First night dinner at Swan

[Disneytrip]

We'll be arriving to Disney around dinner time and will be staying at the Swan. Any recommendations for a quick, easy, inexpensive meal? We're considering:Big River Grill Boardwalk, Spoodles, or Sulas.
Thanks!

 

[Uncleromulus]

I think you can eliminate Shula's from your list, if only for the "inexpensive" criteria-
I've found Big River to be pretty good, especially if you can snag an outside table. Their beers are excellent, as is the meatloaf.

 

[Ms. Belle]

Shula's is really expensive and not quick. Big River Grille isn't one of my favorites either, the food was just ok there. Spoodles is good and I like the atmosphere. Also at the Dolphin is Tubby's Buffeteria, which I like alot for fast, inexpensive food. It's sort of a buffet/counter service, they have hot and cold foods, wine, beer, sodas. It's not fancy at all, but serves its purpose of being fast and convenient.

 

[CamColt]

I agree with the others, Shulas doesnt fit the "inexpensive" description.
We often like to go to ESPN upon arrival. We really enjoy the food there and the atmosphere is fun for sports fans(and even some who arent ). Ive found they consistently make a good drink there too, something I dont find often in WDW.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Some things to consider. There is Tubby's in the Dolphin for an inexpensive meal (quick,good, but not the most thrilling). You can also get a refillable mug there, good for the length of your stay. I think they are open 24hrs. If you are early, you could also get a burger type meal outside at the Cabana (if there are no kids involved) (with a wide choice of fruity frozen beverage's). There is also an Italian restaurant in the Swan that has yummy goumet pizza's, but they aren't especially large or inexpensive for pizza. If you ate at Tubby's, you could get ice cream at the really cool ice cream shop in the Dolphin... If you choose any of those, you can charge your meal to your room key at the Swan.
In any event, the Swan/Dolphin/Boardwalk area is a really great area to go exploring on your first night. Depending on what time you arrive, your best bet might be just to go exploring, then pick the place with the shortest wait. The Big River Grille has a beer sampler that is a relaxing way to start a vacation. Spoodles never really struck my fancy, but it is often crowded.

 

[Disneytrip]

Thanks everyone! Yes, no kids involved so the Cabana sounds fun. Also good point that it is easy to charge Tubby's to the room. I hope we can explore the Boardwalk our first night, that's why I was inquiring about their restaurants too. Great advice!

 

[PamNC]

whatever you do - don't eat at Spoodles. We did for the first time in November and it was undoubtedly the worst meal we've ever had (sit-down) at WDW. Dried up chicken, had to send the steak back 3 times. Horrible.
I know I sound opinionated on this subject, and usually I'm not so brutal, but this was such a bad experience. And it gets worse. After dinner, my husband and I went to see Illuminations. He literally got sick!! So top it off with semi-food poisioning or whatever it was.

There are so many great places to eat there in the Epcot Resort area, most of which I wouldn't call inexpensive. Do you like sushi? Kimonos at the Swan has excellent sushi and karaoke on top of that, which can be very entertaining. We didn't like Big River Grille...food wasn't very good.

We like Blue Zoo (expensive), Yachtsman Steakhouse (again, expensive). Flying Fish (expensive). May I suggest the Cape May Seafood Buffet? It's excellent and from what I recall the price wasn't too bad. How about Beaches & Cream...burger/hot dog/fries place. Try Fresh at the Dolphin. We've only had breakfast there, but it was excellent...I can only imagine lunch and dinner would be the same. How about the Yacht Club Galley? It's good - not too expensive. We've never tried it, but some people seem to like the food at ESPN. That shouldn't be too pricey.

Have fun! Eat something for me.

PamNC

 

[Disneytrip]

Thanks Pam! My boyfriend loves seafood so that buffet is a great suggestion..and we both like sushi.

 

[DisneyFans4]

If you like italian food then Palios at the Swan is excellent. If your into Sushi then Kiminos is also at the Swan.

 

[CamColt]

I agree Palio is very good, but its definitely not inexpensive. I recently ate there and dinner for 2 came to well over $100.00.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

Take a stroll over to Beaches & Creme at the Beach Club resort. It's like a 50's diner with the best burgers & onion rings on property.

 

[gokenin]

whatever you do - don't eat at Spoodles. We did for the first time in November and it was undoubtedly the worst meal we've ever had (sit-down) at WDW. Dried up chicken, had to send the steak back 3 times. Horrible.
I know I sound opinionated on this subject, and usually I'm not so brutal, but this was such a bad experience. And it gets worse. After dinner, my husband and I went to see Illuminations. He literally got sick!! So top it off with semi-food poisioning or whatever it was.

There are so many great places to eat there in the Epcot Resort area, most of which I wouldn't call inexpensive. Do you like sushi? Kimonos at the Swan has excellent sushi and karaoke on top of that, which can be very entertaining. We didn't like Big River Grille...food wasn't very good.

We like Blue Zoo (expensive), Yachtsman Steakhouse (again, expensive). Flying Fish (expensive). May I suggest the Cape May Seafood Buffet? It's excellent and from what I recall the price wasn't too bad. How about Beaches & Cream...burger/hot dog/fries place. Try Fresh at the Dolphin. We've only had breakfast there, but it was excellent...I can only imagine lunch and dinner would be the same. How about the Yacht Club Galley? It's good - not too expensive. We've never tried it, but some people seem to like the food at ESPN. That shouldn't be too pricey.

Have fun! Eat something for me.

PamNC

When in November were you there we went for the last week of the food and wine festival and after eating at spoodles one of our group got sick later in the evening as well. probably just a chance event but was wondering ? we did drink and eat heavily through the day at the festival afterall

 

[paras4ri]

The Dolphin Fountain is not just an ice cream place, you can get sandwiches & burgers & hot dogs there too . We've eaten there and at Beaches & Cream and enjoy both equally. B&C can get very crowded and the wait can be long. The Dolphin Fountain is not much bigger but it's easier to get a table.

It's also a good place for dessert....both eat-in and take-out.

 

[DisneyFans4]

I agree with the others, I didn't like Spoodles either and won't go back.