurants for a quiet, intimate, romantic escape and to enjoy a wonderful meal. They have spent a lot of money to dine there and if children misbehave and start crying, screaming, and throwing fits, it would ruin their meal and dining experience. I am not suggesting that your children behave in this manner. But, in general, if there is not any entertainment or if the meal takes too long to arrive, they tend to become bored and they are ready to leave. If they cannot leave, they become irritated, frustrated, and the fits will ensue. If you do not plan on utilizing child care at the resorts, then pick places like 'Ohana, CM, Boma, WCC, LTT or other family-friendly restaurants. I may be the only one that feels this way.

 

[pumba]

We did Hollywood and Vine and while it is not on the top of our likes...it isnt on the bottom either.....it is very kid friendly for food too.....
I didnt see Crystal Palace on your list .......The buffet and the atmosphere is fantastic. We have gone there with and without kids....Love the food......and so do the kiddos..

Biergarten is another fun buffet .......food is good and they do have children selections too.....Children are allowed to pick from both the kids part as well as the other part of the buffet..

My husband loves the mac and cheese from crystal palace on the kids part...

Chef Mickeys is always consistantly good......

 

[merin]

Thanks for all the really helpful suggestions!

About Coral Reef - it always sounds really cool, but everytime I go to look at tripadvisor for reviews, there are always more and more bad ones. Of course people are generally more likely to go write a review if they had a BAD experience.... but still.

Karen you make a good point - I don't think we've been to a "signature" restaurant at Disney - and I have to admit I don't even know which of the ones I posted are considered that? California Grill? Another option is to leave the kiddo in the villa with the grand parents, and then let them go out on their own another night, that actually sounds pretty nice. I had just read you could see the fireworks from california grill and she would LOVE that, although she'd also just love to see them from outside, and I have no idea what time they go off, but it's probably past her bedtime so that plus a more polished restaurant - probably not a good plan.

She'll be just over 2, isn't that too young for the childcare options at the resorts? We'll be at OKW...

okay I need to look back through these posts and try to digest all of this...

 

[merin]

Well, IMO, Hollywood & Vine has the worst dinner buffet at WDW so I'd skip that.

Though you will see kids at California Grill, I keep reading that it's a long meal with not a lot of distraction for the little ones. I am a bit worried about our ADRs there, to be honest.

Narcoossees, OTOH, we've been to and find it the most child friendly of the signature restaurants. Not sure why I feel this way as there aren't many distractions there either (LOL) but service was brisk and the atmosphere is more casual.

1900 PF and CM are both fun for little ones.

Have you considered 'Ohana? My kids love everything about that place, even as toddlers. They are also fascinated by the fish tank at Coral Reef.

Thanks so much for the details Jen.

Is Ohana a Lilo and Stitch theme? Is this different than the luau thingamabob? My husband turned his nose up at the luau, but if this is different - we did just get lilo and stitch on dvd, I think it's a little over her head (I haven't watched it) but maybe I can find a few scenes she'd like to watch (over and over and over and over again...) so that she'd be jazzed about the characters.... if not, to a 2 year old I think they look like monstrosities...

So between 1900pf, CM, and Ohana's - which ONE would you pick? and then which TWO? You sound "experienced" so I'd love your opinion.

 

[ROEDISNEY]

We'll be there a week and are thinking 4 dinners out while we're there.

One will be Boma's because we love it - the food is good and the atmosphere is kid friendly and there is the bonus of looking at the animals.

One night when we eat in, we will go out for snacks on the boardwalk and watch Epcot fireworks from there...

So that leaves 3 nights and I am looking at:

Chef Mickey's
Hollywood and Vines
1900 Park Fare
California Grill
Narcoosee's

Trying to narrow it down to three of those, but am also open to other suggestions (just not at the boardwalk area since we have that covered) - and I'm thinking maybe one kid oriented and 2 more adult-leaning but where having a small and squiggly child won't be a major issue...


thanks in advance for any nudges or suggestions!

My opinion.
Chef Mickey's
Hollywood and Vines
1900 Park Fare
California Grill
Narcoosee's

 

[merin]

My opinion.
Chef Mickey's
Hollywood and Vines
1900 Park Fare
California Grill
Narcoosee's

Thank you! This is NICE and succinct.

 

[ROEDISNEY]

Thank you! This is NICE and succinct.

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[merin]

It's not on your list but how about Ohana's? They have coconut races for the kids and when we were there in September, there was a Hawaiian guy walking around with a uekele (sp?) singing......so it's not your quiet kind of restaurant (if you're worried about the little one ). We also like Cape May at the BC for dinner (no characters).....great buffet with plenty of variety .

Okay another vote for Ohana's! Thanks for the cape may rec. The last time we went we stayed at the Swan and we did go there for the breakfast buffet, which was fabulous. I think we're kind of "boardwalked" out at this point - we're planning to go over on one night when we eat in the room, have a drink somewhere and watch the entertainers on the boardwalk and hopefully fireworks.

We did Hollywood and Vine and while it is not on the top of our likes...it isnt on the bottom either.....it is very kid friendly for food too.....
I didnt see Crystal Palace on your list .......The buffet and the atmosphere is fantastic. We have gone there with and without kids....Love the food......and so do the kiddos..

Biergarten is another fun buffet .......food is good and they do have children selections too.....Children are allowed to pick from both the kids part as well as the other part of the buffet..

My husband loves the mac and cheese from crystal palace on the kids part...

Chef Mickeys is always consistantly good......

Chef Mickey's is looking better and better... Where's the Crystal Palace? Is that different than Cinderella's Castle? (can you tell I'm a novice?) We're going the last week of September so as I understood it Cinderella's is all booked up if you are closer than 180 days from when you need the rez...

 

[KatMark]

DEFINITELY skip Hollywood & Vine. Of the others you have suggested, we have only done Chef Mickey's and we have always enjoyed it.

 

[karenr766]

Thanks for all the really helpful suggestions!

About Coral Reef - it always sounds really cool, but everytime I go to look at tripadvisor for reviews, there are always more and more bad ones. Of course people are generally more likely to go write a review if they had a BAD experience.... but still.

Karen you make a good point - I don't think we've been to a "signature" restaurant at Disney - and I have to admit I don't even know which of the ones I posted are considered that? California Grill? Another option is to leave the kiddo in the villa with the grand parents, and then let them go out on their own another night, that actually sounds pretty nice. I had just read you could see the fireworks from california grill and she would LOVE that, although she'd also just love to see them from outside, and I have no idea what time they go off, but it's probably past her bedtime so that plus a more polished restaurant - probably not a good plan.

She'll be just over 2, isn't that too young for the childcare options at the resorts? We'll be at OKW...

okay I need to look back through these posts and try to digest all of this...

Out of the restaurants that you mentioned, Cali Grill and Narcoossees are, I believe, signature restaurants. You can see the fireworks from the Cali Grill unfortunately unsure of what time. I think you have a good childcare plan started. I wish I knew the ages for childcare. I have never utilized childcare, but I am sure someone would let you know. The only time that 'Ohana has the characters is at breakfast. At dinner, they have coconut races for the kiddos. Really neat and romantic atmosphere. 1900 Park Fare and CM are always character meals. If you are looking at character meals Crystal Palace (MK), LTT (dinner only) (MK), Cape May Cafe (breakfast only) (Beach Club). WCC at the WL is a neat experience and definitely family-friendly, but no characters.

 

[_queenie_]

I'd choose HBD or MM versus H&V, it's pretty gross, but that's just in my opinion. On our last trip we ltried and liked MM, we went to HBD in 07 really liked that. In addition to you others, I'd reccomend Kona (went there a while back but have heard some great things lately) and FF (I know you said BW is covered, but I had to include it). FF is my favorite Sig for kids because it's noisy without being too noisy and has great atmosphere. Coral Reef is also pretty good for seafood, Cape May as well.

Are you on the DDP? If not, I definately would reccomend Shula's, (maybe you ate there on your last trip at the Swan ) in Feb it was our favorite restaurant on property. Garden Grove is really neat, the dining room is amazing.

I do have to warn you about CG though, anytime someone asks I have to say this. The food's not bad, not as good as it used to be, but not pretty good, but just DO NOT order the crab salad. On our second night my DD13 got food poisoning couldn't eat anything for a week! Not that you should have a problem, it was really just a fluke, I just tell everyone that.

Have fun!

 

[merin]

ow I am getting some really good advice. Thanks so much you guys.

The only time that 'Ohana has the characters is at breakfast. At dinner, they have coconut races for the kiddos. Really neat and romantic atmosphere. 1900 Park Fare and CM are always character meals. If you are looking at character meals Crystal Palace (MK), LTT (dinner only) (MK), Cape May Cafe (breakfast only) (Beach Club). WCC at the WL is a neat experience and definitely family-friendly, but no characters.

Thanks so much for the clarification on Ohana's - I'm off to look into that. We're definitely doing Boma as a family, and then I need to decide I think between Chef Mickey's and Ohana's for dinner with the princess (my princess, not theirs...). Then I need to pick 2 for grownup only, and we'll send the inlaws to one of the ones we pick on a different night.... unfortunately I've agreed to eat breakfast out of the fridge every day.

We did go to WCC last time we were there and it was fun, but the food wasn't our style, so I don't think we want to trek out there again...

I'd choose HBD or MM versus H&V, it's pretty gross, but that's just in my opinion. On our last trip we ltried and liked MM, we went to HBD in 07 really liked that. In addition to you others, I'd reccomend Kona (went there a while back but have heard some great things lately) and FF (I know you said BW is covered, but I had to include it). FF is my favorite Sig for kids because it's noisy without being too noisy and has great atmosphere. Coral Reef is also pretty good for seafood, Cape May as well.

Are you on the DDP? If not, I definately would reccomend Shula's, (maybe you ate there on your last trip at the Swan ) in Feb it was our favorite restaurant on property. Garden Grove is really neat, the dining room is amazing.

I do have to warn you about CG though, anytime someone asks I have to say this. The food's not bad, not as good as it used to be, but not pretty good, but just DO NOT order the crab salad. On our second night my DD13 got food poisoning couldn't eat anything for a week! Not that you should have a problem, it was really just a fluke, I just tell everyone that.

Have fun!

I can tell there would be a LOT of good info in your post if I understood all the abbreviations! I even looked for a decoder somewhere on the site... sigh. CG is cali grill, got that, and, I'm not set on that as one of the grown-up spots, the fireworks were for the imp, there was really not much else about it that appealed to me....

What is MM, HBD and FF? Kona might be an option, DH looooves his sushi...

 

[pumba]

Crystal Palace is in MK right to the right of Caseys Hot Dog place......It is beautiful and so magical. The buffet is fantastic for everyone.....ALSO the characters are very low key. Pooh Bear, Eeyore, Tigger and Piglet. Very very kid friendly and Adult friendly dining.
here is the link to the Menu for Crystal Palace.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=112

Prime rib at dinner time for adults (kids too) and the kids macaroni and cheese was hubbys favorite ...the fish and pulled pork and salads and other fish and chicken and pasta dishes were great..

 

[dancemomnj]

My votes are Chef Mickey's and 'Ohana! This will be the 3rd time going to both with the kids. The little one is sure to have fun at both. At 'Ohana kids get to move around while they have coconut races, dance... It's great for the kids and the food is my favorite! Chef Mickey's is great and so is the food.
I'm glad to hear you like Boma. We're going for the first time next month.

 

[_queenie_]

I can tell there would be a LOT of good info in your post if I understood all the abbreviations! I even looked for a decoder somewhere on the site... sigh. CG is cali grill, got that, and, I'm not set on that as one of the grown-up spots, the fireworks were for the imp, there was really not much else about it that appealed to me....

What is MM, HBD and FF? Kona might be an option, DH looooves his sushi...

I'm so sorry! Forgive me, I can be lazy.

Mama Melrose's, Hollywood Brown Derby and Flying Fish.

While I'm at it I'll also add the Grand Floridian Cafe (went there for lunch, really pretty good, if you're parents are into the nostalgia thing like mine, they'll love it) and Jiko (never been) just because they've been getting good reviews. Since your DH is into sushi, be sure to have a snack in Japan or at Kimonos.

I'd personally go with your gut and skip Cali Grill then, as I said, it's just not as good as it used to be (not that anything is ). The place used to be special, we always used to get this special flatbread in the bread basket that I'd look forward to every trip, but that's no longer in existance. What I can also point out in imparticular for being different is the pizza, it looks like something you could get about anywhere. We've conluded that it's nowhere we'll be going back to for a few more years. Plus, the place can be past chaos when it gets going, I just no longer see the hype.

For a 'date night' I'd go with Shula's as I said, as my DH said, "This is the first real food I've seen in a long time!" If you're on the DDP, I'd say Citricos or Bistro de France, I haven't been to either in a couple years, but they were always very good. They're more quiet. I'd skip Yachtsman as well just to throw that out there, it's been so on and off that we've decided to not go back there for a while. Definately go have a drink at the Crew's Cup, if you like the atmosphere of the restaurant but don't want to eat there, it's a good alternative. We've become even friends with a few of the bar tenders!

 

[merin]

Thank you all so much for all your help!

Unfortunately I guess 5 is the hardest res to get according to the lovely CM who tried as hard as she could to help me.

No boma, no ohana's, no chef mickey's...

We did wind up with Crystal Palace, which should be fun! And Askerhus which I'm not that thrilled about.

Then for the two of us Artist Pointe, and something I hope will be fun - the sci-fi dine in theater.

They're SERIOUS when they say to call at 8am 180 days before you need the reservation.

 

[dancemomnj]

Crystal Palace is great! We start our vacations there.
I wasn't a fan of the food at Askerhus but my dh and kids were fine with theirs. We are going back for dinner this trip. My girls love the princesses there plus the menu looks a little better now. The desserts were very good.
My kids liked Sci-Fi a lot. The food was fine. I'm sure you will enjoy your meals.