Get ready for it???

[kitcat1]

Hi all,

Its now only 8 weeks until we go and for first timers its a bit daunting but also extremely exciting. Over the next few weeks I will be asking loads of questions as we finalise all our plans. We received our planning DVD today from a kind disser so have enjoyed going through that. We now know what tickets we are going to get, a 14 day unlimited for all the disney parks, a day at sea world and a day at Kennedy space centre. Now for restaurants, is it true that the restaurants in Disney tend to be a bit more expensive than the offsite ones and which restaurants would you recommend, we like eating fish, italien, steak type meals and salads.

Thats in for the mo but will be back with more questions soon.

Thanks in advance.

Cath

 

[wickesy]

Hi Cath,

We are 8 weeks away as well so I will be watching your questions and answers with interest.

It is 14 years since we last went so I can't really help on prices but as far as salads go I have read several good reviews of a restaurant called Sweet Tomatoes. You can have a look at their menu here.

Have a great trip.

 

[KayleeUK]

Cath

I am very excited for you Ask any questions you want!

 

[jen_uk]

Yes the restaurents onsite are more expensive but the theming is great so try to have a few meals there if you can. I love the Crystal palace in MK, its a character buffet with Pooh bear and friends. The food is lovely, definately worth going to.

 

[Steve and Sarah]

Hi Cath

We travel out in 9 weeks so getting that excited feeling like you. Sounds like you've got lots of things planned, are you staying on or off site?

Our favourite resturant for steaks is Outback Steakhouse next to Premium Outlet Shopping Mall.

Have a great trip.

 

[UKDEB]

Well, I suppose you could argue that the onsite restaurants are more expensive than their offsite counterparts, but quite how you'd quantify that, I'm not sure. I've got lots of offsite favourites and plenty of onsite ones too and I'm not sure that there are many direct comparisons to be made.

As for recommendations, it really depends on where you're staying and your preferences. Will you be mainly looking for fast food/value for money or dining out as an event in itself (or a combination of both)?

Onsite, Flying Fish Cafe at the BoardWalk is a good option for seafood, as is bluezoo at the Dolphin. Fulton's Crabhouse at Downtown Disney is popular, but I don't think I'd rush back.Most folks would probably place them at the top end of the dining spectrum.

There are plenty of places onsite which do a half decent steak - too many to mention. The only truly upscale steakhouse onsite, IMHO, is Shula's at the Dophin.

Are you looking for offsite reommendations too? Where are you staiyng?

 

[kitcat1]

Thanks everyone for your speedy replies. I have a book that I have divided into different catergories so as you all know, at the present time I am filling in the eating section. Very important.

We like to eat proper meals, ie.not fast food but ones that offer plenty of veg or salad. We don't mind a few burger meals in the daytime but for a main meal we prefer a restaurant. We don't mind splashing out on a few good restaurants but as we are there for 18 days, mainly we want to eat in middle of the road ones. We also wouldn't mind trying new foods and are open to any suggestions.

We are staying offsite in a villa at Indian Creek, not too far away from everything we hope!

I have heard O'hanas is good for fish?? Any of your suggestions are appreciated so thanks.

Cath

 

[paulh]

if you want to know the prices go to www.allearsnet.com as they have the price of each item on the menus

 

[UKDEB]

The Formosa Gardens Shopping Center is two minutes drive from Indian Creek and there are quite a few restaurants there - Outback Steakhouse, TGI Friday's, Giordano's (Italian), Taste of China. A little bit further west on the 192 (just a block or so) is Carrabbas, another Italian which is very popular. Outback and Carrabbas both offer curbside takeout so, if you fancy a night in, but don't feel like cooking, you can order by phone and then pick it up when it's ready.

On the corner of Formosa Gardens Blvd (the road Indian Creek is on) and the 192 is a Red Lobster which is cheap and cheerful chain seafood - not bad of its type. Key W Kools on the opposite side of the 192 is a mid price steakhouse which is surprisingly good.

There are hundreds of others, mostly chains, including all the usual suspects (McDonald's, Burger King, KFC, Pizza Hut) and many others which won't be so familiar if you've never been to the US (Taco Bell, IHOP, Perkins, Bob Evans, Ponderosa, Denny's, Chick-Fil-A, Wendy's). Further east on the 192 are some offerings which are not so much in the fast-food genre, but moderately priced (think TGI Friday's) - Darryl's, Uno Pizzaria, plus a couple of more upscale places - Charley's Steakhouse, Kobe Japanese Steakhouse.

At Indian Creek, you'll be very close to Animal Kingdom Lodge, so the restaurants there (Jiko and Boma) are as easy to get to as many of the offsite ones. In addition, we often eat at Old Hickory Steakhouse at Gaylord Palms and David's Club at Omni Championsgate. Both are easily accessible from the FG area.

 

[Madjock]

As we were on the Dinning Plan we didn't eat offsite last visit but it looks like Debs has given you plenty of choices

For onsite restaurants we had a lovely meal at both Jiko and California Grill. At the parks the nicest meal we had was at Le Chef de France in Epcot and the best character meal we had was at 1900 Park Fare. Also, again I would recommend Wolf Gang Puck if you are in DTD.

Don't forget to stop by guest services at your first park and pick up a "it's our first time" badge, we saw lots of people with these at Xmas time.

Have a great trip.

 

[kitcat1]

Debbie,

WOW, thanks for all that info, it gives us some great options. I will get them all in my book. My stomach was rumbling just thinking about all that food and all the variety.

I will also check out those badges, they sound like fun. If anyone else can think of anything else then please add more info, the more the better.

Thanks everyone, your time on posting is really appreciated.

Cath

 

[paulh]

if you get board of the meat try chick-fil-a,Makes a refressing change from burgers
Paulh

 

[julieannbabe]

enjoy ya trip.x

 

[lorapinky]

Hi,

I hope you have a great trip, please do let us know all about it when you get back

 

[fuse04]

Yes the restaurents onsite are more expensive but the theming is great so try to have a few meals there if you can. I love the Crystal palace in MK, its a character buffet with Pooh bear and friends. The food is lovely, definately worth going to.

Have CP booked for breakfast on 4th May my birthday

 

[CHEK]

Hi Cath

We travel out in 9 weeks so getting that excited feeling like you. Sounds like you've got lots of things planned, are you staying on or off site?

Our favourite resturant for steaks is Outback Steakhouse next to Premium Outlet Shopping Mall.

Have a great trip.

Hey we're neighbours!!, we're from Crewe, we'll be there in 15wks

 

[carolfoy]

Wow! Cath, only 8 weeks, aren't you in for a treat - the first time is always the greatest.
My favourite on-sites are - Le Cellier in Canada Epcot for steak, Alfredos in Italy Epcot for Italian, Columbia harbour house or Peco Bills, in the Magic kingdom for counter service that isn't just chicken or burger and fries, and Hollywood and vine for a good all round buffet in MGM

p.s. check out the dining thread for some great piccies of food