help me choose

[kimmer]

spirit of aloha or fantasmic dinner package?

it's for our night out sans kids

 

[Belleandtinker]

Since I wouldn't waste time on fantasmic, I would suggest the Luau. We have seen both shows and like the Luau - 100 times better than fantasmic. The Luau is hokey, but cute.

Next you'll get a ton of people who love fantasmic.

Good luck

 

[OhThePain]

Is neither an option?

SoA is not very good, IMO. The food is ok, but the show is pretty boring. It's not worth the time or money, especially if it is a free night without the kids.

As far as the F! dinner package, there aren't really any good restaurants associated with it.

If you are planning a night sans kids, why not treat yourselves to a signature meal? It will cost you about the same (maybe a couple of dollars more, but not much) for a much better quality meal in a much nicer (and quieter) setting (some of our favorites are Shula's, FF, Jiko and AP). Pamper yourselves a little bit, IMO.

 

[kimmer]

yes, lol, neither is an option. i was looking at those because i like the entertainment built in rather than just dinner. if we pick a signature type restaurant are there any suggestions for some entertainment afterwards?

 

[prattpak]

yes, lol, neither is an option. i was looking at those because i like the entertainment built in rather than just dinner. if we pick a signature type restaurant are there any suggestions for some entertainment afterwards?

Kimmer Im with OHthepain on this one. We went without the kids a couple of years ago and got to experience those restraunts that we wouldnt be able to if we had the kiddos.
Narcosese was one of the best we tried. We got our ressie for when wishes was going and got a window seat. The play the sound for wishes in the restraunt and dim the lights. It was very special.
We did the Fantasmic dinner package in december with dinner at Mama Melrose and the dinner part was kind of "meh". But I love the Fantasmic part as always.
SoA is extremely cheesy and a little boring.
Best of luck friend!!

 

[OhThePain]

yes, lol, neither is an option. i was looking at those because i like the entertainment built in rather than just dinner. if we pick a signature type restaurant are there any suggestions for some entertainment afterwards?

If you are music lovers, Jellyrolls on the Boardwalk is a great place to unwind, have a few drinks, and sing along (after enough drinks it becomes sing along as loud as you can). It's a deuling piano bar and they play anything from Billy Joel to the Beastie Boys (and everything inbetween). Also, a nice long walk on the Boardwalk after your meal is nice. Shula's, bluezoo, Flying Fish and YS are all a short distance from the Boardwalk (Flying Fish is on the Boardwalk itself). We always try to fit JR's into our trip at least once, sometimes more. If you have good timing you can also see some of the performers out on the Boardwalk, most of which are very entertaining.

Most if not all the deluxe resorts have some sort of lounge you can visit after your meal to just relax in for a while.

Something my girlfriend and I like to do is when MK "closes", to find a nice place to sit and wait for the rush of people to leave the park. Then we take a nice walk around MSUSA without anyone really there. It's a pretty nice way to end the day, IMO.

 

[Silver Queen]

I agree with the "Neither" option. Both the luau and Fantasmic! will be crowded with mediocre food and not romantic. I'd agree with the posters who are suggesting a signature restaurant. We stayed at BWV last week and had ate at Il Mulino, Flying Fish, and Shula's. Yachtman's Steakhouse is also nearby. One night we went to Jellyrolls after dinner and on another night we strolled the Boardwalk and enjoyed the entertainers. Jiko and the signatures at the Grand Flo are also nice options.

 

[kimmer]

thanks for the suggestions everyone! what's within walking distance of the swan (where shula's is)?

also, if we opt for jiko, can you walk around animal kingdom? and if so, is there much to see when you just "walk around"?

 

[MagicalMawMaw]

I've a suggestion most likely nobody else will come up with...lol! But this really was one of our most enjoyed afternoons during our Dec. trip.

Within walking distance is the Yachtsmann's steakhouse & it is so so good. This was our favorite meal of our trip.

Also, within walking distance is putt-putt. This was one of the most enjoyable things my husband & I did our last trip. Was relaxing as very few people were there & we had a blast.

Paired together these would be a fun evening.

 

[OhThePain]

thanks for the suggestions everyone! what's within walking distance of the swan (where shula's is)?

also, if we opt for jiko, can you walk around animal kingdom? and if so, is there much to see when you just "walk around"?

Within walking distance from Shula's is the Boardwalk, YC/BC, Fantasia mini golf (MawMaw's pre-dinner round of mini golf is a great idea to go along with dinner and after dinner drinks. It makes for a great dinner-date night that I am sure is long over-due) and EPCOT.

If you opt for Jiko you can walk around the Animal Kingdom Lodge, not AK (big difference). AKL has a variety of activities going on and is a beautiful resort to visit. We are staying there for the first time on our next trip after walking around a bit after our Jiko dinner this past May.

No matter what signature you choose, you really can't go wrong.

 

[kimmer]

i've cancelled soa, and booked shula's instead. dh loves steak and football so it'll be perfect! is it new? i don't recall hearing about previous years?

how long a walk to the boardwalk? we'd likely head there afterwards. i'm sure it's pretty at night. we went there last year and it was dead so i was kinda disappointed after hearing about all the "street performers". it was a sunday evening though, maybe that's why? would a thursday night be more lively?

also, do you need a reservation for jellyrolls? if we wanted to stop in for drinks?

 

[kimmer]

where's the mini-putt in relation to shula's and the boardwalk?

 

[OhThePain]

i've cancelled soa, and booked shula's instead. dh loves steak and football so it'll be perfect! is it new? i don't recall hearing about previous years?

how long a walk to the boardwalk? we'd likely head there afterwards. i'm sure it's pretty at night. we went there last year and it was dead so i was kinda disappointed after hearing about all the "street performers". it was a sunday evening though, maybe that's why? would a thursday night be more lively?

also, do you need a reservation for jellyrolls? if we wanted to stop in for drinks?

where's the mini-putt in relation to shula's and the boardwalk?

The mini golf is accross the street from the Dolphin.

From Shula's to the Boardwalk is maybe 5 minutes if you walk slow (which you might after your meal). You don't need reservations for Jellyrolls, but there is a $10 cover charge to get in. If you want to sit at a table at JR's, you need to be there no later than 9. Usually by 9 the tables are just about gone (from my experience).

 

[ReBoot]

where's the mini-putt in relation to shula's and the boardwalk?

That's also one of my first thoughts when I get to Disney - Where's the mini-golf!?! I love it but it drives my family nuts

but Shula's is definately a better choice as opposed to the first 2 if you guys will be without kids, much more relaxing.

 

[Dizny Dad]

 

[kimmer]

oh that's perfect! shula's is booked for 8 and we'll do a round of mini-putt before to burn a few calories to make room for a great steak dinner. So happy with these changes. I think we'll really enjoy this meal more than we would have the soa.

thanks guys