Downtown Disney Dining area - I need help

[sentner]

We are meeting up with a good friend of mine the evening after Christmas (12/26) who will be in town visiting with her parents. We have decided to try and meet in the Downtown Disney area and get some dinner. Because there will be at least 8 of us (and possibly 11), we know we should probably get reservations somewhere, but can't come up with ideas that will appeal to all.

In the group are: me, husband and 17 yr old daughter, plus my mother in law, my friend Kathy, her 21 month old daughter, and Kat's parents. Our other friend, her fiance and 4 yr old daughter may be joining us also. We would like someplace that serves a variety of foods, so everyone has a choice and also be somewhat kid friendly.

The only place that keeps sticking in my mind is Rainforest Cafe and my husband isn't a huge fan of that place. What else is in Downtown Disney? Or can you suggest another restaurant in any of the other resorts or close by that would be a good choice? We are staying at the Coronado Springs Resort, but not sure we want to eat at the Maya Grill, so other suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated.

I tried to search for this, but my stupid computer keeps coming up with an error so I really would appreciate some help here.

 

[Daisie]

We have always enjoyed Wolfgang Puck's Cafe - they have a varied menu...something for everyone. I love the pumpkin ravioli and my daughter loves the macadamia nut chicken.

 

[Robert P]

WPC is fine.
HOB would work.
I would say no to PH.

 

[MinnieCandi]

If you wanted to do downtown disney, Raglan Road is pretty good and fun. If you make ressies for early, it is plenty kid friendly. If you wanted to go to one of the other resorts, you could try Kona.

I know you already know this, but whichever you choose, you should make a ADR quick! Good Luck

 

[lynninpa]

Raglan Road! We just loved the food, the service and the atmosphere! For a laid back, relaxing dinner try for an early ADR. For a more upbeat dinner? Try for an ADR closer to 9 pm when the entertainment (live band and Irish Dancer) starts. We have done both times and had a wonderful experience at both! here is the Adult Dinner menu http://www.allears.net/menu/menu_rag.htm and the kid's Dinner menu http://www.allears.net/menu/menu_ragk.htm

 

[Markstudy]

We have always enjoyed Wolfgang Puck's Cafe - they have a varied menu...something for everyone.

I've done both Wolfgang Puck's and House of Blues

Both are a lot of fun, and good food.

 

[dioxide45]

We have eated at HOB and PH (Long time ago). I would reccoment HOB. Rainforrest Cafe is also good and the kids would enjoy it. Perhaps your husband should take one for the team?

 

[kimsuenew]

We really enjoyed PH, the food is good and the decorations (and different levels) are really neat to see. You can see everything from Herbie the Lovebug (car), to Judy Garlands W.O.O. dress, to the Terminator costume, and a lot more. Enjoy!

 

[ZoZo]

Not trying to be negative, but we went to Raglan Road 10 days ago and it was pretty awful! I split the fish and chips with my friend and they were cold and soggy - not even cooked completely. Our worst meal of the trip. Plus it was very noisy.

As always, take all food reviews with a grain of salt. We might have hit RR on an "off" night - others seem to like it. I say pick something that sounds interesting and just go for it.

Personnally, I like Earl of Sandwich (great tomato soup!) and Wolfgang Puck Express (yummy chicken quesadilla) at DTD. Quick and inexpensive, and lots of different choices.

 

[Pumbaa_]

I would recommend either Wolfgang Pucks or Raglan Road. Pucks is a regular for us, we tend to end up there each trip.

We tried Raglan Road last month for the first time. Loved it! My DH loved it and requested it for the next trip too.

Had 4 different appetizers, wanted to try lots of things. Loved them! Too full for dessert, but next time!

I would deffo make an ADR for a group that size and during the holidays. Sounds like a fun gathering.

 

[hmillerbarilla]

We love WPC. It's delicious! And, I think there is something for all tastes.

 

[sentner]

Thanks for all the suggestions! We all talked it over last night and decided to go with Rainforest, despite my husbands initial negative reaction to it. He's really only been once and said that while the food wasn't bad, it wasn't going to be his first choice, as he was thinking more of eating seafood. Once I showed him that he could order some coconut shrimp there, he went with the flow and was fine.

I did make an ADR for us all, given the size of the group and timing (the night after Christmas; during the holiday season).