First-timers, adventerous eaters... recommend where we should eat!

[NLD]

Hi all,

Background on us:

My family (me, dh, and dd5) are going to WDW Sept 19-26. Dh and dd's first time; I've only been once, fifteen years ago, and don't think we actually ate any TS in the World that trip.

We are adventerous eaters. We love Indian, Mexican, Japanese, Italian, Thai... you name it, we probably like it. (Though I don't like sushi, but dh loves it.) My dd is funny--she can be picky, but can be surprising too. We usually don't have trouble finding her something she enjoys when we go out for international cuisine at home. LOVES rice, Chinese, burritos and recently had her first hibachi experience and loved the soup and rice. She is not a big eat meater though, except for McD's chicken nuggets.

So, where should we eat on our trip?

DD loves princesses, so we want a princess meal. Leaning toward CRT (so we can go "inside" the castle, and b/c there are too many other good choices at Epcot as opposed to MK, where there's not a lot of TS exciting me anyway at this point).

Other than that... help?

Would prefer to eat in the parks so as to reduce travel time, if possible.

Le Cellier is raved about, but would it make sense for us to choose something else, given that we like international cuisines so much? Morocco? Teppan Edo? Tutto Italia? Mexico?

Also--any places have something a bit "different" on the kids' menu? Ie, anyplace we can actually get dd food similar to what we'll be eating? (Like, spaghetti at an Italian restaurant; fried rice at an Asian restaurant; kids burrito at Mexican; etc)--or are all the kids' meals nuggest, mac'n'cheese, pizza?

TY for any advice!

 

[JLS]

DEFINITELY Boma, Jiko, Sanaa or all 3! Boma dinner buffet is fabulous from the soups to the desserts. Jiko is sit down and is 2 credits on the DP. Sanaa just opened.

Try Teppan Edo and Marrakesh at Epcot since you are adventurous.

Also Narcoosees and Citricos seem to be favorites and if you are willing to spend 2 DP credits or $$$. I have never eaten at either.

If you are at Downtown Disney, Raglan Road is Irish pub fare - very good and they have live music. House of Blues restaurant is also surprisingly good food - Cajun/southern variety.

 

[engle]

If you are wanting to stay in park, I suggest....

At Magic Kingdom, Crystal Palace. Not "adventurous" but good eats and characters. Nothing else here really "different" but if you are wanting to eat at the castle, well, there ya go.
At Epcot, Nine Dragons, Biergarten, Teppan Edo, Marrakesh.
At Animal Kingdom, Yak and Yeti.
At Studios, get out of the park and eat at Boma or Sanaa at Animal Kingdom Lodge. I do like Brown Derby though....just not on my list of "interesting" foods.

Check out the menus on this site. That will answer alot of your questions. Personally, I would skip Le Cellier. Nothing special or interesting about it in my opinion.

Hope that helps.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

There are, in my opinion, a number of great places to eat at WDW. I think in many ways you'll find that many places have a few adventurous things on the menu, and some non-adventuous things on the menu. Disney does cater to kids after all, and the tastes of middle America. Nothing geographical implied, just middle of the road tastes.

I think some of the more adventurous dining will be where you sort of expect it: the more exotic themed locations, and the more high end places. Though there are a number of quick service places that go well beyond burgers and fries.

The World Showcase is one area that has many of thebest dining locations. Downtown Disney also has some great places. The resorts also offer some fine choices,with places like the Poly and AKL being obvious destinations.

the waek spots are MK and HS, IMO.

 

[Laura]

Everyone has given good suggestions. I would just caution you to not expect ethnic food at WDW to be particularly authentic, as they do cater to a wider range of tastes than, say, your local Indian restaurant.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

My choices from what you've stated would be:

MK - CRT - IMHO, this isn't even close.

AK - Tusker House (character breakfast) - We haven't tried Yak & Yeti, but I would like to. Unfortunately, it closes too early for our usual dinner time.

DHS - Hollywood Brown Derby (best food) / Sci-fi Dine-in (best atmosphere)

Epcot - Les Chefs de France (our favorite) / Restaurant Marrakesh or San Angel Inn (Both are as authentic as WDW gets, & they have unique atmospheres.)

 

[Faline]

We too are adventurous eaters and LOOOVE Boma. It is one of our favorites. We also loved Ohana. While it may not be all that adventurous, it is a different and fun experience with really good food. Sorry, but I haven't tried Marrakesh, San Angel, or Askerhaus yet. I know a lot of people pan San Angel, but some of the menu items look really good, and I think we will try it in August

 

[NLD]

Thanks all for the suggestions...

What time does Yak and Yeti close?

 

[tarheelmjfan]

Thanks all for the suggestions...

What time does Yak and Yeti close?

It's based on park hours, & AK often closes in the early evening. Sorry, I couldn't give a more precise answer.

 

[gina2000]

I have to be truly honest with you. If you are truly an adventurous diner, WDW offerings will be a pale substitution to the real thing. The food is well prepared, presented nicely, and usually tasty but it is not authentic nor is it exotic. It's watered down food to accomodate America's not too adventurous tastes.

Having said that, if you are looking for good food, try Jiko and California Grill. Both are a step above most WDW dining. in WDW, hotel dining is generally better than theme park dining. But that is my humble opinion and I'm sure many will disagree.

Look at the menus and decide. I'm sure you will enjoy your trip.

 

[amandelba]

Thanks all for the suggestions...

What time does Yak and Yeti close?

I think the last ADRs are at park closing. We did this last time, the park was closed when we were done with dinner. I liked this, since there were no crowds or lines for the busses.