Need HELP on last restaurant choice - POLL YOUR FAV!!

[sahlink]

We are going to be at WDW for 8 nights, and I have planned to try quite a few different restaurants from: Hoop-de-doo to Character Meals to California Kitchen. I am trying to decide on ONE last restaurant and trying to make a choice on which would be the BEST food/experience together. I do have two children who will be with us, but my DH and I love fine dining and GOOD FOOD!

Which would you do??

 

[TBDave]

It really depends on your party. Seeing that you have two kids under 7, I'd suggest the character dinner at the Liberty Tree Tavern. That had the best character interaction of all the Disney character meals. Plus, you'll be in a prime location for a post-dinner parade. But if you're talking about an adults trip, I'd suggest the Kona Cafe with drinks by the pool to watch Wishes.

NOTE - I didn't see your poll when I posted. The Kona Cafe is an excellent restaurant. Afterwards, the kids can play on the beach while you and DH sip Mai Tai drinks poolside and watch the Electric Water Pageant floats and Wishes fireworks.

 

[sahlink]

It really depends on your party. Seeing that you have two kids under 7, I'd suggest the character dinner at the Liberty Tree Tavern. That had the best character interaction of all the Disney character meals. Plus, you'll be in a prime location for a post-dinner parade. But if you're talking about an adults trip, I'd suggest the Kona Cafe with drinks by the pool to watch Wishes.

Yes, we are planning on doing two character meals already... one at Chef Mickeys and one at Cinderella Castle. WE will be doing Liberty Tavern tRee for a lunch time another day. YEAH!! Just looking for that last great meal for all, my kids do enjoy fine dining as well and actually are pretty well behaved.

 

[Northern_Julie]

I vote Jiko. My chef sister said this was a muct do for wine and food.

 

[TBDave]

Yes, we are planning on doing two character meals already... one at Chef Mickeys and one at Cinderella Castle. WE will be doing Liberty Tavern tRee for a lunch time another day.

While the LTT serves a fine lunch, I'd really suggest you re-schedule for their character dinner. Of all the Character meals we've done (including Chef Mickey), the LTT had the best character interaction. We got tons of priceless pictures and memories out of that one meal.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

Jiko would be my pick. Along with California Grill it is our favorite place to eat at WDW.

 

[Simba22]

We loved Coral Reef! The food was fantastic and the restuarant itself is beautiful

 

[ReggieB]

I used to be a real champion of Narcoossee's. We caught them on a bad day last October. The maitre'd or restaurant manager (not sure who he was) was really rude upon our arrival. Very dismissive (he obviously had something going on, but still) Our server was really bad at the start, but got better as the meal went on, almost to the point he couldn't tear himself away from our table. DH's meal was cold. Probably because said server was engaged elsewhere.

However on a good day it is really great! Don't let me put you off. We had a pretty bad server at Jiko too, so we obviously look like the walk all over types!! Kona was really nice, though I find the location a bit odd. Love Brown Derby, but haven't been there in a few years. Not tried Coral Reef, seen lot's of mixed reviews, so it's one we have never gotten around to. Kona might be a good one, for a relaxing last night. As TBDave mentions you have the options of a lovely romantic stroll on the beach (kids included!!) and maybe catch the fireworks and the Water Parade. You could do this too at Narcoossee's.

 

[lady_hlh]

We have always had very good service and food at the Coral Reef; plus our DD loves trying to identify all the fish in the tank which keeps her entertained throughout the entire meal. We also had a very good meal at Narcosees last year with excellent service but there is less to entertain a younger child so I picked Coral Reef.

 

[ChelleinNC]

Hollywood Brown Derby! We love it and so do our kids and it has even inspired them to expand their dining palette a bit The famous Cobb salad is excellent, I've loved the salmon & the grouper. DD14 tried the Roasted Hatfield Pork Rib Chop last time (they had run out of her usual roasted chicken) and it was amazing! I only got a small bite, she didn't want to share more than that. It melted in your mouth like a fine filet The desserts are very good too!

I haven't tried Jiko yet, but have heard nothing but good about it. Hope to get to Jiko soon Coral Reef was only OK last time we went there, LTT is great at lunch but we don't like their dinner all that much. Haven't been to Kona in years, had an ADR in December but cancelled it because the menu & recent reviews just weren't doing it for us.

 

[Pakey]

If your kids enjoy sitting quietly through long meals, I would pick JIKO as they do have very interesting food (appetizers are best thing on the menu). But the place is quiet with pretty dark lighting so it's hard to have activities for them there. Service is moderately paced--our last meal there was close to 2 hours. The AKL is gorgeous and if you choose to dine here, plan enough time so that you can walk around the resort, walk out back and look at the savannah, etc.

If you don't think your kids would enjoy sitting for that long, I would then pick Coral Reef. It's got a nice menu, the restaurant is gorgeous and the children will love looking at the fish.

 

[Tiggr924]

Narcoossees has excellent food and if you plan it at the right time you can see Wishes! The view is fabulous!

 

[bigkat7]

Oohhh.... looking forward to see the results of these. I am looking to chose out of a few of these as well.

 

[KatMark]

I voted Coral Reef as it is the only one besides Brown Derby (which we did not like at all when we went--although it was many years ago--and it is now a 2 table service and we don't think it worth it) that we have been too. My DH and I do not do any "fine dining" while on vacation where we need to dress up so we haven't tried Jiko or the other one mentioned.

 

[suzimar57]

narcoosees!

why?

crab cakes, lobster, almond crusted cheesecake!

plus since it's a GF restaurant, i can get the mini castle cake for dessert! (when ordered ahead, of course!)

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

narcoosees!

why?

crab cakes, lobster, almond crusted cheesecake!

plus since it's a GF restaurant, i can get the mini castle cake for dessert! (when ordered ahead, of course!)

My exact thoughts and add wishes to the list.

 

[sahlink]

bumping

 

[alldiz]

Since your going with kids.....obvious choice for me is Coral Reef.

All the rest are nice restaurants with nothing to entertain the kids.

Request a table by the tank.....and your kids will be entertained.
Kerri

 

[sahlink]

One more thime... just wanted to get a few more votes. <grin>

 

[sahlink]

Kona's seems to be topping the list... do they do anything apecial at Kona's? Any entertainment? Incredible food? Or why so good??