If you could only do one non-park restaurant.....

[Telcogirl]

I need some advice; looking for the popular vote here. I will be in the Orlando area for work the week of December 15th. Ok, so I just can not be that close and not do someting Disney, right?

My co-worker has never been to Disney

Because we won't have a lot of time at night to go to a park, I am thinking dinner at one of the resorts might give me my quick Disney fix and a teeny tiny Disney preview to my co-worker. Plus with all of the holidays decorations up, I think it will be pretty cool.

So, if you could only go to one non-park restaurant and get the best overall Disney experience, which one would you choose?

TIA!

 

[decker96]

I would pick one of the MK resort restaurants and try and get in around the fireworks times. We love Ohana, but it can be hard to see the fireworks unless you have a table by the window. There's also California Grill at the Contemporary, we've never eaten there so can't comment on the food.

 

[jblrn2b]

Ohanas, Kona, California Grill, Jiko, Boma, something at DTD might be fun.

Enjoy the nice weather neighbor - since it is so cold in NE.

 

[Uncleromulus]

California Grill or Narcoossee's.Both are good spots and have a very Disney view as well. The holiday decorations at the GF are especially nice.

 

[Telcogirl]

I am leaning towards California Grille after just checking the Wishes schedule for that week. I have never eaten there. Any food critics?

Narcoossee's is my absolute favorite, but that is kind of mine and my hubbie's place. So, I wouldn't feel right eating there without him

 

[ps17]

California Grille is one of the best restaurants in Orlando (in our opinion as well as by ratings). Plus you get atmosphere, view, service. If you are on an expense account, all the better.

 

[BriarRosie]

I like California Grill for the food, but I'm not so crazy that people are putting the view and the fireworks as primary reasons to go there.

If I had to show someone not familiar with Disney a resort around the holidays and eat dinner there, my picks would be either of the two Lodges - Wilderness Lodge or Animal Kingdom Lodge.

The edge would go to Wilderness Lodge because it's just so perfect during the holidays. It looks like Bing Crosby would break out into "White Christmas" any moment. And I'd pick Artist Point for dinner.

If I were going to Animal Kingdom Lodge, I'd choose Jiko to show them, since Boma (while I enjoy it) can be noisy and busy, not the type of dinner I'd recommend to relax. And they dress up the lobby for Christmas with an African twist. It's still very cool to see.

 

[Booyakasha]

I think the best restaurants are.

1) Flying Fish
2) Jiko's
3) Artist's Point

I personally think California Grill is terrible, the food is good not as good as the other 3 but the Restaurant is poorly run, and it is an absolute madhouse at fireworks time even for Disney.

B.

 

[ps17]

As an additional plug for California Grille - (and we do love the view of MK at night with fireworks music pumped in)... You could take a loop around the monorail from directly inside the CR... If you had time, you could stop at the resorts to see the lobbies/gingerbread houses (or a tropical cocktail at the polynesian). You could take in the views of the boats in the seven-seas lagoon, and you could even jump off at MK stop for a photoop outside the gate.

Added edit regarding the food: We think the food there is tops. I have a Zagat restaurant guide for best restaurants in the world sitting right here. For Orlando they have for food ratings:

27 (highest rating): V&A's, Coq au Vin, Chatams, Delfriscos,
26rimo, Normans, Calfornia Grille, Amura
25: Jiko, Ruths Chris, Seasns 52, Roys, Vito Chop House, Antonios, Enzos....
24: Boma, Palm
21: Wolfgang puck

(others ommitted, but you get the idea. No other WDW restaurant is on the list....)

 

[LooityLoo]

If you're trying to get your "Disney fix" as well as introduce a co-worker to Disney, why not go for a character meal? I've never attended one outside of the parks, so I can't reccommend one, but there are plenty of them to choose from; Ohana, 1900 Park Faire, Chef Mickey's. What better way to get your Disney fix than through a little character interaction?

 

[summersalt]

I need some advice; looking for the popular vote here. I will be in the Orlando area for work the week of December 15th. Ok, so I just can not be that close and not do someting Disney, right?

My co-worker has never been to Disney

Because we won't have a lot of time at night to go to a park, I am thinking dinner at one of the resorts might give me my quick Disney fix and a teeny tiny Disney preview to my co-worker. Plus with all of the holidays decorations up, I think it will be pretty cool.

So, if you could only go to one non-park restaurant and get the best overall Disney experience, which one would you choose?

TIA!

I vote for either Ohana or Kona. Time it so you can watch Wishes on the beach!

 

[MickeyNicki]

For breakfast I say Boma and for dinner I say Jiko....either way you can see the gorgeous decor of the AKL

 

[Kae]

Calif Grill would be great even if you can't get a window seat. Kona would be more Casual. And then be sure to take a ride on the monorail.

Kae

 

[The Hendies]

You may have a little trouble getting the restaurant you'd like at a time you are available.

 

[Telcogirl]

For breakfast I say Boma and

Oh my, breakfast at AKL!!! I would for sure just jump on a park bus and never make it to work that day.

Well, California Grille is booked for my date. I booked The Wave at the Contemporary. I like the idea of being in the Magic Kingdom area and we can do a monorail ride to see the other resorts and have a cocktail or two.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I am looking forward to my work trip now!

 

[postesf]

Oh my, breakfast at AKL!!! I would for sure just jump on a park bus and never make it to work that day.

Well, California Grille is booked for my date. I booked The Wave at the Contemporary. I like the idea of being in the Magic Kingdom area and we can do a monorail ride to see the other resorts and have a cocktail or two.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I am looking forward to my work trip now!

Keep calling back if you really want to eat there. Someone could always cancel. I LOVE the steak there!!!

Have fun!!!

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

Jiko or the CA Grill...have fun!

 

[Tink888]

We had an excellent dinner at the Grand Floridian Cafe.