Fun arrival day dinner near Swan?

[jldeahl]

We have our first family WDW trip coming up in Feb. We're traveling with our kids, ages 3 and 5. I think we're going to take our check-in day at Swan easy. Swimming, arcade, explore the hotel, etc. Thoughts on a fun restaurant to have dinner at? I'd love to do a character meal, but that's not a must.

 

[Lisa F]

We have our first family WDW trip coming up in Feb. We're traveling with our kids, ages 3 and 5. I think we're going to take our check-in day at Swan easy. Swimming, arcade, explore the hotel, etc. Thoughts on a fun restaurant to have dinner at? I'd love to do a character meal, but that's not a must.

I'm reading a lot of good reviews about garden grove, which at the swan. Good character interaction, good food and a good seafood buffet if your arrival day is Thursday - Sunday... otherwise it's like a salad bar with table service entrees. There is a current review on the review boards as well. I have found that my child gets very tired very quickly on travel days so the lower key the better... a lower key character meal right at your resort sounds perfect.

 

[epcotobsessed]

Beaches and Cream could be fun at that age.

 

[gharter]

Beaches and Cream or Garden Grove would be my top picks.

 

[MomOTwins]

Or you could go down to boardwalk and check out the mini golf and carnival games and eat there. That’s our current plan.

 

[Kimrlav]

Another vote for Beaches and Cream at the Beach Club and then a stroll on the boardwalk for the entertainment.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Garden Grove at the Swan is a character buffet. I would also recommend The Fountain just next door at the Dolphin. Both are upbeat and fun.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Or you could go down to boardwalk and check out the mini golf and carnival games and eat there. That’s our current plan.

Just an FYI, the mini golf is across the street from Swan/Dolphin, not on the Boardwalk.

 

[wilma-bride]

The Fountain is one of my favourite casual eateries at WDW - food is good, fresh and hot and the ice cream sundaes and milkshakes are delicious.

 

[Paulines]

The best peanut butter and jelly shake at The Fountain!

 

[Aimeedyan]

We just stayed at the Swan again on Sunday and we had dinner at Cape May for the first time and thought it was excellent! You really do need to be a seafood lover but I appreciated the huge amount of healthy options and freshness. We had great service, too. No characters at dinner but the food was tasty and it's an easy walk from the Swan.

Beaches & Cream is a cheaper, non-buffet option - nothing mind blowing about the food but the restaurant is cute and we have had good service.

I also like the Fountain a lot! Good thing there is you really don't have to mess with a reservation but instead play things by ear.

 

[TiggerTrigger]

My 6 year old nephew and 2 year old niece adore Garden Grove.

 

[MomOTwins]

Just an FYI, the mini golf is across the street from Swan/Dolphin, not on the Boardwalk.

Good to know! I had read a blog about boardwalk that talked about it, but I guess they just included it because it is all walkable around the lake area.

 

[OneinThree]

I agree with The Fountain as suggested above, and would also suggest Trattoria al Forno on the Boardwalk.

 

[JerseyJanice]

I’m a huge fan of Garden Grove. I think the seafood buffet they offer Thursday through Saturday is an outstanding hidden gem.

There is a long list of activities for families at the Swan, and your resort fee covers most of them. You can take a Swan paddle boat out on the lake. They give you free s’mores kits and light a fire to toast marshmallows on the beach at sunset.

Check the list by the concierge desk to see what the activities are that day and ask the concierge for help if you’re unsure where to find anything. The people who man that desk are always so nice and eager to help, Have a wonderful trip. We are crazy about the Swan in my family.