Help me decide on Boardwalk ADRs

[sdd1841]

ok - so I think I have decided to dinner at The Boardwalk area! We are not doing parks this trip but thought we could at least see the fireworks from Epcot this way - We are a group of 5 ... 3 adults and my 2 boys - ages 12 and 13. Which would you choose:

Flying Fish
Cape May buffet
The Yachtsman
The Captains Grill


Thanks for your input!!!

 

[skramer100]

Flying Fish for me.

 

[sdd1841]

Flying Fish for me.

Do you think a 6pm ADR at Flying Fish would be too early? We want to try and catch the Epcot and DHS fireworks at 9pm.

 

[skramer100]

Do you think a 6pm ADR at Flying Fish would be too early? We want to try and catch the Epcot and DHS fireworks at 9pm.

I would shoot a little later. Fireworks are 9 at Epcot and I think 9:30 at HS. You start at 6 you out by 7:30.

 

[PaintsWindColors]

My vote is Yachtsman but we're steak people

 

[kastoney]

Yachtsman and Flying Fish are both great options. Just depends on if you are in a seafood or steak mood. And if you finish either early you could always head to Crews Cup or Abracadabar for a drink while you wait for the fireworks

 

[Lisa F]

I think Epcot is one of the worst places to view fireworks outside of the resort. I'd be looking at a monorail dinner and fireworks from the beach or something. I love the boardwalk but IMO Illuminations are not much to see outside of the park without the rest of the effects and music.

 

[Hopefully]

I was also going to say that you really can not justify Illuminations outside of Epcot. It is way more than the few high fireworks that you can see. Illuminations is a show with music, fire, lasers, lights and just some fireworks. I think it is not enjoyed outside of World Showcase. I second @Lisa F I would choose a monorail resort and watch the MK fireworks after dinner.
That said, If you are set on that plan I would choose Yachtsman Steakhouse for a nice meal. I would strive for a 7:15 ADR

 

[rwdavis2]

Agreed with others. You won't see much of Illuminations from the boardwalk.

 

[Marthasor]

I agree with the others, the fireworks view from the EP resorts isn't great, but there is some great evening entertainment there, so you can certainly make an evening of it. Of those choices, I would probably pick Yachtsman or Capt. Grill (if you want to save some money). Flying Fish was pretty disappointing to us. Have you considered Trattoria al Forno? It's very good and it would be fun to start at AbracadaBAR for a drink (they have fun "magical" drinks for kids), eat at Trattoria, then enjoy the entertainment on the Boardwalk. If you aren't on the dining plan, I would also look at the menu at bluezoo (at the Dolphin). It's the best restaurant in the EP area IMHO.

If you REALLY want to see fireworks outside a park, though, I would go to Cali Grill. You can see the DHS, EP AND MK fireworks from there. We did a monorail crawl in Dec. - started at Trader Sam's at 4 pm to see the antics (they also have great drinks for kids!) and then had dinner at Cali Grill. It was really fun!

 

[rwdavis2]

I agree with the others, the fireworks view from the EP resorts isn't great, but there is some great evening entertainment there, so you can certainly make an evening of it. Of those choices, I would probably pick Yachtsman or Capt. Grill (if you want to save some money). Flying Fish was pretty disappointing to us. Have you considered Trattoria al Forno? It's very good and it would be fun to start at AbracadaBAR for a drink (they have fun "magical" drinks for kids), eat at Trattoria, then enjoy the entertainment on the Boardwalk. If you aren't on the dining plan, I would also look at the menu at bluezoo (at the Dolphin). It's the best restaurant in the EP area IMHO.

If you REALLY want to see fireworks outside a park, though, I would go to Cali Grill. You can see the DHS, EP AND MK fireworks from there. We did a monorail crawl in Dec. - started at Trader Sam's at 4 pm to see the antics (they also have great drinks for kids!) and then had dinner at Cali Grill. It was really fun!

Although we liked Flying Fish last November we would probably pass on eating there again. Good but not great which made it overpriced even by Disney standards. The brewpub was fine for that type of food and we would probably try Trattoria al Forno if we wanted to eat somewhere on the boardwalk.

 

[DVC_Dad_Canada]

For kids that age I wouldn't count out ESPN or Beaches and Cream either. They have good food at a cheaper prices than most in that area.

 

[Dano1182]

Depending on the boys eating tastes ESPN may be a better choice. We have eaten in captain table and the Kids enjoyed it more than flying fish

 

[jsbowl16]

We usually stay at The Boardwalk and I would say pick Flying Fish from your list. If I was going for something outside of your list I would say Shula's. We usually eat at Flying Fish and Shula's on each trip but Shula's is not on the DDP so if you need that then I would say Flying Fish. Shula's is at the Swan and Dolphin which is just a five minute walk from The Boardwalk.

 

[Crystal824]

I agree you can't see much of Illuminations from the BW area. If you want to see fireworks, eat somewhere on the monorail. If you are set on going to BW area, I would chose Yachtsman Steakhouse. I haven't been to FF since they redid it. It was good, but I agree way overpriced before the renovations. CG is ok, cheaper, but just ok. I haven't been to Cape May so....

 

[sdd1841]

I agree with the others, the fireworks view from the EP resorts isn't great, but there is some great evening entertainment there, so you can certainly make an evening of it. Of those choices, I would probably pick Yachtsman or Capt. Grill (if you want to save some money). Flying Fish was pretty disappointing to us. Have you considered Trattoria al Forno? It's very good and it would be fun to start at AbracadaBAR for a drink (they have fun "magical" drinks for kids), eat at Trattoria, then enjoy the entertainment on the Boardwalk. If you aren't on the dining plan, I would also look at the menu at bluezoo (at the Dolphin). It's the best restaurant in the EP area IMHO.

If you REALLY want to see fireworks outside a park, though, I would go to Cali Grill. You can see the DHS, EP AND MK fireworks from there. We did a monorail crawl in Dec. - started at Trader Sam's at 4 pm to see the antics (they also have great drinks for kids!) and then had dinner at Cali Grill. It was really fun!

So I really do like this idea but we are trying to late for Cali Grill - I have not been able to find any ADRs. Of the monorail/fireworks options...what else should I look into...I think Ohana might be too hectic/crowded for my husband but could be talked into it.

 

[DVC_Dad_Canada]

what else should I look into...I think Ohana might be too hectic/crowded for my husband but could be talked into it.

Kona cafe

 

[sdd1841]

Kona cafe

Just checked them - love the menu but they only have 8:20pm open. However - i did find:
Grand Floridan cafe at 7:30
Narcoosee at 6:50

and I guess we could try the aloha dinner show at 8:15 - any thoughts on the these options?? I am putting way to much thought into this but its our only Disney experience of the trip