Eating On Site - Help Please

[FEEBEE]

Excuse my ignorance but I could use a couple of q's answering.

I am staying off site (VILLA) I would like to try one of the restuarants in WDW Resorts, The one at the top of Contemporary, or the ones in AKL. Do I have to use a park pass? where do I park, do I have to pay for parking, do I need to PS for Feb??????

Its going to be a special occasion -we are taking my Dad/Wife/little girl(10) for their much anticipated first trip. and I would like to book a really nice meal. Is CG particually special and is it good to do at Epcot fireworks time?


again sorry for the ignorance, hope you can help.

 

[Muppet]

No you do not need a park pass. I would recommend PS as they will give you a number which will give you parking. You park in the hotel car park.

Haven't been to CG but many have and say is fantastic for the fireworks. I saw Magic Kingdom ones from Ohanas which was brilliant.

 

[Penny12]

You'll definitely need to make a PS for the California Grill at the Contemporary - it's pretty popular. The fireworks you see from it are the ones at the MK though, not EPCOT - they even turn down the lights and pipe in the music It is a fine restaurant...good for special occasions - though it's prices do reflect that, it's one of the more expensive places to eat at the World.

Jiko's is a nice restuarant also I'm told, and Boma's is the Buffet dinner (the two restaurants at AKL) which has a much more casual atmosphere - it's a good idea to make PS's for these places as well as they are busy at peak times.

You can park at the Resorts, and they'll issue you with a 3 hour guest parking pass which is free.

 

[jerseydizdreamer]

In the "do as I say, not as I do" column: I would definitely recommend making priority seating arrangements. Now I'll admit that I almost never do this, but I'm usually traveling by myself, or, at most, with one other person. Generally, before our day begins, we decide on a couple of different places we might like to have a meal (I generally do quick hit-and-run places for most daily meals, opting for one sit-down a day), based on where we think we'll be. But if you're trying to make it a special occasion, and travling with a family, I would totally go with priority seating.

As for fireworks, you won't see Illuminations (the Epcot show) from the California Grill (unless I'm mistaken... hey, it happens!), but you will be able to see the magic kingdom fireworks. By all accounts (I've not done it yet, but plan to this year), it's a faboo place for viewing, and a great way to end your meal!

Have a great, great time!

Richard

 

[WDWfan uk]

I don't know what your trip dates are, but bear in mind that Feb 16 is a holiday in USA - Presidents Day, so I'd expect that weekend (14,15,16) to be busy. 14th is Valentines Day too!

You can make a Priority Seating arrangement 90 days out and if choose the Californian Grill at the Contemporary, as has been mentioned, explain at the security booth that you have a PS and present your confirmation number if it is requested and you will be given a temporary parking pass to put on your dash. Choosing a date when the fireworks are likely to be scheduled and making a PS for about an hour prior to the fireworks would be ideal. Since fireworks that time of year may not be nightly, you are better to go for a Friday or Saturday when they are more likely to be shown. If they aren't showing when you are there, you still have impressive views from the 15th floor location!

Animal Kingdom Lodge - I like Boma but it is very lively with people getting up and down to get food from the buffet. This makes for a very "hustle and bustle" atmosphere which suited our mood when we ate there, but you need to be aware of it in case this isn't what you are looking for.

Jiko at the Animal Kingdom Lodge is a more exclusive restaurant, considered top notch (with top notch prices !), and you have to be sure that the menu will suit your family - African with Asian influence.

 

[Astrid]

You might also like to consider O'Hanas at the Polynesian, you can see the MK fireworks from the beach at the Polynesian if you time your meal right.

My two kids love it there as the food is fantastic plus they have a coconut pushing race and hula-hooping.

Would always recommend a PS but like Shirley says, bear in mind that the fireworks don't take place every night so you'll be best off waiting till the times are announced (early January?) till you make any bookings.

Astrid

 

[FEEBEE]

thanx

heard alot about Ohanas and I thinkI will definatly go for this one, i checked out the sample menus, and it looks lovely. Where do I look to find the openeing times, fireworks etc in Jan,I usually dont get this info till I get there on the little flyer thingee, will they be posted somewher on the DIS?

thanx again

 

[Highland Lass]

Can anyone tell me how to make a PS from the UK.

Is there an e-mail address I can use???

Also how can you view the menus for O'Hanas and the CG online?? How far in advance can you find out the scheduled times for the fireworks at MK or Epcot??

Thanks

 

[KayleeUK]

Here is a link for times.

Menu's for 'Ohana and California Grill

Another good source for menus is Deb Wills site

You can only make a PS by phone the number is 001 407 939 3463 here is some info

Hope this helps