first night dining question

[redfraggle]

we're thinking of having a quiet first night. . since our flight doesn't get in until 6ish (we're flying direct from boston leaving at 3)

someone suggested the boardwalk area and i was wondering which restaurant everyone thought was good

ESPN Zone
Spoodle's
Big River. .. . Grille and Brewing Works (forget the actual name lol)

thanks!
Amanda

 

[llp479]

Big River can be hit or miss. I've had good meals here, and I've had horrible meals here. ESPN is one of our favorites, but I've seen some reviews lately that weren't complimentary on the food. We ate there last August and everything was fine, and we'll be eating there again at the end of the month.

 

[AppleSister1]

Big River is just ok, in my book. You could be anywhere. I like my first nights to be a little more...I don't know...Disney. ESPN could be fun, haven't tried it, but LOVE Spoodles. Great food, fun atmosphere.

But here's what we do our first nights: get settled at YC/BC, walk over to the Boardwalk and grab food from Spoodle's Pizza Window and the hot dog cart, sit at the outdoor tables and watch the lights from the hotels, and Epcot. Then we wander into Epcot and grab drinks or desert and watch Illuminations if we can stay up late enough. It just really gives us that "Oooh, we're here!" moment.

All that said, the Cape May Buffet at the Beach Club is good and fun too.

Have fun!

 

[DennisP]

To experience something different, my wife and I are planning to eat at Emeril's the night we arrive.

 

[Kae]

Which Emeril's?

Kae

 

[Grumpy92]

IF you are looking for quiet the BW restaurants are not for you. I am not sure where you are staying but here are some suggestions. They will be quieter and easier to get into as ESPN & Big River do not take PS but are first come first serve. The wait can get lengthy depending on when you go.

Concourse St, Yachtsmans St, Beaches & Cream, Konas, Trails End, Boatwrights, Olivias

Emeril's is at Universals Citywalk. Have to say this is the best meal I have ever had and it was lunch. The food and the service are exceptional. He also has another restaurant Tchop Tchop located at the Royal Pacific hotel.

 

[FranP]

We made our reservations at the Emeril's on CitiWalk at Universal.
I've eaten there with DD on girls' only trip, but DennisP and I haven't been there together until this coming trip. There is another Emeril's in one of the hotels in the Universay Complex. Haven't been there, tho.

The Emeril's on CitiWalk was very quiet, nicely lit, and had a great martini selection. Food was delicious and there was a lot of it! We had appetizers (fried green tomatoes), salads and save plenty of room for one of the specialties - Banana Cream Pie. Yum!

 

[little tink too]

Do you recall how much Emeril's cost? Would love to go, but on a budget this year & would love to squeeze it in.

What is the dress code?

 

[Grumpy92]

Here is their website:
http://www.emerils.com/restaurants/orlando/

It was an expensive lunch and we wore khakis. But saw others in jeans.

Passed by at dinner. It was around prom time and most of the customers were really dressed up. The restaurant says, "We recommend business casual attire. However, smart-casual attire is completely acceptable. We ask that gentlemen not wear sleveless shirts. "

 

[crisi]

The Boardwalk area is a lot of fun, but it is not quiet. Think "mini-Pleasure Island" The quietest restaurant is the expensive excellent Flying Fish.

However, the "Epcot Resort Area" is significantly bigger - and all the areas are within walking distance. You could try something at the Swan Dolphin - if you like fish, BlueZoo. Italian - Palio (both are pricey). On more of a budget, but a buffet (which is never my idea of quiet) Cape May. (I wouldn't think Beaches and Cream would be any quieter than the BW restaurants).

 

[Harambe]

If you're open to another suggestion, I'd say go to a monorail resort for dinner. Lots of nice choices, and riding the monorail on your first night really is lovely!

We also take that 3pm flight out of Logan. We got to AKL by about 6:30. Since we went to school and work that day (only left early for the flight) we were tired and just ate at our resort, then unpacked and headed for bed so we'd be bright-eyed the next day! You may consider this also.

 

[ahutton]

For a first night in that area I like getting a pizza (We like Tubbi's at Dolphin better than Spoodles) or picking up carry out from someplace on the way into WDW and then eating at the table in the room, enjoying the view. If you have some bugs to work out you could head to a quiet pool for a quick swim or down for a walk around the Boardwalk before turning in.

 

[Disneyolic]

I would vote for Spoodles from your choices. We went there and loved it. Here are some pics of the food we enjoyed: Spoodles pics

~DawnMaree

 

[AreWeThereYet]

We also usually visit Spoodles on one of the evenings at WDW. You might consider the diner in Celebration - great food and excellent desserts...expecially the banana cream pie.

 

[kel3420]

Our favorite restaurant is the Flying Fish on the Boardwalk. Be prepared though, it usually isn't too quiet, but the food and ambiance is wonderful!

 

[CarolAnnC]

The Swan and Dolphin restaurants are close enough to the Boardwalk area, yet much quieter.

Personally, I love the RFC for our first night! Really gets me into vacation mode, lol.

 

[mrslane]

If you like sushi and do not mind some kareoke, Kimono's in the Swan is a great place.

Another quiet place that may offer less expensive fare is the Crew Cup Lounge in the Yatch Club. Great beer selection, and sanwhiches. I think you can also order from the Yatch Club's sterakhouse restaurant menu.

Depending on where you are staying, there are SO many options. There is always the option of food-to-go and picking a nice, private spot to eat! Bring a blanket and make a picinic out of it...

 

[crisi]

I didn't think about this until someone posted about monorail resorts....

Who are you traveling with? We avoid the monorail resorts the first day unless we intend to go into the park. We travel with a four and five year old (current ages) and once they see the castle, its all over and we need to go into the MK - a park I've learned I'm too cranky to tackle on travel day (Epcot, good - MK, bad). Other people insist on Chef Mickey the first night with kids the same ages.

On the other hand, if you are traveling with teens, it might be wise to avoid (or head towards, depending....) Downtown Disney - DisneyQuest will draw them like flies.