First night in WDW...WHICH RESTAURANT??

[DisneyJenn18]

hi everyone!

I am taking a group of 8 people, all adults to WDW at the end of Jan. I have been a few times, and of course I'm the disney freak, but I just can't decide which would be the best restaurant for our first night there??!??
there will be 4 people in the group who have never been to WDW, and the last time they went to DL was 20 years ago!!

I want it to be SPECTACULAR for everyone, (I was thinking California Grill, but a few people in my party would think it's to fancy, and it would make them uncomfortable)..

Please let me know any suggestions? And why you would pick that one!!

thanks in advance!

 

[i3utterfli82]

This trip 1st night we are doing Ohana', last trip we did Whispering Canyon Cafe. I think the first night should be fun We do the nicer reservations towards the end of the trip.

 

[wwaleye]

I would suggest Ohana because the atmosphere, but I didn't think the food was all that great.

So, if you can go into a park, I would say Biergarten in Germany. Lot's of fun for 8 people. If you want to avoid the park ticket then Whispering Canyon or Kona.

 

[duckfan78]

I might try the Brown Derby fantasmic package. its a good meal..not too fancy and you get that passes for fantasmic. that would probably really blow their minds.

or HDR dinner show

 

[tcp0421]

I would suggest Ohana because the atmosphere, but I didn't think the food was all that great.

So, if you can go into a park, I would say Biergarten in Germany. Lot's of fun for 8 people. If you want to avoid the park ticket then Whispering Canyon or Kona.

Last year was out first (family) vacation to Disney. The first day we got there we went to the Biergarten, and so we are doing the same this year. We all loved it. Including my DD 1 (at the time) and DD 4 at the time. Hubby also loved it. He was staioned in Germany with the Army years ago, so he really enjoyed the food. Have fun.

 

[Amyrlin]

How about Narcossees, that does not look as fancy, but still great view of wishes if you go at the right time.

If not then I'd also say 'Ohana as it is good for a group. The new Teppan Edo wil bew open as by then as well, 8 would mean you have a table to yourselves.

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

Not that it's relevent in the least but my eyes were playing tricks on me when I read the title of this thread...I was sure it said "Fist Fight in WDW...Which Restaurant." Perhaps it's time for a visit to the eye doctor...

 

[simonkodousek]

I would suggest the Kona Cafe or the Whispering Canyon Cafe.

 

[jess20k]

Our favortie signature dining restaurant is Narcoossee's!!!! We love it there! If you are not looking for a signature restaurant, then I would say Le Cellier. That is the place that I like to make our first night's ADR.

 

[*Emily*]

I'd say do something you've been to on your past trips that you know will be a hit and get everyone in the Disney mood... why take the chance of starting your trip off on a bad note at a restaurant that may not be up to par?

 

[princesslondon]

We always do Chef Mickey's. For no other reason than it just gets us in the disney mood!!!

 

[skipperkim]

There's always Big River Grill. Since it's adults that might be a hit. I've heard the service isn't real good there. But not so fancy, 50's PTC. Down home cooking and lots of fun. Over the top, California Grill. While Chef Mickey's would put people in the mood, it's very loud. Maybe not something a group of adults would want. There's alway's Artist Point to consider. I'm sure this reply didn't help.

 

[Cool-Beans]

If you're up for a show, I think the Hoop-Dee-Doo is a great way to kick off a vacation for people of any age.

I'll give a shout-out for my favorite: Restaurant Marrakesh. Great food (and Lemon chicken for the non-adventurous), an interesting atmosphere and a belly dancer.

If you just want a decent non-park meal, without characters, that isn't too frou-frou (I wouldn't go to Cali grill, either ), I'd go with Kona Cafe at the Poly.

If you want characters and don't want to enter a park, Chef Mickeys. Not really my thing - I think a lot of adults might not enjoy dinner there - but it's an option. If you want characters and do want a park, Crystal Palace.

 

[DisneyGirl928]

We normally do the Rainforest Cafe on our first night in DTD...It is just a fun atmosphere and a great way to begin the vacation!

 

[Joan S.]

Hi, I would say go with "your" choice and do the California Grille! It really is NOT too FANCY! We went as a family of 5 in July (myself,DH,DD-23,DS-19 and DS-13) and had not only an INCREDIBLE meal but the BEST time! We sat near the OPEN KITCHEN and had the CHEF(Hans) come over to our table and chat! The fireworks from the top of the CR are WONDERFUL and EVRYONE gets up to go outside and watch.(Our waiter held up on dessert for us so that we could view the fireworks and not be rushed) I think this would be a GREAT intro to WDW for your friends! Joan

 

[ksumn1]

I would second either 'Ohana or Chef Mickey's. I actually think Chef Mickey's would be more fun. It's not at all dressy, and although the food is not gourmet there should be something for everyone to enjoy. Plus they get to see the main mouse 1st thing.

 

[Hopefully]

I have 2 distinctly different thoughts, based on the group as you know it.
One would be to do HDDR. It is all Disney. A great fun show with decent (not gourmet) food. It is a corny jokes type show with "down home cooking". We love it.
The second would be for a more staid, sophisticated group. For that makeup, I would choose Jiko at the AKL. It is a wonderful meal in a more adult atmosphere, with a kick. The AKL is beautiful and it would be a nice evening.
HTH

 

[DisneyJenn18]

thanks for all your suggestions everyone!

Gosh, I still don't know which to pick ...but I do like the idea of doing something more on the fun side...maybe whispering canyon, and I always always hear great things about the restaurant at the poly. I did think of doing the dinner/show package for Fantasmic, that sounds like fun, is the brown derby a great place to eat? I have never tried the food there

Thanks for the tips everyone!

 

[erinch]

You might think about Raglan Road in DTD, and wander around and soak up the atmosphere, if you don't want to use a ticket.

 

[Merman]

I've heard Kona Cafe at Poly is really good ... that will be our first dinner when we arrive at the World in December!