Leaving in 40 days: Need a spot in or around Epcot for dinner before Illuminations

[michaela mouse]

We had Teppan Edo Ressies but I canceled them due to picky DS5 and didn't want to dropp $150 for dinner (saving that cash for our splurge at Fulton's). We need a casual spot after we hit Epcot for the day and before Illuminations start. We don't mind taking the walk over to the Epcot resorts.
How is the pizza in Italy?

 

[epcotlover3]

My suggestion would be The Rose and Crown because of the unobstructed view of Illuminations.

 

[Niki in NJ]

We love Rose and Crown for dinner in Epcot. We haven't tried Via Napoli (we will in June), but I've heard good things (although there are some mixed reviews).

 

[CathieArms]

We had Teppan Edo Ressies but I canceled them due to picky DS5 and didn't want to dropp $150 for dinner (saving that cash for our splurge at Fulton's). We need a casual spot after we hit Epcot for the day and before Illuminations start. We don't mind taking the walk over to the Epcot resorts.
How is the pizza in Italy?

I really think you should rethink Teppan Edo.

Last week for my dd's 15th birthday, we went to our local Teppan Edo-like restaurant. DS is 6 and had a COMPLETE meltdown when he realized he couldn't order mac and cheese off the menu. He's a pretty picky eater and it really threw him for a loop that he had his heart set on mac and cheese and he wasn't going to get it. You wouldn't believe the TEARS!!!

At any rate, we convinced him that - if he hated it - he could have Mac and Cheese as soon as we got home. And then the dinner show started. His eyes got as big as saucers and he LOVED it. He ate practically every bite of what he ordered (the steak, which I don't believe he's EVER voluntarily ordered) and he left full. He is dying to go back!

They really play to the kids at Teppan Edo. I really think your picky 5 year old would love it.

 

[Pakey]

I think the pizza at Via Napoli is good but it's far from my favorite Epcot dining.

 

[janeapplemeadow]

I really enjoyed The Rose and Crown. The cheese plate was a highlight. If anyone enjoys a cocktail, the Pub there is really good. Good food with CMs that are really attentive.

 

[aras4007]

Our friends tried the pizza a few weeks ago and did not like it at all..Their 4 year old daughter took one bite and said "I'm not eating that, thats disgusting" and she loves pizza and is not a picky eater!

My family had a good experience at Tutto Italia 2 years ago and have an ADR for this May. We had reservations for 4 pm and walked in and it was dead. There were only like 10 tables occupied. Service was great, we all liked our food, and it was super quick. We were in and out in about 45 minutes to and hour. And they have normal pasta, chicken parm and some plain items on the kids menu like grilled chicken, pizza, and pasta.

I would definately take a look at all the menu's to see what your DS will eat.

 

[bluejasmine]

I say Nine Dragons.. We were very suprised by the food, and we were able to stand right outside and watch illuminations.. In fact I found a bench that I sat on with DH and another small family joined us, it was very nice..

 

[skunk]

For casual and less expensive, walk over to ESPN at the Boardwalk, or take the boat over to The Fountain at the Dolphin.

 

[ROEDISNEY]

Tutto Italia

 

[tina.tina]

I don't know anything about anything, but I saw where someone else said that La Cantina de San Angel had outside seating that had a view for Illuminations. Could someone comment on that?

 

[lymah]

I really think you should rethink Teppan Edo.
DS is 6 and had a COMPLETE meltdown when he realized he couldn't order mac and cheese off the menu. He's a pretty picky eater
And then the dinner show started. His eyes got as big as saucers and he LOVED it. He ate practically every bite of what he ordered (the steak, which I don't believe he's EVER voluntarily ordered) and he left full. He is dying to go back!
They really play to the kids at Teppan Edo. I really think your picky 5 year old would love it.

I saw this happen to the kids at our table this month at Teppan Edo. I think it is b/c their delicious food starts smelling so good when it is cooked right in front of you.
But if the OP would like less expensive, I agree with a walk to the Boardwalk- ESPN club, Big River Grille, or over at the Dolphin

 

[michaela mouse]

Thanks for talking some sense into me. I just re-instated my Teppan Edo ressies for my Epcot day....sort of....my original ressie was for 4 but was able to get another at 340p. Looks like it will be a late lunch...early dinner...let's call it DUNCH.
i agree the kiddos will love it and so will DW and DD.
It will break up our epcot day too.

 

[CRCrazy]

I don't know anything about anything, but I saw where someone else said that La Cantina de San Angel had outside seating that had a view for Illuminations. Could someone comment on that?

The Cantina used to have an outdoor seating patio where you could get counter service food and see Illuminations from the lagoon side seats.

They have redone the Cantina area - now it is two different restaurants. During the day, the Cantina uses the enclosed area as seating, but at 4 pm, La Hacienda de San Angel is a new table service restaurant serving dinner only. You would need to eat dinner at La Hacienda to use this viewing area.

I'll be trying it out on Friday night. I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[EastonCat]

Thanks for talking some sense into me. I just re-instated my Teppan Edo ressies for my Epcot day....sort of....my original ressie was for 4 but was able to get another at 340p. Looks like it will be a late lunch...early dinner...let's call it DUNCH.
i agree the kiddos will love it and so will DW and DD.
It will break up our epcot day too.

Great move - stick to your guns.

For others who are following and are asking the same question, a low pressure option is to go to Sunshine Seasons. Sometimes the low structure of counter service ca be a break. I also echo the Cantina de San Angel idea - worked well for us.

I usually try to do table service meals earlier on Illuminations nights. My optmal seating is the last lunch seating, and i like to switch things up between Chefs, Nine Dragons, Tokyo Dining, le Cellier or Via Napoli. Teppan Edo is something I would recommend as well based on what I have heard, but we haven't tried it.