First Night Meal - Dolphin

[WolfpackFan]

I'm looking for some suggestions for a meal for our first night at WDW. We'll be staying at the Dolphin. This is our first time staying at a hotel in the S/D,BC,YC,BW area. Typically our first night routine has been to eat at someplace in DD (Wolfgangs or Planet Hollywood usually); but I thought this year we'd eat somewhere close to the Dolphin and just enjoy the Boardwalk area afterwards. Any suggestions for a good place to eat that first night around the lake? Prefer some place that is medium priced (ie - no Shula's Steakhouse). Also, if it helps any - I'm a steak type person and my wife is a seafood type person. Thanks.

 

[ahutton]

We've had great, moderate priced meals at Gullivers over in the Swan. They offer both buffet and a regular menu. We've also had great meals at Tubby's, although it is cafeteria style and not table service. Their meals, especially the daily specials and the pizza were outstanding. Big River Grille at Boardwalk is also a neat place, especially at the outside tables. You can see the people, the entertainment and part of Illuminations (you can hear all of it). Those are the places we've been that I would go to again.

 

[Rhonda]

Big River Grill is good for burgers and salads!

Our favorite (if you like Italian) is Palio at the Swan! The food is fabulous, and the atmosphere is really nice! They have strolling musicians! We didn't think their prices were too bad (not as high as Shulas!), and if you have Disney Club, they give you a 20% discount!

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by Rhonda
Big River Grill is good for burgers and salads!

Our favorite (if you like Italian) is Palio at the Swan! The food is fabulous, and the atmosphere is really nice! They have strolling musicians! We didn't think their prices were too bad (not as high as Shulas!), and if you have Disney Club, they give you a 20% discount!

Just wanted to add that the 20% Disney Club discount is good at any of the Swan/Dolphin restaurants except Shula's and is valid 11/1/2002 though 12/23/2002. The discount excludes taxes, gratuity and beverages.

 

[jwfla422]

We also like to go to Gulliver's our first night when we stay at the S/D. Food has always been very good, service always great. Be aware there are characters there. Goofy and Pluto switch off with Timon and Rafikki. But, it is a nice "laid back" dinner which is what we like, then we take a stroll around the BW and YC/BC areas. Ideal for a first night! (btw ESPN also has good food)

 

[Muffy]

For a huge variety go to Cape May at the BC. It has great seafood and many other dishes plus great deserts! Our favorite buffet!

 

[Uncleromulus]

The medium price presents a bit of a problem--but none of the places in that Boardwalk area are quite as high as Shula's.
How about the Flying Fish? I'm told they have an excellent steak, and it does have a fine seafood selection.
And Palio's is good too--but not exactly a steak/seafood spot.

 

[WolfpackFan]

I want to thank everyone for their great replies to my question. From reading the replies and looking at the menus at WDWIG, I'm thinking either Big River or ESPN. Both are in the price range I had in mind for the first night and both have good choices for both my wife and myself. I would probably prefer Big River, just because I like the brew pub atmosphere over sports bar; but I keep reading bad things on this board about service there. Has anyone had any good experiences at Big River?

As far as some of the other suggestions, Cape May and Flying Fish were already in our plans for other nights and I think we'll also give Gullivers a try this time. My wife and I are viewing this trip as one where we're going to do alot of relaxing - no commando type park trips this time. There may be some days that we don't stray far from Dolpin at all (maybe World Showcase and that's it). So I see us eating a number of meals in this area.

 

[Ms. WDW]

If given the choice of ESPN or Big River, I'd take ESPN.

I've eaten at ESPN many times and found the food and service great. There's always something for everyone there.

I ate at the Big River Grill on my last trip and to be quite honest I didn't find it all that great. Personally I wouldn't go out of my way to eat there again.

 

[Rhonda]

We eat at Big River every trip and we love it! We always ask for an outside table. The service is always good. In fact, last time our server forgot to bring something, as soon as she remembered she brought us a coupon for a free appetizer next time we go!