Help Refine my Dining?

[Bran Fox]

Helllloooo Disboard Foodies,

Heading to Disney for our 20th Anniversary for an adults only trip. We’re splurging, for sure, and want the theme of the weekend to be “Special”. I’m a little stuck on what we’re eating, so would love some suggestions.
For background, we’re adventurous eaters, BUT I hate scaled fish (will eat shellfish) even though my husband loves it. We’re staying Grand Floridian Club Level and I like the idea of snacking there when we can.
Here’s what we’ve got so far:

Day 1: Arrive around 11am, check in GF, snack in CL head to MK or lunch somewhere?

LUNCH: ??

DINNER: Thinking maybe monorail crawl with snacky dinner but would change this.

Day 2: MK DAY
Early start at MK with included breakfast AND Lunch. (We have both Early Morning Magic and Keys to the Kingdom this day.)
DINNER: Have California Grill reserved at 7:00pm but this is certainly flexible.

Day 3: EPCOT DAY
Breakfast: Concierge Lounge

Lunch: we have 9 Dragons reserved for 2 reasons: 1. Neither of us has ever, in alllll these years, set foot in EPCOT China, and 2. Flower and Garden concert package for Jon Secada. That said, we’d be open to other restaurants in that package deal

Dinner: Le Cellier - husband has always wanted to go there. It’s non-negotiable.

Dessert: Frozen Party

Day 4 : RESORT DAY/Anniversary We’re at GF this whole day. We have a cabana for a half day.

BREAKFAST: Thinking just CL, but open to anything at GF itself that is spectacular or anything awesome that’s easy to get to from GF

LUNCH: Planning a light lunch poolside, because;

DINNER: Victoria and Albert’s, non-negotiable.

Day 5 ANIMAL KINGDOM
Breakfast: Was thinking GF CL, but open to really anything
Lunch: IN PARK? Not sure where to eat

Thanks in advance for all the help.

 

[DWillowBay]

I'd suggest you consider the Jungle Navigation Skipper's Canteen (in MK across from the Tree House). "Adventurous", but delicious food. Great CMs and management. Unique atmosphere. Really a hidden gem, so don't tell anyone. On your AK day, I would suggest Yak and Yeti or Tiffins. I prefer Y & Y, but that's just a personal preference. For a QS in AK, I'd suggest Satuuli Canteen. (Pandora). Of course, everyone will have their own opinions, these are just mine. I hope you have a great trip.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Helllloooo Disboard Foodies,

Heading to Disney for our 20th Anniversary for an adults only trip. We’re splurging, for sure, and want the theme of the weekend to be “Special”. I’m a little stuck on what we’re eating, so would love some suggestions.
For background, we’re adventurous eaters, BUT I hate scaled fish (will eat shellfish) even though my husband loves it. We’re staying Grand Floridian Club Level and I like the idea of snacking there when we can.
Here’s what we’ve got so far:

Day 1: Arrive around 11am, check in GF, snack in CL head to MK or lunch somewhere?

LUNCH: ??

DINNER: Thinking maybe monorail crawl with snacky dinner but would change this.

Day 2: MK DAY
Early start at MK with included breakfast AND Lunch.
DINNER: Have California Grill reserved at 7:00pm but this is certainly flexible.

Day 3: EPCOT DAY
Breakfast: Concierge Lounge

Lunch: we have 9 Dragons reserved for 2 reasons: 1. Neither of us has ever, in alllll these years, set foot in EPCOT China, and 2. Flower and Garden concert package for Jon Secada. That said, we’d be open to other restaurants in that package deal

Dinner: Le Cellier - husband has always wanted to go there. It’s non-negotiable.

Dessert: Frozen Party

Day 4 : RESORT DAY/Anniversary We’re at GF this whole day. We have a cabana for a half day.

BREAKFAST: Thinking just CL, but open to anything at GF itself that is spectacular or anything awesome that’s easy to get to from GF

LUNCH: Planning a light lunch poolside, because;

DINNER: Victoria and Albert’s, non-negotiable.

Day 5 ANIMAL KINGDOM
Breakfast: Was thinking GF CL, but open to really anything
Lunch: IN PARK? Not sure where to eat

Thanks in advance for all the help.

Sounds like a great trip! You are paying a big upcharge to stay GF CL, so, I would definitely try to take advantage of the lounge as much as you can.

Day 1: The lounge typically opens for midday snacks at 11:30 am, so I would check it out to see if there is enough there for you to make a lunch. If not, I would consider simply going to Gasparilla's QS at GF. They have some nice choices and, if it's a nice day, you can sit outside by the marina and enjoy the beautiful view. It sounds like you are heading to MK from there? If so, I, personally, would have your lunch prior to going so you can keep it fairly relaxed and you are ready to just enjoy the park when you get there. I find eating QS in MK to be a little chaotic and I, personally, wouldn't make a MK lunch ADR if you are arriving at 11 am. I like the monorail crawl, snacky dinner idea. Perhaps start in the GF CL lounge, take the monorail to CR and sit in the bar/lounge and the Wave and end at Trader Sam's at Poly. The lounges at the resorts have quite substantial food offerings (full menu, of course, at the Wave).

Day 2: I'm a little confused by your term "included" breakfast and lunch - are you referring to the GF CL? If so, I would just do breakfast there and plan to have something to eat at MK. Going back to GF from MK for lunch is going to eat into your park time. If you are looking for something fairly quick in MK, consider Columbia Harbour House. I would suggest mobile ordering to make the food pick-up process faster and easier and looking for a table on the second floor. Cali Grill is great. View is better than the food, IMHO, but a solid, special and lovely pick for dinner.

Day 3: Honestly, I haven't stepped foot in Nine Dragons for years. I've eaten there several times in the past and I just wasn't impressed. That being said, if you want to try it, go for it! It's certainly one of the more affordable of the dining packages for the concert series. The only other one I would consider is Spice Road Table. We have consistently good meals there and the atmosphere is lovely - both the indoor and the outdoor seating areas are very nice and we find the CM's there to be incredibly friendly. It's not a big cost increase over the Nine Dragons lunch if you want to consider it. Le Cellier has great filets!

Day 4: Again, you are paying a lot for CL, so I would take advantage of the breakfast. If you are getting a little tired of the offerings there at this point, consider eating at GF Cafe' right in your resort - atmosphere is lovely and food is excellent. The Wave at CR also has a great breakfast and is easy for you to get to. Poolside lunch is awesome. V&A - great!!

Day 5: GF CL or perhaps GF Cafe here. In park, take a look at the menus for Tiffins and Yak and Yeti. You can also order off of the Tiffins menu at Nomad Lounge which is, IMHO, one of the best lounges in WDW - delicious drinks and they fresh squeeze their own juices. If you decide on Y&Y, consider getting a Landry's Select Card. It's $25, but that goes toward your bill and the card gives you priority seating whenever you show up at the restaurant and you don't need an ADR.

 

[Spudsie]

You're gonna have such a fantastic time!! Congrats on the 20th!

Mr. Spuds and I fell in love with Jiko 2.5 years ago. We were staying at AKL and ate there TWICE during our visit. Mmmmmm....such good food! If you are up for some different flavors, I would HIGHLY recommend it for your first night in town. Ubering/Lyfting there is probably the quickest way to get to the AKL, but if that's an option for you, it's amazing. They will likely have a scale fish entree option, but they also have plenty of meat and shellfish options as well.

The flavors were sublime. And the wine list was fascinating!

 

[Bran Fox]

Sounds like a great trip! You are paying a big upcharge to stay GF CL, so, I would definitely try to take advantage of the lounge as much as you can.



Day 2: I'm a little confused by your term "included" breakfast and lunch - are you referring to the GF CL

I clarified in my original post, but we have both Early Morning Magic (with breakfast) and Keys to the Kingdom (with lunch) that day.

Your other suggestions are awesome. Going to look at Spice Road and Yak and Yeti now.

I agree with the premium on the CL and that’s why I was thinking we’d mostly eat breakfasts and snacks there. I just don’t want to overlook some really awesome breakfast option because we booked CL.

 

[SamFaniam]

Something special that you might want to think about is the Monorail Dining experience - https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/contemporary-resort/highway-in-the-sky-dine-around/

 

[Bran Fox]

Something special that you might want to think about is the Monorail Dining

I am dying to do it, but not offered during our dates! We will have to re-create on our own.

 

[Bran Fox]

You're gonna have such a fantastic time!! Congrats on the 20th!

Mr. Spuds and I fell in love with Jiko 2.5 years ago. We were staying at AKL and ate there TWICE during our visit. Mmmmmm....such good food! If you are up for some different flavors, I would HIGHLY recommend it for your first night in town. Ubering/Lyfting there is probably the quickest way to get to the AKL, but if that's an option for you, it's amazing. They will likely have a scale fish entree option, but they also have plenty of meat and shellfish options as well.

The flavors were sublime. And the wine list was fascinating!

Ok, I’m reading all I can about Jiko vs Cali as a choice. Husband seems to lean towards Jiko. I wonder about Jiko + Tiffins + Spice Road being too much adventure not enough traditional....hmmmmm. Life’s full of tough choices, innit?

 

[Corey Hopkins]

For your Animal Kingdom day, if you want something a little different you could always try the Tusker House (in park). It’s a character buffet so it would certainly be different from the other experiences you have lined up. The food is great and who doesn’t like to meet some characters - that is special on it’s own.

If you’re looking to go out of the park, I’d suggest Jiko, too. Have a great trip!

 

[Dean Marino]

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[Bran Fox]

You have some VERY GOOD Choices . I have two suggestions?

1) BEST SHELLFISH at WDW. Not where you would expect it to be . Hit Shula's at the Dolphin for a really GREAT Lobster, sized for a Line Backer .
2) I caught this... "Dinner: Le Cellier - husband has always wanted to go there. It’s non-negotiable." but I'm going to try to talk you out of it. LC, many years ago, WAS very good. Go for the experience if that's the goal.... but the BEST Steak will be found at Shula's. Grab the boat at the EPCOT IG.

We have no financial ties to Shula's .... just discovered over 15 years, 2 trips per year, where the great stuff is . Shula's does not take DDP - TIW accepted. Sandy & I are already booked, TWICE, for our early May 2019 vacation .

While it’s a little bit suspect that you’re a Marino and pitching Shula’s, I will definitely take this advice. We have a Shula’s and Shula burger right near our house and both are excellent, and places we frequent.

I will fess to being more about the actual experience than the food. We’re from Miami and love to try all our restaurants nearby. We’re fortunate to have dined on some steaks that are probably unbeatable, but we love having a great meal. I wonder if we should opt for Shula’s over Jiko or Cali in this case. But boat from IG is doable. We just have to be back in time for Frozen dessert party that night.

 

[3gr8boys]

FWIW we loved Nine Dragons for lunch last April. The restaurant wasn't busy, so it felt relaxing and we were able to enjoy the decor. Service was attentive and we all enjoyed our food. We went back for dinner a few days later....partially to keep DS15 happy and partially so I could have spinach nooodles and pickles again

 

[Spudsie]

Ok, I’m reading all I can about Jiko vs Cali as a choice. Husband seems to lean towards Jiko. I wonder about Jiko + Tiffins + Spice Road being too much adventure not enough traditional....hmmmmm. Life’s full of tough choices, innit?

Having dined at Jiko and Cali multiple times, I'm pretty sure you can't go wrong with either one! I like decisions where there is no "bad" option. I can't wait to hear about your trip.

 

[Bran Fox]

FWIW we loved Nine Dragons for lunch last April. The restaurant wasn't busy, so it felt relaxing and we were able to enjoy the decor. Service was attentive and we all enjoyed our food. We went back for dinner a few days later....partially to keep DS15 happy and partially so I could have spinach nooodles and pickles again

Oh, yay! The menu actually looks good and we are both sort of looking forward to having a reason to head into China. I’m leaning towards keeping it. Spice Road Table menu looks just Ok to me.