Looking for Recommendations

[cindy18]

We're going to Disney World for the second time soon. Last time we had a short visit pre-cruise, stayed at Beach Club, ate one dinner on the Boardwalk (at Spoodles, I think) and one dinner in Epcot, in Japan. This time we are staying at Saratoga Springs, and we're trying to figure out some nice dinners for the 3 nights we have there. We're planning to visit Studios, Magic Kingdom and one of the water parks while we're there and aren't sure whether to try to eat dinner in the parks or not. We figure one night at least we should have dinner in Downtown Disney. We typically like to eat in pretty nice, but not over the top, restaurants while we're in Disney (we did this to great effect in Disney Land too). Anyone have any suggestions for Downtown Disney? Is California Grill in the Contemporary a good idea? I'd love any recommendations!

 

[Aliceacc]

From what I've read, many of the restaurants in the MK are only so-so.

Why not hop on the monorail and have dinner at one of the monorail resorts? How about 'Ohana at the Polynesian?? Or dinner w/ Cinderella and the stepsisters at 1900 Park Faire in the GF-- the stepsisters are supposed to be hilarious!

 

[gaston33]

Liberty Tree Tavern is great for dinner at MK

 

[oybolshoi]

What kind of food do you like and do you have children traveling with you? Are you interested in character dining? Have you tried any of WDW's signature restaurants?

For what it's worth my hubby and I love eating at Raglan Road and House of Blues over at Downtown Disney - both have good food and drink selections and great atmosphere. Raglan Road usually has a live Irish folk band playing later in the evenings ... around 9PM ... we love hanging out there listening to the band while we enjoy a couple of good beers.

There are some great restaurants at the Grand Flordian ... Narcoossee's, Citricos, The Gardenview Lounge for Afternoon Tea, Victoria & Albert's for uber-fancy dining. CA Grill at the Contemporary serves terrific food, but it's a hard reservation to get sometimes because it's so popular. Kona Cafe at the Polynesian serves a great breakfast and I've been told they also have a great dinner, too.

Personally I think that the MK's dining options are lacking, but there are some good casual options ... we love Casey's hot dogs and Columbia Harbor House has a tasty tuna sandwich. And dining options at MGM (that's what it will always be to me!) are not that appealing to me or my hubby. If you're going to be in that area, why not head over to the Boardwalk and have dinner at Flying Fish? Or choose from one of the many restaurants in the Swan / Dolphin or the Yacht and Beach Club?

 

[FormrCastMbr]

In DTD, I would suggest Raglan or House of Blues. RR is one of our favorites but we really enjoyed HOB on our last trip.

CG is great! I think you should definitely experience dining there once. The food was awesome as was the staff.

ETA: The Turf Club has been getting some great reviews lately. We were there for lunch about a year ago and loved it too.

 

[cindy18]

Thanks for all these suggestions. Kids are 12 and 10 and past the character meal stage, so we're looking for good food in a nice atmosphere without being over the top. California Grill sounds amazing but I'm thinking it's going to be tough to get a reservation. I like the idea of eating at one or more of the resorts, just to check them out. And definitely at least one night in Downtown Disney. Any other ideas are absolutely welcome!