Dinner without the kids, near the Poly

[betseeee]

I've lurked on disboards since planning our last trip to Disney (March 2009) but never posted before. What an amazing wealth of knowledge can be found here! Hopefully someone will give me some good advice here.

We're staying at the Poly in mid-November with our 4-year-old twin girls. They are pretty good in restaurants, but my husband and I never ever ever get to go out to dinner alone. Since they are now old enough for the kids club we would like to let them go there in the evening one night while we enjoy a kid-free dinner (at least free of our own kids!). I figure we probably don't want to stray too far from the Poly, just in case something goes wrong and we need to hurry back.

Where would you go? Only thing I've ruled out is V&A because we've been there before and it's a loooooooong meal, not to mention if we do get interrupted, I'd feel extra-awful.

 

[Golf4food]

Grand Floridian Cafe or Kons Cafe in the Poly, or for more upscale Narcoossee's, Citrico's, or possibly the Cali Grill (worth doing at least once, but a little overrated IMHO)

 

[ciera321]

California Grill would be my choice. The food is wonderful and you can watch the fireworks (whatever it's called when you go...) from the restaurant or just outside. Just a short monorail ride over and back...

 

[Hopefully]

I'd go with Narcoosee's at the GF. It is a wonderful restaurant, it is less chaotic than the CG and you can see Wishes and the Electrical Water Pageant during dinner.
Enjoy

 

[minniebeth]

I personally would choose California Grill, or Citricos or Narcoossee's but don't forget about Artist's Point at the WL, it gets lots of good reviews too. It just has to be something that appeals to you.

You really can't go wrong with any of the monorail restaurant options.
Have a great evening out!

 

[budbeerlady]

We went to Epcot when Dd stayed at the Neverland Club. We figured with the monorail we could be back to her quickly if needed. IF you want to be right by Narcoossee's was an excellent meal and we watched the fireworks from the deck before our entrees were served.

 

[Pugmalion1]

For a nice, kid-free meal, I'd say California Grill. It's not as immersive as Victoria & Albert's can be, but the food is top notch and there are great views.

It's just a short monorail ride away, and, as others have already said, you can watch the fireworks in the Magic Kingdom from the roof of the Contemporary.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Narcoosee's, California Grill or Citrico's.

 

[Pakey]

I think Citricos is the best of Disney's dining plan restaurants. Ca Grill has an amazing view and we go because we enjoy sushi but I would not dine here for an adult only dinner unless I really wanted sushi; the place is noisy. Narcoosees food is not near as good as Citricos and CG.

I also would not rule out Artist Point at WL. They have some unique dishes and this restaurant is usually quieter.

 

[Leota]

I think Citricos is the best of Disney's dining plan restaurants. Ca Grill has an amazing view and we go because we enjoy sushi but I would not dine here for an adult only dinner unless I really wanted sushi; the place is noisy. Narcoosees food is not near as good as Citricos and CG.

I also would not rule out Artist Point at WL. They have some unique dishes and this restaurant is usually quieter.

I agree entirely. Except that I can't convince DH to go to CA Grill anymore at all because it's just so crazy chaotic. I can tune it out, but it drives him nuts.

 

[barbeml]

We'll be at the Poly in mid-November too!

I have to echo the California Grill suggestions. We've had nothing but wonderful meals and service there, and you can't beat the fireworks from the observation deck.

We also enjoyed Artist Point and The Wave. As others have said, you pretty much can't go wrong on the Monorail loop.

 

[Tam1067]

I would do Citricos. It's our favorite of all the restaurants on the monorail loop (and we've been to all of them except V&A). The atmosphere is quite relaxed but quiet, and the food and service we've received have always been excellent there.

Also, if there is an issue, you can either take the Monorail or walk back to the Poly and be there in just a few minutes.

 

[justcantwait]

We went to Narcoossee's last time, and are trying Artist's Point this year. Of course, we were staying at WL last time, and didn't even get to the boat dock before the kid's club called us to calm my DD, who was sobbing! We were able to get her to stop crying and eat dinner, then she fell asleep until we got back (after dinner). Hoping for an easier time this year! I agree that you can't go wrong with any restaurant on the monorail loop, or Artist's Point. Quick and easy to get back if things don't go well, but plenty to see and do while you're out if things do go well. Good luck!

 

[MSLRAC]

Another vote for Cali Grill, Citrico's or Narcoosee's.

 

[betseeee]

Thanks for the suggestions! I feel kind of dumb having asked, because yeah, of course - one of the "nice" restaurants on the monorail is clearly the right move. I don't think I want to go all the way to WL - we're not renting a car and I don't feel like doing buses or the boat/transfer thing.

I guess I'm leaning away from California Grill because we have sushi pretty regularly. We actually would consider going there with the girls, because they love sushi, but without them I think we won't bother. We were there years ago and it was definitely a wonderful meal but we'll probably give one of the others a try.

I'm leaning towards Citrico's, but what I really need is someone to channel my own particular tastes in restaurants and magically decide for me which will match my own psychic profile best. Doesn't Disney have that service yet?!?!