Need family dinner suggestion in Downtown Disney

[laura428]

We're arriving in Orlando mid-afternoon on January 1st, but staying off-site our first night (so won't have access to our ADRs until January 2nd when we'll check in early at POR). We figured Downtown Disney would be a good place to hang out after we're settled. We'll pick up our APs, do a little shopping, and grab some dinner... nice relaxing afternoon/evening before the craziness starts.

So now the question becomes, where do we eat? We'll be paying OOP, so would like to keep the costs down, but I'm thinking we should reserve table service somewhere since things might still be quite crowded on January 1st. I'd thought about T-Rex or Rainforest for the kids, but we've done both numerous times and DH and I are looking for something, shall we say, not so stimulating. Besides, I checked both just to see and they're both booked for that evening.

Any suggestions? DS8 and DD6 are awesome at restaurants, so we don't necessarily need any kiddo-focused places, but nothing stuffy, either (which we wouldn't do that night paying OOP, anyway). Planet Hollywood sounds just as noisy as T-Rex or Rainforest, with lackluster food, so not crazy about that one. I think DH and I would love Raglan Road (love Irish pubs/restaurants), but am wondering if it would be a good place for young kids.

What do you think?

 

[summermac]

We liked Wolfgang Puck Express. And you could easily share several entrees and save some money that way. Plus you won't have to worry about missing an ADR if you're running late from your flight, etc.

 

[SusieBea]

We've eaten at Raglan Road twice, and I'm a big fan. I assume you've looked at the menu and have found items that you think your kiddos would enjoy. The entertainment is also fun there if you can time your ADR during that time. I think it would be a good choice.

 

[lovin'fl]

Wolfgang Puck Express and Earl of Sandwich are great CS places, but very very chaotic and crowded. I'd book a TS...Raglan Road sounds good and so does House of Blues. We're doing Bongos in Dec because that was my SIL's pick, but I wouldn't have chosen it. The good thing is that it appears to be a good place to pay cash for (and we are paying OOP)...extensive menu with wide price range...so, that could be an option for you.

 

[nklooz]

DD8 loved Raglan Road. They were doing the Irish dancing when we were there, and she got up and danced with them. She had an awesome time!! I think that is a great choice for families.

 

[ChelleMouse]

Another vote for Raglan Road - we loved it and will definitely be back. DS7 also greatly enjoyed it.

 

[summermac]

Crap now I'm adding Raglan Road to my possible ADR list for tomorrow. LOL!

 

[Strawberry's mom&dad]

We're arriving in Orlando mid-afternoon on January 1st, but staying off-site our first night (so won't have access to our ADRs until January 2nd when we'll check in early at POR). We figured Downtown Disney would be a good place to hang out after we're settled. We'll pick up our APs, do a little shopping, and grab some dinner... nice relaxing afternoon/evening before the craziness starts.

So now the question becomes, where do we eat? We'll be paying OOP, so would like to keep the costs down, but I'm thinking we should reserve table service somewhere since things might still be quite crowded on January 1st. I'd thought about T-Rex or Rainforest for the kids, but we've done both numerous times and DH and I are looking for something, shall we say, not so stimulating. Besides, I checked both just to see and they're both booked for that evening.

Any suggestions? DS8 and DD6 are awesome at restaurants, so we don't necessarily need any kiddo-focused places, but nothing stuffy, either (which we wouldn't do that night paying OOP, anyway). Planet Hollywood sounds just as noisy as T-Rex or Rainforest, with lackluster food, so not crazy about that one. I think DH and I would love Raglan Road (love Irish pubs/restaurants), but am wondering if it would be a good place for young kids.

What do you think?

You can still make ADRs if you are off site. If you are on the DDP than you would need to be on site to use it. All the previous suggestions are good ones.

 

[laura428]

You can still make ADRs if you are off site. If you are on the DDP than you would need to be on site to use it. All the previous suggestions are good ones.

Oh, I know... we actually booked a full week's worth of ADRs while we stayed off-site for our first family trip to WDW. The issue this time is that we're not actually staying on-site until check-in the next morning, so can't access any DxDP credits until then, hence the reason for keeping the costs down since we'll be paying OOP.

Wolfgang Puck Express sounds great... good menu, have eaten at his airport locations, but am looking for something not quite so hectic. I'm loving the positive kid reviews for Raglan Road, so I think that's where we'll go. Sounds like fun!

 

[marilyn23]

We went to Disney last Christmas and ate at Raglan Road. We really liked the atmosphere. I thought it was nice for the whole family. The best value though if you ask me is Wolfgang Puck' express. The portions are massive and really good quality. I find it hard to believe it's a quick serve. We are going back again on the 17th of Dec for 10 days and have reservations at Raglan Road on Christmas Eve and will eat again at Wolfgang Puck's. :

 

[tluvstink]

Portobellos gets a lot of positive reviews and they have a nice kids menu

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

If you don't mind trying a Quick Service location I would highly recommend Earl of Sandwich which is located in Downtown Disney Marketplace and their prices are the least expensive if you are planning on paying out of pocket. Plus if you are member of AAA you get 15% off your total by just showing them your membership card.

 

[Hopefully]

If you don't mind trying a Quick Service location I would highly recommend Earl of Sandwich which is located in Downtown Disney Marketplace and their prices are the least expensive if you are planning on paying out of pocket. Plus if you are member of AAA you get 15% off your total by just showing them your membership card.

I think OP has already said they prefer a Table Service sit down location, if feasible.
Here is another vote for Raglan Road. We were there 2 weeks ago and loved it. There were young (10 - 12 Year old) girls invited to join the Irish Dancers on stage. I don't know if this is ordinary or it was special.
The food was good, the entertainment great and we had a good time.

 

[nklooz]

I think OP has already said they prefer a Table Service sit down location, if feasible.
Here is another vote for Raglan Road. We were there 2 weeks ago and loved it. There were young (10 - 12 Year old) girls invited to join the Irish Dancers on stage. I don't know if this is ordinary or it was special.
The food was good, the entertainment great and we had a good time.

This happened to us w/DD8, and she had a blast up there dancing with them!!!!

 

[DanPadavona]

The Earl of Sandwich makes a heckuva sandwich. What I like best is that almost anyone can find something on the menu that they enjoy, and that includes kids.

 

[B-Ride]

We went to Disney last Christmas and ate at Raglan Road. We really liked the atmosphere. I thought it was nice for the whole family. The best value though if you ask me is Wolfgang Puck' express. The portions are massive and really good quality. I find it hard to believe it's a quick serve. We are going back again on the 17th of Dec for 10 days and have reservations at Raglan Road on Christmas Eve and will eat again at Wolfgang Puck's. :

I agree. If you are paying OOP then WPE is the best deal around but I would be worried it will be packed. If you don't mind spending a bit more then I would definitely book Raglan Road. The menu is just jammed with choices.

 

[KERdad06]

We like to go to Earl of Sandwich, but this trip, 2 weeks ago, we tried Wolfgang Puck Express because the menu had something for everyone. All 7 of us loved our food, and it wasn't busy at all when we were there. Was nice sitting outside to eat too!

 

[summermac]

WPE was not the least bit busy when we ate there on our June trip. We had the place pretty much to ourself and this was at 6:00ish.

 

[Yellosno]

Earl of Sandwich hands down the best sandwiches I have ever had no matter how long the line is it is worth the wait and I'm not even big on sandwiches.

 

[zstyles]

We ate at Wolfgang puck, had a pizza, wife had sushi and daughter had mac and cheese, very nice, fast service ...you MUST SKIP DESSERT THOUGH! Take a ferry over and have some Ghirardelli soda shop love...and visit "The Art Of Disney" after that...