Need help choosing restaurant in MK

[caryrae]

Hello, we have a WDW vacation booked (through Dreams of course) for Oct 2021 during the 50th. My wife’s 50th will also be in Oct on the 19th. We are definitely doing MK on the 19th for her 50th birthday and need some recommendations for a nice place for dinner in MK. We prefer to stay in the park even though we know there is nice restaurants along the monorail loop. Our last visit was Dec 2017 so it not sure if there’s any new restaurants since then but any help would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[lovin'fl]

Maybe Cinderella Castle. If it is open.

Others in MK aren't really 50th Birthday level. Be Our Guest is very busy and loud with lots of kids. Tony's is yicky. Liberty Tree is family style Thanksgiving dinner type fare. Skipper Canteen is good but pretty casual. Crystal Palace is character buffet and not open now. The Plaza is a diner like Beaches and Cream.

I see you are talking a year out. So everything might be open.

 

[dachsie]

I would either do the castle or Be Our Guest. Be Our Guest has the better menu to me. But you might can get a special dessert at CRT

 

[caryrae]

Yeah I’ll have to maybe look or ask as it closer to see what things will be open.

 

[dachsie]

To be honest - I would seriously consider California Grill so you can watch the fireworks from there. It's really pretty awesome

 

[caryrae]

We have done the castle for lunch I think it was like 12 or 13 years ago for our nieces birthday but have never tried be our guest.

 

[caryrae]

To be honest - I would seriously consider California Grill so you can watch the fireworks from there. It's really pretty awesome

We have done that once 20 years ago for our 5th anniversary and loved it. May have to talk her into something close outside the park for a better experience.

 

[Ross Kratter]

I would go with California Grill, or if it's back open, Citricos. I wouldn't do any of the in-park restaurants at MK for a 50th birthday.

 

[caryrae]

Is it a pretty easy walk from MK to California Grill?

 

[Ross Kratter]

Is it a pretty easy walk from MK to California Grill?

Extremely. It's right at the Contemporary; there's a dedicated walkway.

 

[lovin'fl]

Cali Grill or even the Wave would be nice. Easy walk on path from MK. Be Our Guest is so loud and chaotic. We just did it with SIL and BIL (all empty nesters) for dinner last fall. We could not even hold a conversation with each other, it was so loud. And folks being constantly seated, walking past your table (we were in main hall). Another time we went, we were seated in the room with the music box thing and it was more calm and quiet but super brightly lit and out of sight of servers so we had trouble getting prompt service (forget a drink refill). Felt like we were in some back room to be ignored.

CRT....we have only done for breakfast. But that is probably the fanciest meal at the MK itself. But I agree on the walking to the CR and doing Cali Grill or Wave.

 

[CynBeth]

Be our Guest!

 

[CarolynFH]

If you’re in the park, I’ll assume you’re not expecting to be dressed up. So I’ll say my favorite restaurant in MK is Skipper’s Canteen, for its menu and decor. But CRT and BOG can be special as well - how many people celebrate their 50th birthdays in a palace?

 

[nw6675]

To be honest - I would seriously consider California Grill so you can watch the fireworks from there. It's really pretty awesome

Totally agree. I spent my 40th birthday at Cali Grill during Wishes. It was fantastically special and awesome.

 

[Julie Amber]

We absolutely loved Be Our Guest. It just feels magical in there. And the food was spectacular when we went. I know other people have had different experiences. But Be Our Guest was our favorite last time!!

 

[dachsie]

Is it a pretty easy walk from MK to California Grill?

Easy walk or monorail

 

[caryrae]

If you’re in the park, I’ll assume you’re not expecting to be dressed up. So I’ll say my favorite restaurant in MK is Skipper’s Canteen, for its menu and decor. But CRT and BOG can be special as well - how many people celebrate their 50th birthdays in a palace?

Yeah and celebrate her 50th during MK’s 50th celebration. I know my wife isn’t ready to turn 50 but wish it would get here fast.

Never thought we won’t be dressed nice since will be at the park all day. Can’t remember what’s dress codes like at contemporary restaurants?

 

[Ross Kratter]

Yeah and celebrate her 50th during MK’s 50th celebration. I know my wife isn’t ready to turn 50 but wish it would get here fast.

Never thought we won’t be dressed nice since will be at the park all day. Can’t remember what’s dress codes like at contemporary restaurants?

The dress code at all Signature restaurants is "Resort Casual". Basically, no ripped jeans, no tank tops for men.

 

[Blondie58]

50th birthday - I would hop on the monorail and leave the park for a bit. You have wonderful places at the Grand for a nice dinner - Narcoossee's and Citricos. (Victoria and Albert's is the best but thankfully requires better than park dress. It is nice to one such place on property.) California Grill at the Contemporary is also very nice. All more fitting for a 50th bday in my opinion but then we are all different and some may want to stay in the park. PS. Happy birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[purpliequeen]

As everyone mentioned, for a 50th birthday (or any adult birthday), I would truly not recommend any restaurant inside MK unless your birthday gal/guy is a die-hard Disney fan. (And if that's the case, then he/she would normally tell you where he/she wants to go.) That being said, I would avoid Be Our Guest and Cinderella's Castle unless birthday guest is a HUGE Disney-theme person. As previous posters mentioned, Be Our Guest is TERRIBLE for pretty much any type of socialization. I, for one, was so overwhelmed by everything going on (the theming, but moreso how loud it was, busy with people traipsing past the table ALL the time, bad food <-- altho this was when it first opened & I think it's since improved based on more reviews). I haven't been to Cinderella's castle for 25+ years, so can't comment on that. But I do think, from pics, that it's still super kid-focused. For a 50th bday, I don't know if that's the right place.

As previous posters mentioned, Cali Grill is INCREDIBLE. It's my fave special occassion restaurant.Tell the host when you check in that you're celebrating a bday (and also have it noted on your ressie). Ask for a window table. Time the ressie for 45 min to an hour before fireworks (if possible) if you want to see fireworks. You can either enjoy them at the table (they pipe the music in), or go out to the observation decks (also pipe music out there). Super easy walk from MK, or you can take the boat. It's a much lovelier, special experience for any special occassion, especially a 50th bday! Enjoy.