Must eat at restaurants not in the parks? Suggestions for birthday night needed

[TheHulamuffins]

If you will be at Magic Kingdom during the day, you might want to look up Story Book Dining at Artist Point, which is in Wilderness Lodge. You can take a boat from Magic Kingdom to Wilderness Lodge, and then back after dinner, if you wish. In my view, this is one of the most special dining experiences at Disney World. The setting and the lighting are beautiful. It is a character meal, but I would classify it as a "subdued" character meal. The interactions are fun. They are interesting and also calm enough for adults to enjoy. You meet Grumpy, Dopey, Snow White, and the Evil Queen. I think the food is excellent. The prime rib has been outstanding each time we have been there. You also get a trio of appetizers and a trio of desserts, which are interesting.

 

[erinch]

I always want my bday dinner at Jiko. If,you are going to splurge for a special meal, the the Uber/lyft is not that much more.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Jiko would be my choice as well ... it's so easy to really make an evening out of dinner there - exploring the resort, seeing the animals on the savanna, chatting with cast members, watching the wood carver, drinks in Victoria Falls lounge. But I recognize that getting there is a bit of a hassle. If wanting to stick to easily accessible from Pop using Disney transport and you don't like seafood, I'd suggest Topolino's at the Riviera and maybe time with EPCOT fireworks. Flying Fish at the Boardwalk has a great NY strip steak and is beautiful. Very fun to walk around the boardwalk at night.

 

[leebee]

We weren't impressed with most of the Boardwalk area restaurants, although to be fair, we haven't tried anything at Swolphin. For a birthday celebration, I'd be looking at the food and not worrying about transportation so much. My choices: Jiko, Steakhouse 71, Jaleo, Toledo. We also like Grand Floridian Cafe, Boma, and Olivia's for less-expensive options.
[FWIW... don't worry about taking a bus to AK and then to AKL. For ANY of these resort restaurants, take the first bus that goes to any theme park or Disney Springs and transfer to the resort bus for your destination.]

 

[hertamaniac]

The prime rib at The Turf Club Bar and Grill at SSR is outstanding as well as the artichoke appetizer and basil gelato dessert. It's a small eatery (inside), but we've never had an issue with reservations or great service at reasonable prices. It's usually not on most guests radar probably due to the location. But that's where I found its advantage.