Late Lunch/Early Dinner near Boardwalk?

[-Joy]

DH, DS and I leave tomorrow for 8 days at Swolphin!! I have everything planned out except one small detail. Our flight arrives MCO at1:00pm. After retrieving bags we will Uber to Swolphin. Once checked in and eating something, we are heading GE. We need to eat big before going. We will not have eaten since breakfast that morning and do not want to eat TS in DHS. Where around the Swolphin/Boardwalk area would you eat TS meal around 3-4ish?

 

[-Joy]

Bummer, I just realized I posted un "Resorts". Sorry, I can't figure out how to move/delete?

 

[Best Aunt]

I like AllEars because they list restaurants by location, and then you can click on each restaurant to get the menu. I find it easier to use than MDE when browsing. You can click on Boardwalk, Dolphin and Swan to see what the people in your group will eat.

https://allears.net/dining/menu

 

[-Joy]

I have extensively looked at the list, but can't decide Part of the problem is the timing (around 3-4ish we think). So I am curious what other DisBoarders would choose since I apparently can't. LOL..

 

[kaytieeldr]

I like AllEars because

Are you aware that the DIS host site offers not only that exact feature https://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/disneydining.cfm, but also a multiple option search tool https://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningmain.cfm ?

 

[kaytieeldr]

I have extensively looked at the list, but can't decide Part of the problem is the timing (around 3-4ish we think). So I am curious what other DisBoarders would choose since I apparently can't. LOL..

Well, what kind of food do you like, or will your party eat? Select a location which offers food you will eat.

 

[patty57]

Picabu in the Dolphin is a cafeteria style restaurant, so not table service. They have a good selection of food though. They charge a service fee...forget how much, but they also offer an AAA discount.

 

[WishICouldSpeakWhale]

We had a nice lunch at Big River Grill at the Boardwalk. It was 2017, so a while ago, but we were able to walk up and wait for a table. The told us 20 or 30 minutes, it ended up being less than 10. We had an appetizer and dinner, and we were quite full when we left. It was good, and no ADR needed, which is nice for arrival day.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

As PP mentioned, Picabu at the Dolphin will be open as will The Fountain which is a TS located on the ground floor of the Dolphin. They will be your most convenient options. Big River Grill and ESPN Club on the Boardwalk will also be open. Those are really your only options open at that time in that area. Of the four, I would opt for Picabu or The Fountain for convenience sake.

 

[SheriRae]

We enjoy Ale and Compass at the Yacht Club.

Have a great trip!

 

[snappy]

We have eaten sandwiches at Fuel at the Dolphin. Very good.

 

[BalooFan]

Given the location and time, your TS options appear to be The Fountain at the Dolphin and Big River Grille and ESPN Club at the Boardwalk. I have never eaten at ESPN Club. Of the other two, I would choose The Fountain. I thought Big River Grille was just kind of average, though my table had a nice view of the Boardwalk. The Fountain is somewhat similar to Beaches & Cream with diner-style food and ice cream, but I thought the food was superior to Beaches & Cream.

 

[maxiesmom]

Plenty of options at both the resort and on the Boardwalk. If you are looking for grab and go, Fuel at the Dolphin has some good sandwiches. Picabu has good nachos, and the Fountain has the best shakes and malts and burgers.

 

[chris benton]

If you wanna eat "big," and TS, like you say, check times.
Cape May?

Also, note that the Swolphin joints won't take dp credits. I'd wholeheartedly endorse Kimonos at Swan, but I don't think they are open at that time.

Fuel's sandwiches are indeed outstanding, but thats not ts. (Damn fine sandwiches, though)

Fountain, is very casual, diner food and ice cream treats.

For $$, check Shulas, Bluezoo, and Il Mulino for meal times.

Cape May might just fit your bill.

LOL - ETA a few min later - Most of these won't be open. Cape May, All the Sigs at Swolphin - not open until 5pm.
Fuel, Picabu, Fountain will be Easy Peasy for you.

If you wanted to stay at Swolphin, honestly, I'd probably get a big ol sammich at Fuel. Fountain is decent, but it's odd in that it's a diner themed restaurant in the middle of hotel walkways. Picabu is decent also, but it kinda feels basement cafeteria-ish. Decent food and good prices at Picabu tho. Cabanas might be open for dining by the pool.

I'd go to Fuel for convenience - maybe a sundae at Fountain if you're feelin it. But Fuel might still have a self serve froyo station. Fuel is basically a grab and go, but they'll make you some really good hot deli sandwiches, and they have some tables for seating. Not TS, not fancy, but that would be my choice over Fountain or Picabu. I do like both Fountain and Picabu, but those sandwiches at Fuel are better eats for the money, imo.

 

[dieumeye]

We’re going to be in a similar situation on our arrival day, except we’re staying at Boardwalk Inn. Would the recommendations in this thread be the same for BWI?

I ask because it seems like most are recommending places at the Dolphin. And I’m wondering if that’s because the OP is staying there or if those are actually the superior choice and worth walking over from BWI. Specifically, Pikabu or Fountain over Big River/ESPN?

Also not against walking over to BC/YC. The only thing off the table for us would be any fine dining since we’ll be with younger kids (although they aren’t picky otherwise).

 

[snappy]

We found breakfast to be great at Picabu too if you need breakfast during your trip. Very fast. Omelettes made to order.

 

[snappy]

I did not enjoy the food at Big River the one time we have eaten there on many stays in the area. YRMV.

 

[chris benton]

We’re going to be in a similar situation on our arrival day, except we’re staying at Boardwalk Inn. Would the recommendations in this thread be the same for BWI?

I ask because it seems like most are recommending places at the Dolphin. And I’m wondering if that’s because the OP is staying there or if those are actually the superior choice and worth walking over from BWI. Specifically, Pikabu or Fountain over Big River/ESPN?

Also not against walking over to BC/YC. The only thing off the table for us would be any fine dining since we’ll be with younger kids (although they aren’t picky otherwise).

Picabu and Fountain have right around zero percent ambience if that matters to you. My GUESS would be Big River and ESPN are TS with a lively atmosphere?

 

[Micharlotte]

We loved the nachos at picabu! They were huge, delicious and fresh. A decent price for the amount of food and quick. The ambiance is not great, but if you’re looking for great food, quickly at a good price i would definitely go back.

 

[maxiesmom]

We loved the nachos at picabu! They were huge, delicious and fresh. A decent price for the amount of food and quick. The ambiance is not great, but if you’re looking for great food, quickly at a good price i would definitely go back.

And if you belong to AAA they have a discount.