HELP! Need a unique/memorable dining experience for our anniversary dinner!

[commasplice]

Hi everyone! Longtime lurker, first-time poster here looking for some guidance.

My wife and I are celebrating our third anniversary with a trip to Disney in early June. We're so excited. We've each been separately but this will be our first Disney trip together!

We're doing the quick-service dining plan, so most of our meals will be counter service. But I'd like to surprise her with one memorable, seated dining experience.

Here are the facts:

• We're staying at BoardWalk Inn
• I'd like it to be near BWI, inside MK, inside EP, or inside HS
• It should offer something MORE THAN simply sitting down and eating
• Some that I'm considering are Flying Fish Chef's Tasting and Dine with an Imagineer -- but I'm open to any ideas
• Anything that offers a unique, memorable experience AND great food will be considered
• It must be at least somewhat romantic!

Any ideas? Thanks!

 

[rndmr2]

If price isn't an issue, Victoria and Albert's is supposed to be a great experience. My BIL and SIL went there on their HM and again for their 5th anniversary trip and they really love it there.

 

[Jessica527]

Depending on Budget, I would go with either of the options:

1. No Budget - Victoria and Alberts
2. Medium Budget - Dine with an Imagineer
3. Lower cost - Dinner then Tomorrowland Wishes Dessert Party!

 

[commasplice]

If price isn't an issue, Victoria and Albert's is supposed to be a great experience.

Depending on Budget, I would go with either of the options:

1. No Budget - Victoria and Alberts...

Sorry for being a newbie, but what is the "experience" part of Victoria and Albert's? I know the food is supposed to be amazing, but what else does it offer?

 

[skunk]

As you are staying at BWI, I would suggest one of the Swan/Dolphin restaurants, as it will be more of an adult experience, and only a five minute walk. Bluezoo and Il Mulino are our favorite signature restaurants(have not been to Shula's yet). A couple years ago, we did the Chef's Tasting at the Bluezoo for our anniversary. It is a five course tasting, and you can add wine pairing as well. Very nice!! Il Mulino has my DW's favorite shrimp dish, and has excellent service. After dinner you can walk over to Jellyrolls.

We like the food and service at Flying Fish, but expect more children and a noisier atmosphere. Victoria and Albert's is in a class all by itself.

Have fun!!

 

[commasplice]

As you are staying at BWI, I would suggest one of the Swan/Dolphin restaurants, as it will be more of an adult experience, and only a five minute walk. Bluezoo and Il Mulino are our favorite signature restaurants(have not been to Shula's yet). A couple years ago, we did the Chef's Tasting at the Bluezoo for our anniversary. It is a five course tasting, and you can add wine pairing as well. Very nice!! Il Mulino has my DW's favorite shrimp dish, and has excellent service. After dinner you can walk over to Jellyrolls.

We like the food and service at Flying Fish, but expect more children and a noisier atmosphere. Victoria and Albert's is in a class all by itself.

Have fun!!

Good idea! I'll check into those at Swan and Dolphin. It seems like we'll be in a really cool location. And we DEFINITELY plan to do Jellyrolls one night!

 

[Pakey]

If you like fish (which I'm assuming you do since you were planning on Flying Fish) bluezoo at the Dolphin is so much better. The atmosphere is very quiet, the restaurant is beautiful, the food is fantastic and we have always had very good service. While it's not on the level of V&A for food quality, it can stand on its own. It's also my favorite lounge at WDW; the mixologists are good and the lounge is gorgeous.

Our personal favorite in that area for romantic dining is Il Mulino at the Swan. I like the food better at bluezoo but the atmosphere is "warmer" at Il Mulino.

Shulas would be the third option but I'm not a huge steak eater. It's great if you like steak but the atmosphere, while adult, isn't what I would consider romantic.

 

[scubamouse]

I stayed at Dophin for a conference last year. I definitely recommend Blue Zoo. I've been to Il Mulino's in NYC many times and it's my favorite Italian. I haven't been in Orlando but if it's like NYC, it's a slice of heaven.

I was able to easily walk from Dolphin/Swan to BWI as well as BC/YC. It's a lovely walk.

 

[commasplice]

These all seem like good choices.

But do any of them offer that little "something extra" in addition to food?

Our most memorable meals in the past have been when we watched the chef prepare something or had a show during the meal. Anything like that at the places you mentioned?

That's why I was leaning toward Flying Fish. Dinner and a little something unique.

 

[Pakey]

No, these restaurants are about quality food and service, no shows.

 

[kathie859]

For something truly special, look into the Chef's table at The Flying Fish! The meal comes with a picture with the chef, a menu and wine pairings for each course. Service is marvelous. The chef comes out to discuss each course, the sommelier explains each wine. It's truly a memorable experience.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

There are 46 restaurants in the entire United States rated by AAA with Five Diamonds. Victoria and Albert's is one of them.

The experience is the combination of the food and decor and service and ambiance. And for a Five Diamond restaurant, it is probably one of the lowest cost ones.

For more information, check out here or look for the "Everything Victoria and Albert's" thread in this Forum.

 

[commasplice]

There are 46 restaurants in the entire United States rated by AAA with Five Diamonds. Victoria and Albert's is one of them.

The experience is the combination of the food and decor and service and ambiance. And for a Five Diamond restaurant, it is probably one of the lowest cost ones.

Thanks for your comment. Not to diminish V&A's, which I can imagine is amazing, but we have great restaurants in Dallas with great service, food, decor, etc. Sure, not V&A's quality, but still pretty good.

What we don't have in Dallas is Disney. So something that combines the magic of Disney with great food would be amazing!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Just for information, the only Five Diamond restaurant in the entire state of Texas is The French Room in the Adolphus.

And one thing to consider is that V&A does not allow any Guests under ten years of age, so it will be quiet and refined with no children being loud or running around.

 

[minnie mum]

What you are describing in your last post is going to be a little hard to find. Not going to get the magic of Disney at Bluezoo, Il Mulino, since they are not in a Disney resort. If V&As won't do it for you, I don't know what would.

If you want a Disney show and food then why not just go for Hoop de Doo?

 

[commasplice]

V&A's is sounding better and better!

Doesn't have to be a show. Just a unique dining experience. Seems like V&A's will qualify. Should I budget for about $300?

 

[iloveeeyore]

I'm not too sure exactly what you're looking for by "a little something extra" but perhaps you would like a view of fireworks? Both Rose & Crown (UK) and La Hacienda de San Angel (Mexico) have limited seating with a view or partial view of the Epcot fireworks display, IllumiNations. You can request a seat with a view, but it is not guaranteed.

There are some restaurants in resorts over on the monorail line that have views or partial views of the MK fireworks. California Grill, Narcoossees and 'Ohana have this, and to a more limited extent, Citricos. Of these, Citricos gets the best rating for food from most foodies with Cali Grill probably second. CG has an amazing view of fireworks and also an open kitchen and a wine room, so lots of different options for seating. 'Ohana also has a ukelele player and lots of loud kids games like coconut races and the limbo, if you're into those things. The Tambu lounge, near 'Ohana, has an amazing tropical drink menu, too. These are not near the Boardwalk.

In MK, Cinderella's Royal Table has the most atmosphere, being inside the castle and "entertainment" in the form of princesses, a wand ceremony. The food is very mediocre for the price, but you're paying for the venue. We love HDDR at fort wilderness, but there's nothing romantic about it. Fried chicken and ribs, but a fun dinner show.

 

[commasplice]

I'm not too sure exactly what you're looking for by "a little something extra"

Neither am I! Ha! But these are all good ideas that I'll look into.

The people here are quite helpful!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

If you do not order any alcoholic beverages the total for two people, including tax and 20% gratuity would come to $316.25. And if you have not yet done so, in one of my prior posts in this thread I posted a link to V&A's website which include a sample menu and other information.

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

You could look into booking a private dinner at the Grand Floridian. I've read posts about folks who have done this and IRRC, you can get a spot where you can see Wishes.