Looking for a cool restaurant for teens

[iheartgoofy]

Leaving in 2 weeks! We're usually on somewhat of a budget and pretty much live on quick service meals. However, this trip I'd like to splurge and treat my 16 year old son and his friend to dinner at someplace special. Price doesn't really matter - any suggestions on someplace "cool" that they'd like? I thought about just hitting Planet Hollywood, but wondered if there's someplace better. Also thought about the Spirit of Aloha thing, but didn't know if they'd think that was fun or cheesy. ALL SUGGESTIONS WELCOME!!

 

[LittleMissGiggles89]

It depends on what your son might be interested in. I would suggest somewhere on Disney property over Planet Hollywood, the food will most likely be better and you can find Planet Hollywood in a variety of places unlike Disney's restaurants.

Some crowd pleasers in my family are the Whispering Canyon Cafe or the Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue. Both are high energy and interactive to a certain extent. For example at the Whispering Canyon Cafe if you ask for ketchup, everyone that has ketchup at their table will run over and bring it to yours. The Hoop Dee Doo is more of a show but audience members can be pulled on stage to participate.

If he's interested in other countries/cultures anything at EPCOT is a safe bet. Teppan Edo in Japan, is where they cook in front of you so it's entertaining and the food is delicious.

 

[iheartgoofy]

That's a good point about Planet Hollywood being everywhere. I thought maybe it would be something to do at Downtown Disney that would appeal to his age, but you're right - we can do that anywhere! Thanks for the suggestions!!!

 

[TraceyDisney2008]

If they are into sports the ESPN zone on the boardwalk broadcasts a show from there everynight and includes the audiance.

 

[KTJAY]

My 16 yr old son loves the buffets especially breakfast. He really liked the Cape May clambake too at the Beach club. We had fun at Via Napoli too-Pizza, Pasta and zeppoles were good.

 

[wezee]

If you are at DTD Raglan Road might be fun. They have bands and dancers starting at about 8.

 

[sixxmum]

We've gone with teens several times now, and I have to say that they tend to be more like kids at Disney Our teens have loved trying new food (Boma) and even the "cheesy" entertainment like Hoop-De-Doo. Watching the belly dancer shimmy up to a teen boy in Marrakesh (making him blush like crazy) was also amusing. Just about the only thing our teens have said eh to, and even that they were willing to do once, is CRT and Chef Mickeys.

 

[tinkandpan]

my teens love sanaa, tusker house, california grill , via napoli
and raglan road

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Alas, Disney is not kown for cool places for mid-teens.
In order, I would recommend:

. . . House of Blues
. . . ESPN Zone
. . . RFC / T-Rex
. . . Tusker House
. . . Planet Hollywood

 

[EvilQueenT]

i think it depends on what your teens are into...
- hob if they like music (when my daughter was about 16 or 17 we did dinner at hob followed by a concert next door)
- planet hollywood if they like the movies/pop culture of it
- a place like boma if they're adventurous and would like to be able to try different things
- bluezoo if they'd like to feel a little more adult/chic
- shula's or espn if they're sports fans
- or pick based on cuisine

 

[Sweet Melissa]

At your son's age, I would have wanted a more grown-up experience. I would suggest Bluezoo, Shula's, Jiko, California Grill or Flying Fish. All of those places have excellent food, unique decor and a more adult vibe.

 

[daisyduck123]

My 16 yr old son loves the buffets especially breakfast. He really liked the Cape May clambake too at the Beach club.

My DS13's FAVORITE part of Disney.

He loves this more than going to the parks, swimming in SAB, or renting waverunners at CR.

We had to have dinner twice there last month (and also had a breakfast as well!).

 

[DDM101]

I'm bringing two 17 year-old boys to Disney next month and have the follwing ADRs:

Crystal Palace
Teppan Edo
Ohana
Raglan Road
Mama Melrose - Fantasmic Dining Package
Lecellier
50's Prime Time Cafe
Kouzinna
Boma
Chef Mickey
Whispering Canyon Cafe

I'll admit that the character meals are more for me, but I know they will find something to eat and have fun.

As a teen my son has also enjoyed Planet Hollywood & T-Rex. And although I was told "no princess meals," I secretly believe the boys would enjoy interacting with the pretty princesses.

 

[PHXscuba]

Maybe Sci-Fi? Cool atmosphere, good milkshakes, familiar menu any teen would eat.

If it's only two weeks away you might not have as many choices -- I'd be very surprised if some of the popular ones had availability. I think I'd figure out what was available and involve your son in the decision.

PHXscuba

 

[Planogirl]

My son likes the Sci-Fi. He loves Mystery Science Theater so the clips are perfect for him.

 

[Pugmalion1]

At sixteen, all I cared about was food and lots of it. I didn't care about shows, I would be mortified to go to a character meal, and I don't think I would have been much into cast member interaction at all.

I would have loved Boma most of all, at that age. All you can eat combined with interesting dishes would have been a surefire win. Plus, the hotel itself is definitely a draw.

Other than that, I would have probably liked the ESPN Club and Sci-Fi. I would have been into Shula's, as well, if you want to go a bit more upscale.

 

[iheartgoofy]

Thank you so much for all the suggestions! I will pick a few that I think they will like and then let them pick which one. I appreciate everyone's time - definitely helpful.