Favorite non-park restaurant

[monymeier]

We will probably not use our hopper pass on our arrival day, so I was wondering what was your favorite restaurant that wasn't in a park? We will be staying at the BCV and have a ds(5)dd(2). I was thinking something at the Boardwalk or DTD?

Thanks!

 

[madalex]

Jiko at AKL is our favorite.

If you want to go to Boardwalk, FF is very good.

 

[Kim&Chris]

Olivia's inside Old Key West is our new favorite.

It's quiet, relaxed, and very casual. I am a very picky eater, and the chef never had a problem making slight changes to accomodate my wishes.

Although we don't have any kids, there were lots of families dining at Olivia's as well as couples. I didn't get a chance to peek at the kid's menu, but the kids seemed to get lots of popular choices like spaghetti & meat balls, chicken nuggets, etc.

Outside of Olivia's is a boat dock that will take you down the waterway, directly into Downtown Disney (we loved this because it's always so tough to find parking at Downtown Disney).

 

[lissawynn]

Hands down it's the California Grill at CR. My sisters and I will be eating there on the first night of our trip (we're not doing a park that day). The view is amazing, the food is outstanding, and the atmosphere is good for adults with kids.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[Sabor]

Just got back .
New favorite Jiko at AKL.
It was Boma but our meal this last trip was a little dissapointing.

 

[EeyoreJMH]

Some of our favorites around the Boardwalk include:

Cape May Cafe at Beach Club: Clambake dinner buffet-- very yummy even for non-seafood eaters. Nice salad bar, many choices of entrees, kids buffet.

ESPN Club at Boardwalk: lunch or dinner-- great burgers and TV's everywhere with all sorts of sports

Another thought:

Whispering Canyon Cafe at Wilderness Lodge: lunch or dinner-- wonderful food and lots for kids and adults alike. The servers really have fun with you (just don't ask for ketchup) and they have things like stick-horse races and a building area with Lincoln Logs for the kids. Then you can spend some time relaxing around the resort. We'll sometimes go here on an off day for lunch, then spend time around the lake kicking back.

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

Since you are staying at the BCV, I would suggest going over to the Flying Fish Cafe' on the Boardwalk. It is outstanding.

HBC

 

[MAC3]

Our favorite non-park restaurant is ESPN club! Must do every year!

 

[blanq]

We stayed at BCV in 1/04, and also did not want to burn a day on our passes, so we ate at the Flying Fish at the Boardwalk. I know everyone raves about this place, and we did have excellent service and some of the food, but not all, was excellent. Our bill ran $130 w/tip for 2 adults and one child, so this place is not particularily budget-friendly, if that is a consideration for your family. I personally think there are other great places to eat around the BW loop, and others have mentioned a few. One to consider is Beaches & Cream at the BC. B&C has great burgers/fries, and the ice cream treats are to die for!

For DTD, which is a location you are considering, Wolfgang Puck's Cafe has a wonderful and varied menu with lots of offerings for kids. It is bright and cheery inside, and your kids can go to the dessert bar to see all the offerings available and to watch desserts being made. It's fun!

If you don't mind hopping on the bus and transferring to the monorail at the TTC or MK, 'Ohana is always a fun way to kick off the start to a magical WDW vacation! There are hula hoop contests and coconut races to keep your kids interested, and if you time it right you can see the fireworks from the MK. The food is fairly kid-friendly here and they will substitute real kiddy food for their family-style meal, if you prefer. 'Ohana is one of my DS's favorite WDW restaurants!

 

[stanley]

Try Boma at AKL. It is really different.

 

[wdwobsessed]

If ya want quick and casual ...

I'd vote for Beaches N Cream at the Beach Club.

Honestly I have not done sit down places over in the BW or DTD vicinity.

We are still working our way through all the places to eat!

So many choices, so little time!

WDWO

 

[mrsltg]

Jiko and Citricos for upscale

Boma for mid-level

Ghiradelli's for ice cream

Erin

 

[beatlebailey]

i love a lot of them but my number 1 choice is victoria and alberts. the food is the best the sevice is the best and i only go for VERY special meals with people close to me witch makes it better. everything is better with family downside and why i don't go more often is the price

 

[sha_lyn]

with 2 small kids I would have to say 'Ohana's. Lots of family fun

 

[ugadog99]

How about Rainforest Cafe at Downtown Disney?

 

[MycatlovesEeyore]

For upscale We would suggest these three:

Jiko-our all-time favorite. Great food. Relaxed. Explore the AKL.

California Grille-Great food & service. Explore the Contemporary Resort and ride the monorail.

Yachtsman Steakhouse-Excellent steaks and the onion rolls are to die for. Right next door to the BC & BCV. After dinner walk or ride the Friendship boat over to the Boardwalk.


Casual:

Beaches and Cream-Fun for the kids and again very close to your resort.

Whispering Canyon-Also fun for the kids. Just be sure to ask for a straw and ketchup.

Chef-Mickey's-Need I say more? You will never get the kids out of there.


Hope that helps. Wherever you eat will likely be good if it is a Disney restaurant.

 

[Winka]

Though I haven't tried all the Boardwalk restaurants, I have very warm memories of Spoodles.

But I've also used Jiko as a first night, non-park dinner restaurant and it set the tone perfectly for the rest of the vaca. Mellow but still fills you with anticipation.