"Fancy" dinner for unsophisticated palate?

[GlowingEye]

My sister and I are planning a trip to the World where we, in our words, "pretend we're fancy people", complete with a stay at GF, a long spa day and a fancy dinner where we dress up and everything. The thing is, we (and especially I) have relatively unsophisticated tastes. We had dinner at BOG last year and even that's a bit too fancy for my tastes food wise. We're also not seafood people, which knocks a fair number of restaurants out of the running.

I'm personally just fine with "having dinner" somewhere where I don't eat much, and then get something I like better at a QS or something. Even up to going to V&A's only to eat a burger afterward. It's the experience I'm looking for. SO I'm looking for a decent place my sister would eat at.

What restaurant(s) would you suggest?

 

[CaliAdventurer]

Cali Grill has such a lovely view and vibe and you could even sit on the lounge side and have starters without feeling pressure. I also love doing afternoon tea at GF even though I hate the food. I just love it cuz its "fancy" : )

 

[wilkeliza]

You should be fine at Yachtsman or even Grand Floridian cafe.

 

[DeterminedOne]

I agree with CaliADventurer. California Grill. They have pizza.
I mean, flatbread. The view is incredible and it's fancy without being pretentious.

 

[Pumbaa_]

I would vote for Yachtsman. You can swap out sides and ask for any sauces on the side. Lovely place

 

[Meriweather]

I don't eat seafood and have a limited "like" list and I really like CA Grill.

 

[steg]

Honestly, I think you were right in calling out Victoria and Albert's for a day where you're shooting to be as luxurious as possible. Especially considering you stated that you're looking to get dressed up.

One of the best things about Victoria and Albert's is you get to tell them ALL of your likes and dislikes a week or so out from your reservation when they confirm the reservation. You can simply say "no seafood" or get more specific. I can assure you even though the portions look small you won't have room for a burger afterward, you'll get multiple bread services, each of which you can request additional pieces/slices, and you get to pick from a bunch of chocolates at the end of the meal and get some to take back to the room in addition to a rose and a pound cake.

The only thing I would caution is it can be intimidating at first but you'll settle in after course two or three.

For the theme of the day/vacation I can't think of a better option!

Although the food may sound out there I think that this is the best restaurant to experience food like this in an approachable manner. This is Disney after all, its upscale but not so out there that it's not relatively approachable by anyone.

 

[Elleshoodat]

I personally wouldn't spend Victoria & Albert's-caliber money for this. Have you considered the lounges at the deluxes? Most (if not all) of them serve appetizers/small plates which should fit the bill; I've heard the best things about Territory Lounge at Wilderness Lodge and Crew's Cup at Yacht Club. I believe California Grill also has a lounge/bar area, as well as some of the other signature restaurants.

P.S. I'm "unfancy" with an unsophisticated palate, too, but that day sounds really fun. Enjoy!

 

[DeanDoug]

Here's another vote for California Grill!

 

[2manypets]

I would love to try the Garden View Tea room at the GF. It certainly is fancy, but you really can't go wrong with sandwiches, tea and desert!

 

[melanielll]

California Grill. Order appetizers and dessert. Or the kids mac and cheese and dessert. You can generally piece together some great things there. There was a great BLT flatbread there in May.

 

[loves to dive]

I agree with tea at the GF, it's enough food to fill you up if you want and just seems fancy (you can go in park clothes or you can dress up). Just about any of the signatures you wouldn't be looked at sideways for dressing up. We did the bar at Flying Fish then had dinner at Flying Fish and while we didn't dress up in a suit and tie, my son did wear a polo shirt and pants other than jeans and I wore a nicer blouse and pair of pants.

 

[RangerPooh]

Yatchsman or Artist Point are good if you like steak. I don;t eat seafood and was bale to find something that I liked at Narcosis.

 

[DisneyHardin]

I was worried about the same thing. DH and I are very plain eaters. We decided to do the Deluxe plan for our upcoming trip. When it was time to decide on ADRs, I really dissected the menus and even though they sound fancy they all have basic things too like steak, salmon, pork chops and they all have some sort of potato side dishes. Once I realized this, it was much easier to plan and I'm super excited for our Signature dinners in October.

 

[kbmartin]

Shula's Steak House at the Dolphin has delicious food that isn't very exotic in an elegant setting.

 

[Thing 1]

I say California Grill. It's just a really special place. Service is some of the best we have had and they will adjust meals to cater to your taste. It's the one signature we have seen maintain a bit more formal dress code. We have done a lot of the signatures on site and more and more are seeing park attire and loud uncontrolled children. I would never spend the kind of money for V&A if you don't care for upscale Dinning. Even CG can be quite pricey if you are not going to enjoy the food.

 

[Grammy4Lizzy]

My DH and I are going in October for our 47th anniverary and we are going to Teppan Edo. I am the pickiest eater out there and I love this place.

 

[wdw&sonny]

Cali Grill is a good call. You can get all 'fancied' up and no one will think twice. The food is 'fancy' looking and sounding but tastes great.
For example: Oak-fired filet of beef: Gruyere, black truffle, and caramelized red onion risotto, roasted baby carrots, herb salsa verde = STEAK!
Fancy is great. Pretentious is a problem.

I'm old enough that I've been to fancy and returned. Give me a good burger or pizza and I'm happy.

 

[FSU Girl]

You should do Victoria and Albert's its as fancy as you can get at Disney. And they will completely rework their menu for your tastes. If you tell them the only thing you like is chicken they'll work with that.

 

[bigbabyblues]

California Grill!