SAFD: It’s a long way off and we will be staying off property; so I don’t think I’ll be looking to spend the money on a park ticket after I finish the Marathon for a half day and dinner. I’ll be hoping for After Hours events for any park time at Disney more than likely.
That leaves Disney Springs, Resorts, Universal/CityWalk (I have an AP at Universal), or local Orlando for a Sunday celebration. Plenty of good options at each of those locations. Early front runners from my perspective (others in my party will also have opinions):
-Boatwright’s- Was our celebration meal after our first marathon in 2013 out of necessity, we were staying at POR and could barely walk farther than our room to the restaurant, but the prime rib has always been good and I can eat my weight in the cornbread and whipped butter. Reservations tend to be available and we’ve been back several times for our celebration meal. This year might be one for nostalgia.
-Animal Kingdom Lodge-Have never been to Jiko but have always thought about it for a celebration meal. Haven’t been to Boma since the pandemic and it may be time to go back. Sanaa is still one of my favorites on property. Any of the three would pass my approval.
-Sebastian’s-Always a favorite of mine, but I don’t think we will necessarily feel like gorging ourselves.
-Disney Springs-Likely not at the top of the list. I like a few quick service establishments better than the full service (Polite Pig and eet, specifically). Not sure any rise to the celebration level for me.
-Taverna Opa-We love Greek food and don’t have great options where I live. We’ve been here a couple times and have really enjoyed the food and ambience.
-CityWalk-Probably on the Disney Springs level of interest, although I’ve personally had more celebratory feeling meals at Toothsome and Bigfire than anything at Disney Springs. Cowfish or Vivo would also be options. It’s the farthest drive from our rental, though, so it has a significant hurdle in that aspect.
For some reason I’ve been really interested in getting back to Le Cellier for another go. I may have just gotten lucky on my one trip, but it’s the ribeye in the Orlando area that is stuck in my mind. That’s kind of my go to meal for a celebration. Depending on our park trips, I may lobby for an early/late celebration dinner in Epcot and we may order pizza or something less fancy on Sunday depending how we feel.
Novella finished.