looking for restaurants for Nana and kids

[Kelrykengab]

We may have finally talked my 72 year old mother into going with us to WDW in November. She is a fantastic cook and enjoys fine food. For example, she would not step foot into an Olive Garden. Olive Garden lovers, please don't flame me, I am just trying to give an example to describe her taste. She loves to try new things as long as it is not hamburgers. As much as I want her to enjoy herself and the food (which will be a big part of our trip if she goes), I also have 3 children that will be ages 2, 5 and 8. We usually focus more on characters than food so this will be new to us. Does anyone have any ideas on restaurants that might be good for us? (and especially please Mom) Thanks!!

 

[Kelrykengab]

Anyone? I know there are a lot of restaurant experts out there.

 

[minniebeth]

I think there's lots of places that would be good for both your mom and kids. First that comes to mind would be Tutto Italia or Les Chefs de France in Epcot. 'Ohana would be fun for the whole family and if you're not focused on fine dining, Hoop De Doo is a lot of fun for the whole family with a hearty meal. If your kids like the characters, I would even suggest Crystal Palace for lunch. While I wouldn't call the food gourmet, for lunch you can't go wrong with the offerings, there is something for everyone. I'm sure there are lots more suggestions that people can offer, these are some of our favorites.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

She may like Tusker House breakfast. There she gets to try a few different things & it's harder to mess up breakfast. The kids get to see the characters, so everyone should be happy.

She may enjoy Restaurant Marrakesh in Epcot. The food there is kind of unique. Actually, she may enjoy most of the WS restaurants, because they're probably a bit different than what she's used to. That said, I would avoid Biergarten & Restaurant Akershus, unless she would enjoy seeing the kids interact with the characters at RA. Rose & Crown is iffy. I'd probably skip that one too. If your mom doesn't like Olive Garden, I'd also skip Tutto Italia. The others should be safe choices.

If it were me, I'd avoid lunch or dinner buffets in general, if high quality is important to her. The same is pretty much true for the family style restaurants too.

Your best bet will be signature restaurants. Hollywood Brown Derby has great food & is very kid friendly. Flying Fish is also very kid friendly, as is California Grill. Those are the louder ones that I can think of.

I'll chime in again, if I can think of anything else. We're pretty picky about food quality too.

 

[gigi1313]

my mom really enjoyed coral reef (and so did the kiddos) at Epcot... you might want to try brown derby at DHS... Yak & Yeti was above average at AK (and it's likely not the type of cuisine a home cook cooks, kwim?)... at MK i'd try for CRT...you might also want to give raglan road at DTD a try, esp if you go for dinner when the dancers are there...

the suggestions above (les chefs, 'ohana, HDDR, tutto, etc are all good suggestions too)...

 

[tarheelmjfan]

Sorry minniebeth, I didn't see your post, before I posted.

 

[Silverfox97]

I too would recommend Les Chefs de France in Epcot and the Hollywood Brown Derby. As far as resorts go, I LOVE Narcoosee's at the Grand Floridian, Citrico's, or the Yachtsman Steakhouse would be a good choice. Of course, there's always Victoria & Alberts......

 

[lblume91]

O'hana is a unique experience with great food. Raglan Road, which we ended up at by total fluke one trip, was very good! We all love Hoop Dee Doo as well! It's down home cooking & the show is hilarious! We have a long list of places we still want to try that sound great: Rose & Crown in UK & Akerhus in Norway, both in Epcot and Kona at Poly top the list. So many great meals, so little time!

 

[corleone202]

the wispering canyon at wilderness lodge is fun for kids and Nana. Lots of activities for the kiddos and for Nana food is good too.

 

[Kelrykengab]

I think there's lots of places that would be good for both your mom and kids. First that comes to mind would be Tutto Italia or Les Chefs de France in Epcot. 'Ohana would be fun for the whole family and if you're not focused on fine dining, Hoop De Doo is a lot of fun for the whole family with a hearty meal. If your kids like the characters, I would even suggest Crystal Palace for lunch. While I wouldn't call the food gourmet, for lunch you can't go wrong with the offerings, there is something for everyone. I'm sure there are lots more suggestions that people can offer, these are some of our favorites.

Thanks so much! I am thinking about Tutto as long as it is more authentic Italian and LEs Chefs de France. Ohana sounds interesting too. I wonder what my Mom would think of the Hoop De Doo?

She may like Tusker House breakfast. There she gets to try a few different things & it's harder to mess up breakfast. The kids get to see the characters, so everyone should be happy.

She may enjoy Restaurant Marrakesh in Epcot. The food there is kind of unique. Actually, she may enjoy most of the WS restaurants, because they're probably a bit different than what she's used to. That said, I would avoid Biergarten & Restaurant Akershus, unless she would enjoy seeing the kids interact with the characters at RA. Rose & Crown is iffy. I'd probably skip that one too. If your mom doesn't like Olive Garden, I'd also skip Tutto Italia. The others should be safe choices.

If it were me, I'd avoid lunch or dinner buffets in general, if high quality is important to her. The same is pretty much true for the family style restaurants too.

Your best bet will be signature restaurants. Hollywood Brown Derby has great food & is very kid friendly. Flying Fish is also very kid friendly, as is California Grill. Those are the louder ones that I can think of.

I'll chime in again, if I can think of anything else. We're pretty picky about food quality too.

Wow! Thanks for all the info!! Thanks for the "to dos" and "To avoids". Do you think it is ok for me to take my kids to the signature restaurants?? They are pretty good, but 2 is 2 and what if she decides to act 2 while we are there???? I wouldn't want to ruin other people's meals?

 

[Kelrykengab]

my mom really enjoyed coral reef (and so did the kiddos) at Epcot... you might want to try brown derby at DHS... Yak & Yeti was above average at AK (and it's likely not the type of cuisine a home cook cooks, kwim?)... at MK i'd try for CRT...you might also want to give raglan road at DTD a try, esp if you go for dinner when the dancers are there...

the suggestions above (les chefs, 'ohana, HDDR, tutto, etc are all good suggestions too)...

I haven't heard of Raglan Road. I will look into that. Thanks!

 

[Kelrykengab]

I too would recommend Les Chefs de France in Epcot and the Hollywood Brown Derby. As far as resorts go, I LOVE Narcoosee's at the Grand Floridian, Citrico's, or the Yachtsman Steakhouse would be a good choice. Of course, there's always Victoria & Alberts......

These sound so great! I am worried about bringing the kids there. Like I said before they are usually good and I guess we could always take them out, but I might be stressed the whole time.

O'hana is a unique experience with great food. Raglan Road, which we ended up at by total fluke one trip, was very good! We all love Hoop Dee Doo as well! It's down home cooking & the show is hilarious! We have a long list of places we still want to try that sound great: Rose & Crown in UK & Akerhus in Norway, both in Epcot and Kona at Poly top the list. So many great meals, so little time!

Thanks!! We had a great experience at Akershus, but I have heard it is not always that way.

 

[Kelrykengab]

the wispering canyon at wilderness lodge is fun for kids and Nana. Lots of activities for the kiddos and for Nana food is good too.

We had a blast here in 2008, but my Mom would not enjoy it. It would be too loud and lets just say as much as I love my mom she just doesn't have the kid in her needed for that place .

 

[minniebeth]

Sorry minniebeth, I didn't see your post, before I posted.

No biggie But we must agree to disagree, I do think Tutto Italia is way better than Olive Garden, just my personal preference You'll find opinions on both sides of the fence.

 

[sndral]

Boma @ AKL, although a buffet, is really good IMO.

 

[Kelrykengab]

No biggie But we must agree to disagree, I do think Tutto Italia is way better than Olive Garden, just my personal preference You'll find opinions on both sides of the fence.

I hope so!

Boma @ AKL, although a buffet, is really good IMO.

Yes, Boma is a definate since we will be at AKL! Thanks!

 

[Kelrykengab]

As of now here is what I have: Boma, Restaurant Marrakesh, Tutto Italia, Raglan Road, Brown Derby, Ohana's and we also have Akershus and Coral Reef that we are not sure about....oh and Chef Mickey's (for the kids). I would really like to do the Cali Grill, but not sure.

 

[minniebeth]

I would DEFINATELY go with California Grill! It is very good and a nice experience. The food and service both are very good.
I want to try Coral Reef myself, it just gets such poor reviews, consistently.
CA grill gets great reviews consistently.
Just food for thought...

 

[msnwithers]

If you are looking for a "quality" character meal, I would consider Garden Grill. The food is served family style, but it is made with very fresh ingredients. Many of the veggies are grown at Epcot. Your mom may appreciate this. It's also fun for kids...Chip & Dale and Mickey and the restraurant slowly spins while you eat.

 

[gigi1313]

I would really like to do the Cali Grill, but not sure.

here's a suggestion... would your dh consider taking the kids to CM while you/mom enjoy some quality time (& food) at Cali Grill? it might make for a nice experience for all...