Help Plan an Anniversary Dinner!!

[WeLoveEeyore]

We are scheduled for Disney for March 9-16, 2003. My husband, myself and our two boys (10 and 7). Our anniversary falls during our vacation (not planned...just planned the vaca. around the kids' school schedule) but since we are going to be in Disney for it, we figured we'd make "extra special " reservations for that night. Seeing as we haven't been back to Disney since our honeymoon (how ironic) we are clueless on dining choices, etc. We were thinking of dinner at Portabellas and sundaes at Ghiradelli's but I got some feedback from another site that said bad choice and to try California Grille or the Cindy's Castle as these were much nicer. I really need some suggestions since we are now in the window to make the PS's. As for our children, they are well-behaved and can handle "nice" restaurants but on the other hand I don't want it to be so "nice" that there it is too "fancy". Suggestions?

 

[Epcotgal8]

First of all congratulations on your upcoming anniversary. And to be in WDW to celebrate it! This is a fun question but also one you probably will get 20 different answers on. Have you looked at the menus for the Disney restaurants yet? On the front page here at DIS there is a dining menu database. If there's a restaurant you don't find you may find it at wdwig.com. For me looking at the menus has always been a great help. Have you definitely narrowed it down to California Grill or Cinderella's Castle? Are you going to be using Disney transportation to get to your anniversary dinner? Sorry for so many questions but there are different things to consider to make the best suggestion. There are SO many great places to dine at WDW! And with the exception of Victoria & Albert's there isn't a restaurant at WDW that you will feel uncomfortable taking your boys. The following are just MY opinions and I know that some will disagree so don't throw tomatoes at me anyone ;-) Dining in the castle is always nice. If you get a table by the window at fireworks time it's even nicer but there are no guarantees since *everybody* wants a table by the window. The food is fine but it probably wouldn't be my first choice. We're not big drinkers at all but on our anniversary we like to enjoy a glass of wine with dinner and there is no alcohol served at MK restaurants. That's just us though. California Grill - It's hard to beat the Ca. Grill for the view. Sunset is gorgeous from there and at the time of fireworks they pipe in the music and it is a special experience. We're not into some of the items on the menu like the sushi and California rolls that they're known for but we definitely enjoyed the pork tenderloin and the beef filet and their desserts are very good. One note though. This place (at least when we were there) is not too quiet. The atmosphere was still romantic but not "quiet-romantic". I think the open kitchen contributes to this and there was lots of conversation going on but we were fine with it because even though our kids are well behaved when we dine out it made us feel comfortable that it wasn't so quiet you could hear a pin drop and they didn't feel like they couldn't talk. They weren't crazy about the kids' pizza though since it was a flatbread type pizza so if your kids are like mine and think pizza should be like what they get from a chain then order something else from the menu. Getting too long here but look at the menus and let us know what you narrow it down to. There are also great places in Epcot and in the resorts to try but a lot depends on personal taste.

 

[WeLoveEeyore]

Yes, we will be using Disney transportation to get to our dinner. We don't drink so in MK or not won't matter. California Grille sounded nice the way you described the view so I think I'll check out their menu. We are definitely not narrowed down to just Cal. Grille and Cindy's, etc., those were just suggestions given us. But like I said before, we have only been to Disney 11 years ago on our honeymoon (to think were there as 21 year old newlyweds and now 32 year olds with a 10 and 7 year old.... definitely different trip!!). Anyway, we want a great place, don't care which park/resort, etc. If you have any more suggestions based on this info. let me know. Thanks!!

 

[simonmunro]

Our choices are always:

1. Palio at the Swan

2. Yachtsman Steakhouse

 

[Uncleromulus]

My choices would be:

California Grill
Artist Point
Narcoosee's
Flying Fish

I'd rule out the Castle, as their non-alcohol policy also rules out a totally enjoyable meal.

 

[josierac]

I like Palio's.

Even though I like Flying Fish and California Grill also I think Palio's is quieter and more romantic then these are 2.

 

[BigTigg'r]

Congratulations on your anniversary!!!

Since I do not drink, not having alcohol does not interfere with my enjoyment of a meal so I really liked Cinderellas Castle. The food was great and in good quantities when we went.

Also I would reccommend looking into dinner at the Rose and Crown in the English Pavillion at EpcotWS. We did an anniversary dinner on the patio at a later seating. They were very accomodating when they found out it was an anniversary and they seated us right next to the water. Having Illuminations at our tableside made the evening unforgettable!! Check out their menu!!

Good luck!!

 

[big jack 2002]

For something fun, you can have a "re-hitching ceremony" at the Garden Grill in Epcot. From what I understand, the CM takes you through your vows with all of the gang there ..Chip, Dale, Mickey, etc., they bring you a cake, and you have to kiss while everyone counts to 100 by tens. The best part is that it is free.