Garden Grille with just adults?

[KelseyLaPerle]

We have been to GG with kids the past 2 trips. DH hasn't been on those trips with us, and since I LOVE the food there, I want to take him on a "date" at GG during our August trip. Do many solo adults (ie, without kids) do character meals?

Is there another restaurant with a similar menu and serving style? I don't particularly care where we eat, but he and I will likely only have one night to dine out on our own so I want to make sure I choose a great place. I'm not looking for super fancy or super expensive, just a nice relaxed atmosphere with a great meal. Must be family style (or buffet...but I assume buffets wouldn't include such great food) as we have big appetites and want our $$ worth.

Thanks for any help!

 

[dacky041208]

DH and I don't have any kids yet and we have done numerous character meals for years. GG was one of them and one of our favorite!

The only time I've ever found a character meal experience awkward is when it included face characters...

Now if you are looking for a "date-like" place, I'd recommend Coral Reef in Epcot (that was yet another fav for DH and I) but there are great restaurants for couples all throughout DW.

 

[MrsLS]

We did GG last trip, 2 adults, no kids. I didn't really look around to see what tables didn't have kids and which did but since we are always childless, it doesn't bother me which restaurant has more kids or doesn't. We plan to go back in November, not this coming trip in April since we want to try Liberty Tree Tavern for dinner which has a similar menu, but no characters and will be closer to where we are staying this time. I can only recommend LTT for lunch though, which is a full regular menu to order not family style.
Although we did like GG, I wouldn't consider it great food or a relaxed atmosphere but since you've already been there then thats just my opinion.

 

[dogbert03]

My wife and I don't have kids either, but have been to numerous character meals. I agree with the thoughts about costumed characters versus those where you see the actual face. But usually the characters are good about it and take a nice picture and move on without interrupting the meal too much. Garden Grill and Crystal Palace are favorites.

 

[krb2g]

The past several trips have been all-adult (i.e. my parents and their grown children), but we still like character meals. Garden Grill was *fantastic.* Even though we were all obviously grown-up, we got lots of great interaction from the characters. We were all laughing so hard! Plus, in the booths, it's really hard to see the other diners, so you don't feel as self-conscious.

By way of comparison, when we went to Chef Mickey's, for most of the meal, we were the only all-adult table in the room and we had to hop right up in order to get pictures with the characters, who seemed to be in a hurry to move along.

Other family-style dinner options include 'Ohana and Liberty Tree Tavern (dinner only). Buffets include Boma, Cape May Cafe, and most of the character meals.

 

[JennyDrake]

LOL! I have never been to GG WITH kids! It is fine for adults. I go there especially if I have a meat and potatoes eater with me.

 

[KelseyLaPerle]

While I LOVE GG, I just can't decide if I want to book an ADR there now or not. I don't know what night we'll have free during our trip (depends on when the kids want to go to bed early, other plans, etc.). I think now that we should just decide that night where to eat....it might depend on what park we decide to visit, what the weather is, how "romantic" we are feeling.

Last year, we got a table at GG for 4 and only had to wait about 30 minutes. Maybe we'll chance it and if we decide we really want to go there, we'll walk up and cross our fingers.

ps - I LOVE these boards