Looking for the best at Downtown Disney (Disney Springs)

[kad153]

Coming to Disney in November with my wife's family. There will be 10 of us, and the night before we leave we wanted a special, wonderful dinner. Its looking like it will either be California grill (if the fireworks are not too late for the kids) or a restaurant at Disney Springs. What is the top recommendation from this board?

Thanks in advance.

 

[PlutoTheDog89]

A fun spot for a large group would be Raglan Road. It's a very good meal and fun with the dancing and music. It is loud, but the meal was delicious.

I've heard great things about Morimoto and Beachhouse. Both are a tad bit more expensive. In fact, Boathouse will be more expensive than Cali Grill.

 

[Eastern]

If price is not a factor, CG with fireworks is hard to beat for a special occasion. Very good cocktails and lounge area if you are waiting. I have never been to Raglan Road, but based on reviews, that would be my second choice for a fun atmosphere and decent food if you are limited to Disney Springs.

I know you specified 'special and wonderful' but if you could be more descriptive, you might get more/better answers.

 

[Lisa F]

I still call it downtown disney too. that's all I got. I think this summer a lot of new places are opening there too so I'd keep an eye out on what will be new and exciting!

 

[kad153]

Appreciate the responses so far...I'll add some info to help you help us

10 of us will be there - 4 adults in their 30s, 4 children ranging from 2-8 (2 boys 2 girls), and my wife's parents. We are at Disney from 11/5-11/12, and this will be the final dinner on the 11th before we leave the next morning/early afternoon. Our other dinner reservations throughout the week are: Akurshus, O'hana, Liberty Tree Tavern, Grand Floridian Cafe (or Yak and Yeti if they ever open up Animal Kingdom at night), Be Our Guest, and San Angel Inn.

Fireworks at California Grill would be wonderful, but with the children, at the end of what will likely be a long week, I don't think they will make it to 9pm or 9:30pm or 10:00pm when they go off. When we remove the firework draw, California Grill is a great restaurant, but probably not worth it to us. Our original thought was to do something at the Grand Floridian (especially if we dropped GFC for Yak and Yeti earlier in the week), but then thought about downtown. We wanted to take the boat there for some shopping and to see what's new one afternoon, so then thought we would possibly turn it into a nice dinner the night before we leave. With the 2 year old, something like Raglan Road might be a bit too loud, although i hear it gets good reviews. We were already looking at Morimoto, but thought we'd ask if something else is also worth considering as well.

Thanks again in advance.

 

[Hopefully]

My recommendation too would be Raglan Road, but it is loud. If you think that would bother the 2 year old then it may not work for you. You can ask to not be seated in the main room, but it is still loud
I am looking forward to trying the Boathouse. I think that would be cool for a final evening dinner at Disney, But some items on the menu are very expensive - but some are not
Good Luck

 

[DrivenByDisney]

Raglan Road and The Boathouse are great spots for larger groups at Disney Springs.

As others have already said, Raglan Road can get pretty loud. However, The Boathouse at night usually has live entertainment as well in the main dinning/bar area that can be loud at times as well.

I would give another vote for Raglan Road though.

 

[MichiganKris]

I would go with Raglan Road and just ask to be seated in the back. The kids will love watching the dancers and the food is excellent.

 

[erinch]

What about Boma and enjoying the animals and AKL?

 

[Dean Marino]

Were it ME (personal opinion)....

I would consider Shula's at the Dolphin. Plan on about $120 per seat.

 

[LBlovesM&WDW]

I would wait to see the offerings at Art Smith's or Rick Bayless' new restaurants coming to DS this summer. Raglan Road is a fun restaurant with live entertainment, so that could be a great option as well.

 

[Megara5115]

We loved the Boathouse when we went last spring.

 

[SunnieRN]

Another vote for Raglan Road! Another place that might be fun is Hoop De Doo Review!! Not a fancy meal, but a fun show!

 

[revdon64]

With a party that big and little kids, I'd definitely not recommend Morimoto. The food was great, but probably a bit too refined for little ones. OTOH, Raglan Road was a favorite for all three of my littles (9/5/3). As long as you're not in the main dining room, we didn't find it too loud.

 

[hope23]

Raglan Road!!! We took DS12, DS9, DD6 and DD 2... they all LOVED IT!! It's one of the main restaurants they all requested that we go back to next time. My DD2 clapped and danced along the entire time... didn't find it too loud at all. DD6 regrets not joining in the dancing on stage she was invited to do and wants to do it next time for sure.

 

[holden]

Raglan Road!!! We took DS12, DS9, DD6 and DD 2... they all LOVED IT!! It's one of the main restaurants they all requested that we go back to next time. My DD2 clapped and danced along the entire time... didn't find it too loud at all. DD6 regrets not joining in the dancing on stage she was invited to do and wants to do it next time for sure.

This! Kids can join onstage with the Irish dancers. They'll have a blast!