First Night Dinner in Epcot

[jcross74]

we are staying at Beach Club this year and thought we would go over to EPCOT for dinner and fireworks the night we arrive. Wondering what would be a fun dinner for our first night? We have eaten at both the restaurants in Italy so I was thinking of something new. We have one 10 year old daughter. France? Canada? What are your favorites.

 

[HatboxGhoul]

Coral Reef Restuarant is a great choice, wouldn't get fireworks but the food is great.
Rose and Crown in the United Kingdom pavilion, fighting for a table begins early(usually around 7 pm) but offers a great spot to see Illuminations.
La Hacienda de San Angel in Mexico, it's got views as great as Rose and Crown problem is the same fight for tables starts early.
Cantina de San Angel, also in Mexico offers great normal Mexican fare and good view it's a bit easier to get a table closer to Illuminations but it can be tricky if you don't get one close to the railing as people will stand in the way between tables.

 

[Mr & Mrs DD]

I must agree with the above post. "Coral Reef" gets a lot of mixed reviews BUT we really like it. I had a really good steak there. I really like the Jack Daniels & Baileys Chocolate Mousse Dessert as well. They have a giant aquarium. You can watch the sharks and sea turtles swim as you eat your dinner.

 

[Happiest.Haunt_999]

Teppan Edo or Tokyo Dining in Japan.

 

[Anniefrances]

On an arrival night I would stay loose on the planning and walk around to see what QS appeals. It can be fun to stretch it into courses - snacks and/or beverages for appetizers, walk a little more, choose an entree, meander some more and grab dessert to take with you as you scope out a good spot to view Illuminations.

 

[Dumbo7]

Are you foodies or do you like kid friendly fare? I think teppan edo is great for kids but is better with a large group. I'm a fan a le cellier if you like steak but it's a signature and also chefs de France is good too. I am not a fan of coral reef. Great atmosphere, not great food and mediocre service. Also what time of year are you going and how early will you arrive on arrival day?

 

[loves to dive]

I agree with the just walking around and getting QS but if your kid is slightly adventurous, go for Spice Road tables.

 

[butiflfeet]

I agree with just walking around and having a bit here and there, just experience World Showcase and not worry about having to be at a certain place at a certain time and not being able to control when you actually arrive. There are so many good counter service dishes! If you end up on property with time to spare on that night then take a look at what's available for dinner reservations on the app, otherwise take it easy and snack around!

 

[Clare Voince]

I can't believe no one has suggested Biergarten! I loved the food, and you get a fun show too!

 

[Kae]

First night I might just eat around the world showcase at CS places.

 

[jcross74]

Thanks for all the ideas! We arrive at the airport at noon so I am thinking we may get to the resort around 2 or 2:30. Figured we would maybe relax a bit before going to Epcot. We are going in January. We are more foodies and my daughter prefers adult food to the kids menus. Leaning towards France....which restaurant is more middle of the road?

 

[Dumbo7]

If I was getting in that time of day I would save a park admission and go to Disney Springs. Lots of amazing restaurants there. Then you can get up early and start fresh. If your set on gong on Epcot chefs de France

 

[Dsny4fun]

Chefs de France or Rose & Crown....both are very good

 

[DisneyFansInNYC]

We really like Via Napoli, San Angel Inn, Biergarten and Rose and Crown.

 

[kmdrago1783]

We are planning on doing the same! Dinner in Epcot on our first night, but staying at CR. I am currently leaning toward Le Cellier right now. We'll be doing Rose and Crown on our official Epcot day later that week.

we are staying at Beach Club this year and thought we would go over to EPCOT for dinner and fireworks the night we arrive. Wondering what would be a fun dinner for our first night? We have eaten at both the restaurants in Italy so I was thinking of something new. We have one 10 year old daughter. France? Canada? What are your favorites.

 

[SuzieN]

Biergarten!!!! Fantastic atmosphere, fun entertainment, and delicious food!!! Absolutely 100%, hands down what I would chooses for a fun first night dinner.

 

[Pennstate6411]

I will have to disagree with some of the posters that recommend coral reef- It was really bad that it it's on the blacklist- will never eat there again unless when my daughter gets older wants to try it more than anything otherwise it's on the been there done that and it was horrible list.

 

[Hopefully]

Thanks for all the ideas! We arrive at the airport at noon so I am thinking we may get to the resort around 2 or 2:30. Figured we would maybe relax a bit before going to Epcot. We are going in January. We are more foodies and my daughter prefers adult food to the kids menus. Leaning towards France....which restaurant is more middle of the road?

Chef de France would be the middle of the road French restaurant

 

[MrsIncredible1974]

Love that so many are recommending Biergarten. We're eating there 3 weeks today and I can't wait

 

[jsbowl16]

We stay at The Boardwalk and we always go to Sunshine Seasons our first night. It is a good meal and then if we have some sort of a delay, we dont have a reservation to cancel.